Tired of every Burlington list telling you to hit the Farmers Market and ECHO?
We get it… they’re great (no arguments here). But you’re here for the weird.
Think quirky museums, oddball sculptures, and even a snowboard factory tour if you time it right.
This guide skips the obvious and heads straight for Burlington’s most offbeat, unexpected finds. The kind of places that make you say, “Wait, this is here?”
Here’s where to uncover the weirdest, wackiest Burlington Vermont attractions… because ordinary is overrated.
Watch One-Of-A-Kind Burton Snowboards Being Built
Photo Credit: Craig's Prototype Facility
Craig’s Prototype Facility
(Burton Global HQ)
Step into the world of Burton Snowboards at Craig’s Prototype Facility… easily one of the most unexpected Burlington Vermont attractions.
Hidden inside Burton’s global headquarters, this is where snowboard innovation happens.
From snowboarding’s early days to today’s most advanced designs, you’ll get an inside look at how boards are built, tested, and refined.
Sign up for a free guided tour (Monday–Thursday at 2 pm) to watch craftspeople at work and see prototypes take shape. Tours are limited to just 12 guests, so booking ahead is key.
For snowboard lovers, this behind-the-scenes peek is one of Burlington’s coolest things to do.
Explore a Treehouse Built by DIY Network Stars “The Treehouse Guys”
Forever Young Treehouse
Catch Lake Champlain views from the Forever Young Treehouse at Oakledge Park, one of the most delightfully wonderful, free Burlington Vermont attractions.
Oakledge Park sits at the southern end of the Burlington waterfront, (about five minutes from downtown), and the treehouse is just a short walk from the Flynn Avenue parking lot.
The fully accessible treehouse rises 15 feet above the ground with plenty of space for kids to roam and parents to take in the lake breeze.
Afterward, stick around to explore more of Oakledge… there’s a playground, sandy beach, bike path access, and lots of open space for picnics.
Make Yourself a Moment in Time
Burlington Earth Clock
Hidden in Oakledge Park, the Burlington Earth Clock is part sundial, part calendar, and one of the most unusual Burlington Vermont attractions.
Step into the center of this 43-foot stone circle and your shadow becomes the clock hand.
It’s part science lesson, part Outlander moment… and a surprisingly big hit with kids once they see how it works.
Park in the first lot on the left at Oakledge and follow the Burlington Bike Path north along the lake.
After a short walk, you’ll find this slightly eerie circle of stones waiting.
Eat a Pizza Amongst
Ghosts of Smugglers
American Flatbread Company
Step into Burlington’s haunted past at American Flatbread, where ghost stories meet wood-fired flatbreads.
Housed in one of downtown Burlington’s oldest buildings, this family-friendly spot is known for its cozy vibe, kid-approved pizzas, and a history that locals say comes with a few ghostly tales.
Some believe the basement connects to other buildings by old Prohibition-era tunnels, adding a mysterious twist to dinner.
It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing stop where kids get pizza night and a fun Burlington story to take home.
Enjoy Your Ice Cream Inside a Vintage VW Bus
Photo Credit: Ben and Jerry's Church St.
Ben and Jerry’s- Church Street Marketplace
Stop by Ben & Jerry’s on Church Street for more than just a scoop… this flagship ice cream shop leans into the brand’s quirky side.
Inside you’ll find a bright VW bus that doubles as a kid magnet, fun merch, and space to sit while you work through flavors you can’t find anywhere else.
The real oddball challenge? The Vermonster… 20 scoops of ice cream with every topping in sight, meant to be shared (or conquered if you dare).
It’s a sweet, slightly over-the-top stop that fits right in with Burlington’s love of the weird.
Walk Burlington's Longitude Line
The Burlington Earth Line
Look down while walking Church Street and you might spot the Earth Line… one of the most overlooked Burlington Vermont attractions hiding in plain sight.
This single gray brick line marks Burlington’s exact longitude at W73° 13′, with plaques showing cities around the world that line up perfectly with this spot, from Montreal to Phnom Penh.
It’s part art installation, part geography lesson, and a fun detail most people walk right over without noticing.
Looking to explore beyond Burlington?
Our Curated List of Day Trips from Burlington feature charming small towns, scenic parks, and must-visit cultural spots… all within an easy day drive.
Dress Up Like Ethan Allen and
The Green Mountain Boys
Ethan Allen Homestead Museum
Step into Vermont’s past at the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum, where history feels hands-on instead of homework.
Kids can try on Green Mountain Boys costumes, play colonial games, and wander through an 18th-century tavern and garden.
Guided tours of the 1787 homestead bring Ethan Allen’s story to life, and the traditional Abenaki village, complete with earth oven and ceremonial grounds adds an important layer to the experience.
Located in Ethan Allen Park, just a few minutes from downtown, it’s a great stop for families who like their Burlington Vermont attractions with a side of history they can actually touch.
Watch the Sunset Over Lake Champlain from
A Historic Stone Tower
Ethan Allen Tower
Catch one of Burlington’s best sunsets from the top of Ethan Allen Tower in Ethan Allen Park.
Built in 1905 to honor Vermont’s Revolutionary War hero, this 40-foot stone tower offers sweeping views of Burlington, Lake Champlain, and the Adirondacks… a perfect reward after the short uphill climb.
The tower is open seasonally, 9 am to sunset:
Mother’s Day – Memorial Day: Weekends only
Memorial Day – Labor Day: Open daily
Labor Day – Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Weekends only
Visit Burlington’s Tallest
Protest to Bureaucracy
Tallest Filing Cabinet in Vermont
One of the quirkiest Burlington Vermont attractions is the (self proclaimed) World’s Tallest Filing Cabinet… yes, really.
Located in a parking lot at 208 Flynn Avenue, this 40-foot tower of 38 welded drawers was created as a tongue-in-cheek protest against the decades of delays in building the Southern Connector Road.
Each drawer represents a year of bureaucratic red tape, turning frustration into a piece of public art.
It’s a quick, weird stop that makes for a great photo op and a fun way to show kids that even filing cabinets can tell a story.
Watch a Live
Cheesemaking Demonstration
Photo Credit: Chuck McDonald
Shelburne Farms
Watch iconic Vermont cheddar come to life at Shelburne Farms, a 1,400-acre working farm just outside Burlington.
From mid-May through mid-October, take the tractor shuttle (or walk) out to the historic barns where kids can pet calves, see inside the chicken coop, and meet goats and pigs before heading inside to see cheesemakers at work.
The demo is quick, fun, and ends with a stop in the tasting room… because sampling is half the point.
Plan for a couple of hours so you have time for the demo, the animals, and a little exploring the grounds before heading back to town.
Have a Picnic Next to a
Historic 1906 Steamboat
The Ticonderoga at Shelburne Museum
Have a picnic with a view of a steamboat at the Shelburne Museum.
Spread out on the 45-acre grounds, surrounded by gardens, mountain views, and historic buildings brought here from across New England.
The highlight is the fully restored 1906 Ticonderoga, a landlocked steamboat you can climb aboard after lunch.
Stay a little longer to check out the exhibits and take a ride on the 1904 carousel, turning a simple picnic into a full afternoon adventure.
Take a Hike to See Vermont’s Most Notorious Plane Crash Site
Camel’s Hump
Hike to one of Vermont’s strangest relics… the remains of a WWII B-24 bomber near the summit of Camel’s Hump.
The plane crashed in 1944 during a training flight, and pieces of the wings still rest along the Alpine Trail, offering a haunting glimpse into history.
Start at the Burrows Trailhead and hike about 2.4 miles, then follow the Alpine Trail roughly 0.2 miles to a short side path leading to the wreckage.
The 4.8-mile round trip is a moderately challenging climb with nearly 2,300 feet of elevation gain… best done in good weather and with kids old enough to handle a steady uphill hike.
If your family loves exploring Vermont’s outdoors, check out our Guide to Horseback Riding near Stowe for more adventure.
Eat a Crepe for a Cause
Photo Credit: Skinny Pancake
Skinny Pancake
Break up your day of weird and wonderful Burlington attractions with a visit to The Skinny Pancake on the waterfront.
Known for its crepes and its commitment to giving back, this café donates a portion of sales from its SugarShack crepe to local causes through 1% for the Planet.
The menu works for breakfast, lunch, or a snack, with kid favorites like the Pooh Bear crepe made with Vermont honey and cinnamon sugar.
Kids love to watch the crepes being made, and you’ll love to grab a seat on the patio, and soak up lake views before heading to ECHO or a stroll along the waterfront.
Spot Burlington’s Rooftop
Flying Monkeys
Rooftop Flying Monkeys
Keep your eyes on the rooftops near Waterfront Park… and you might just spot a family of metal flying monkeys across the skyline.
Once perched atop the old Emerald City of Oz waterbed store, these sculptures now live on a few downtown rooftops.
Start at Union Station on Main Street for your first sighting, then walk toward Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center to find the mama monkey and her twin babies.
It’s a quick, quirky scavenger hunt that turns an ordinary stroll along the waterfront into something a little more magical.
Visit the Famed “Flying Diaper”
Flying Diaper- University of Vermont
Find one of Burlington’s weirdest hidden gems on the University of Vermont’s Redstone Campus… the Flying Diaper.
Built in 1968 by a graduating civil engineering class, this quirky concrete structure is technically a “hypar”… a shape that looks curved but is made entirely from straight lines.
Park near the UVM Athletic Field for the easiest access, then take a short walk to see it up close.
These days, students lounge under it in summer and even slide down its sides when it snows.
Explore One of Vermont’s
Oldest Art Museums
Photo Credit: Fleming Museum of Art
Fleming Museum of Art
Find something surprising on the UVM campus at the Fleming Museum of Art, one of Vermont’s oldest museums… and it’s free to visit.
Inside you’ll see everything from Picasso and Rembrandt to Norman Rockwell, plus 24,000+ objects from around the world.
It’s a quick, low-pressure stop that’s perfect for curious kids and anyone who likes their Burlington Vermont attractions with a side of art and history.
After a day of exploration, retreat to one of the Best Airbnbs in Vermont to keep you cozy.
Whether nestled in the mountains or overlooking serene lakes, these stays provide the perfect blend of comfort and rustic charm for a memorable getaway.
What Weird Burlington Vermont Attractions Do You Want to See?
Burlington leans hard into the “Keep Vermont Weird” vibe, and that’s exactly what makes it fun.
From spotting metal monkeys on downtown rooftops to standing in the middle of a WWII crash site or eating crepes that support local causes, these stops show off the city’s quirky side in the best way.
So next time you’re in Burlington, skip the usual itinerary and make room for the strange, surprising, and slightly offbeat… because this is where weird is wonderful.
Happy Travels…
