Welcome to Vermont's Capital

Montpelier is the capital city of Vermont and the smallest state capital in the United States! With only about 7,938 people living here, it's smaller than many towns. Despite its size, Montpelier is the heart of Vermont's government and a charming New England city.

The Golden Dome State House

The Vermont State House is Montpelier's most famous building. Its beautiful golden dome can be seen from all around the city. The dome is covered in real gold leaf that sparkles in the sunlight! On top of the dome stands a statue of Ceres, the goddess of agriculture, holding wheat to represent Vermont's farming heritage.

Inside the State House, Vermont's lawmakers meet to make important decisions for the state. The building was completed in 1859 and is one of the best-preserved state capitols in America. Visitors can take free tours to see the beautiful rooms where Vermont's government works.

Small City, Big Character

Even though Montpelier is tiny, it has everything a capital city needs! The downtown area is full of locally-owned shops, restaurants, and cafes. There are no big chain stores here - instead, you'll find unique Vermont businesses that have been run by families for generations.

The city sits along the Winooski River, which provides beautiful views and recreational opportunities. In the summer, people enjoy swimming and tubing in the river. In the winter, the city transforms into a winter wonderland with snow-covered streets and cozy cafes serving hot chocolate.

Sweet Vermont Treats

Just a short drive from Montpelier is the Ben & Jerry's ice cream factory in Waterbury! Ben & Jerry's started in Vermont in 1978 and has become one of the most famous ice cream brands in the world. Visitors can take tours of the factory to see how ice cream is made and, of course, taste free samples!

Vermont is also famous for its maple syrup. The state produces more maple syrup than any other state except for neighboring New York. In the spring, you can visit sugar houses near Montpelier to see how maple sap is turned into delicious syrup. Many families have pancake breakfasts with fresh Vermont maple syrup!

Four Beautiful Seasons

Montpelier and Vermont are famous for their stunning fall foliage. Every autumn, the leaves on the trees turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold. People from all over the world come to Vermont to see this natural light show. The hills around Montpelier look like they're on fire with color!

Winter brings lots of snow to Montpelier - sometimes over 100 inches per year! Many people enjoy skiing and snowboarding at nearby ski resorts like Stowe and Sugarbush. Spring brings "mud season" when the snow melts and the dirt roads become muddy. Summer is perfect for hiking in the Green Mountains and swimming in Vermont's many lakes and rivers.

A Strong Community

In July 2023, Montpelier faced its worst flooding in almost 100 years. The Winooski River overflowed and water filled the downtown streets. But the people of Montpelier showed incredible strength and kindness. Neighbors helped neighbors, and people from all over Vermont came to help clean up and rebuild.

This spirit of community is what makes Montpelier special. In this small capital, everyone knows each other and works together to make their city better. The city is also a leader in fighting climate change, with many green energy projects and environmental programs.

Amazing Montpelier Facts