The early settlement of Burlington was delayed by the Revolutionary War, and it was only in 1785 that it became organized. Over the years, the town's position on Lake Champlain helped it become a port of entry and center for trade, particularly after completion of the three canals - the Champlain in 1823, the Erie in 1825 and the Chambly in 1843. Incorporated as a city in 1865, Burlington became a hub for lumber and manufacturing. A few years later In 1870, the waterfront was extended by construction of the Pine Street Barge Canal. Fast forward to today, the city has set in place an extensive waterfront beautification plan which includes more housing, the creation of public parks, a bike path and a community boathouse.

Visitors will have plenty to do at the Church Street Marketplace situated downtown. This award-winning, open-air mall is a hub of activity filled with historical architecture, year-round festivals, street entertainers and over 100 places to shop and dine.

Along the Burlington waterfront you will find a mix of sandy beaches and red stone shoreline. Waterfront Park is one of the largest regional parks and is located to the west of downtown along Lake Champlain. The park is home to many large music and food festivals held each year, and is immediately adjacent to the Community Boathouse, the ECHO Museum, and Lake Champlain Sailing Center. Bikers will love the well-known Island Line Trail. This 13-mile bike path passes through the park and follows the former route of the railroad.

Families will enjoy the shallow shoreline at Oakledge Park where you can walk so far across the lake without the water even touching your knees.

Every Saturday from late spring through autumn, the Burlington Farmers’ Market is held downtown. With over 90 vendors in the summer and 40 vendors in the autumn, you can find produce, prepared foods and local crafts.

Vermont's science and nature museum, known as the ECHO Leahy Center, has over 100 interactive experiences, 70 live species, seasonal exhibits and a 3D theater.

Celebrating one of the founders of Vermont and hero of the Revolutionary War is the Ethan Allen Homestead. Here, visitors can take a guided tour and learn about the 1780s while taking in the gorgeous views of the river and walking trails.

Guinness Book fans will love the World's Tallest Filing Cabinet. At 38 drawers high and made of real filing cabinets, this sculpture was created to protest a beltway that was never constructed. In fact, each drawer of the sculpture represents the number of years of paperwork accumulated by the failed project.

For sport enthusiasts, there is something for everyone in Burlington. There are all forms of boating, fishing, water skiing, tubing and even wakeboarding. Those who like to stay on land can bike, hike or even ski.