perkins pier

Many years ago (like in the 1990s) the railroad had this large, ugly, un-walkable, crap-zone that trains didn't even use, called the rail-yard (or something) We people in Burlington hardly knew we had a waterfront, but we could see we had a large, beautiful, clean lake. Except we could not get there from Downtown. For some reason, the elected officials in Burlington must have said- "Hey, lets buy it, clean it up, and slowly make it into a fantastic place for people to play, run, make music, eat ice-cream, take boat rides, eat overlooking the lake..." Fast forward. It's done- and it rocks. Thank you whoever fought for, paid for, cleaned up and designed a great place! Burlington Vermont is great for many reasons- and this is just one.

After a wonderful stroll along the bike path, the pier is a great place to finish the evening with a gorgeous sunset. Restaurants are nearby, so you can eat before or after your stroll, and the Boathouse has public restrooms. Bring a frisbee and enjoy the Green, a picnic lunch, or just a blanket and a book. Relax and start your weekend...even if it is Wednesday. :D

Perkins Pier is the birthplace of Burlington. The first wharf called the Salt Dock was built there in 1810. There is a great plaque out at the end that explains Burlington's history as a lumbering port in the 19th century.The Stone Store building at the end of the wharf dates back to 1827. It is constructed of sandstone quarried in the Lake Champlain Islands and brought to Burlington on a barge.For a complete history of the waterfront you can take a tour with Burlington Segways!

Sit and watch the waterfront boating activity, or rent a kayak for a more intimate experience. Perhaps the Lois McClure will be docked and you will get a guided tour of a replica of a historical working sailboat.

this out of the way pier is wonderful for take out dining while you watch the sun set. watch the ferries, sailboats, motorboats, and kayaks cruise along the lake. excellent vistas of new york. peaceful and serene. and free parking!!

We end up here all year round, to check out the sunset on nice days or the wild weather on other days. Boats come in and out of the harbor, and there's a bar with live music.

Perkins Pier has a lot to offer--amazing views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks, access to the Burlington Bike Path, small playground, lawns and benches, near Waterfront Park, in-season boat rentals and restrooms, and public parking. Not a place to spend hours but a good spot for a picnic or brief visit. As locals we come here often with our kids. The park itself is free but there is a fee for parking during the summer. But keep your valuables close at hand--we had our stroller (of all things!) stolen here in 2011 and were told that the waterfront is a high theft area.

É um lindo local para caminhar à beira do lago, com belas vistas para apreciar. Mesmo num dia nublado e frio, o passeio foi muito agradável. Vale conferir!