Oakledge Park

Nestled on the scenic southern shores of Lake Champlain, Oakledge Park is a magnificent green space spanning nearly 50 acres. It is a popular recreation spot in Burlington where nature and comfort blend harmoniously. Here in the USA, the park is cherished for its diverse landscapes, ranging from well-maintained beaches to secluded woodland trails.

The park is divided into two sections. The northern half is home to active recreation infrastructure: universal playgrounds accessible to all visitors and cozy picnic pavilions. The southern part retains a more wild character—with meadows being restored for bird habitats and rare plant species being preserved to support local biodiversity.

The park's natural heritage is its special pride. A majestic white oak, over 250 years old, stands in Oakledge Cove. This silent witness to history stood here even before the country's Constitution was signed, and today it serves as an important symbol of the connection between eras for all park guests.

To contact the park administration or clarify visitation rules, you can use the following information. The park is managed by the Burlington Department of Parks and Recreation.

A wealth of activities awaits visitors—from peaceful nature watching to active sports. Be sure to explore the Burlington Greenway trails, which are perfect for both walking and cycling. Water sports enthusiasts can rent paddleboards from Paddlesurf Champlain to experience the beauty of the shoreline from the surface of the lake.

One of the most unique attractions is the "Forever Young" treehouse. It offers panoramic views of the wetlands, where you can often spot herons or ducks. Equally impressive is the Earth Clock—a massive stone structure erected as a tribute to ancient astronomical knowledge.

For those who prefer classic leisure, the park offers tennis courts, volleyball courts, and rocky beaches perfect for sunbathing. Towards evening, we recommend finding a spot on the rocky shore: the views of the sunset over the Adirondack Mountains here are considered some of the best in the area.

Finding your way to the park is easy; it is located at 11 Flynn Ave. The most scenic way to get here is by using the Burlington Greenway bike path, which stretches along the lake and ends right at the park's boundaries. This is a popular route for locals and tourists who prefer active travel.

For those traveling by car, parking is available at the main entrance off Flynn Avenue. Please note that from May to October, parking is paid (costing approximately $2–$3 per hour). If you are in the city center, a taxi ride will take no more than 10 minutes.

Hikers can reach the park from the south end of the city or walk through the Engelsby Brook wooded corridor, which connects Oakledge with the neighboring Red Rocks Park. Burlington's public transport also provides access to stops near the park, from which it is just a few minutes' walk.

Before becoming a popular recreation area, the site of the modern park underwent a long transformation. In the 19th century, it housed farmlands and a small shipyard in South Cove, where boats were built for navigating Lake Champlain. Later, these lands became part of the private estate of Dr. Webb, whose family used the picturesque coast for summer vacations.

In the mid-1920s, the owners refused to sell the land for a golf club development and instead opened a resort called Oak Ledge Manor. It was a luxurious destination known as an "all-season resort." The grounds featured a clubhouse, cozy waterfront cottages, stables, and even private tennis courts and golf greens.

The resort era lasted until the early 1970s, after which the park officially became a public space. Today, the mature trees and a landscape that retains the character of an old estate serve as reminders of its past glory. Interestingly, this is where the city's oldest white oak grows, with an age exceeding a quarter of a millennium.

To leisurely explore all corners of the park, enjoy the lake views, and stroll through the wooded area, most visitors need 2 to 4 hours. This is the ideal amount of time if you plan to visit the treehouse, find the Earth Clock, and relax on the shore for a bit.

If your goal is a full family picnic, active games on the playgrounds, or catching the famous sunset over the Adirondacks, you can easily spend the whole day in the park. Many people come here in the morning for exercise and return in the evening to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere by the water.

Oakledge Park is open daily, allowing guests to plan their visit at any convenient time, whether for an early morning workout or late-night stargazing. The schedule is the same for both weekdays and weekends:

Exploring the surroundings of Oakledge Park will allow you to dive deeper into the Vermont atmosphere and see many unique sites. Nearby locations offer interesting historical finds as well as picturesque views of Lake Champlain's lighthouses.