A Lake Champlain & Basin Harbor Day from Addison

Updated July 14, 2026

Whitford House sits a short drive from Lake Champlain in Addison, Vermont, so a day on the water is easy. Guests are welcome to use the inn's kayaks — soft roof racks, PFDs, and paddles provided — with the nearest put-in about six minutes away at DAR State Park. From there it's a scenic drive to Basin Harbor and the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum near Vergennes. The Guest Cottage sleeps 4 and makes a quiet base for a lake day.

Get on the water

The closest launch is DAR State Park, roughly a six-minute drive from the cottage, with a boat access on Lake Champlain looking across to the Adirondacks. Borrow the inn's kayaks and paddle the shoreline, or bring your own boat. Mornings are usually calmest; afternoons can pick up a breeze off the lake.

Basin Harbor & the Maritime Museum

A little to the north near Vergennes, Basin Harbor is a classic Lake Champlain spot, and the nearby Lake Champlain Maritime Museum tells the story of the lake — from Revolutionary-era gunboats to the working schooners that once crossed it. It's an easy, interesting stop, especially with kids.

Swim, picnic, and watch the sunset

The Vermont shore of Lake Champlain has quiet spots to swim and picnic, and because the lake sits to your west, it's a fine place to catch the sun going down behind the Adirondacks. Pack a lunch from the cottage kitchen and make an afternoon of it.

Hours and seasons for DAR State Park, Basin Harbor, and the Maritime Museum vary — check current schedules before you go, especially outside summer.