Things to Do in Montpelier in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Montpelier
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect maple syrup season - sugar houses operate peak hours with fresh syrup tastings and lower prices than tourist season
- Mud season hiking offers solitude on trails with 80% fewer visitors than summer, plus dramatic waterfalls at peak flow
- State House and museums have extended spring hours without summer crowds - tours run every 30 minutes instead of hourly
- Local restaurants feature seasonal menus with Vermont lamb, spring vegetables, and maple-everything at 15-20% lower prices than peak season
Considerations
- Mud season makes many hiking trails impassable or severely damaged - locals avoid backcountry trails entirely
- Unpredictable weather swings from 2°C to 21°C (36°F to 70°F) in single day requiring multiple clothing layers
- Many seasonal attractions and outdoor venues remain closed until May 1st including some farmers markets and outdoor dining
Best Activities in April
Vermont State House and Capitol Complex Tours
April offers ideal conditions for exploring Montpelier's political heart without summer crowds. The gold dome restoration is complete for 2025, and spring light creates perfect photography conditions. Guided tours run every 30 minutes and legislative sessions may still be active, providing authentic government-in-action experiences impossible during summer.
Maple Sugar House Trail Experiences
Peak maple syrup production happens exactly during April - this is the ONE month to witness actual syrup-making in action. Sugar houses operate daily with fresh syrup available at producer prices ($45-65 per gallon versus $75+ retail). Steam rising from evaporators, sweet maple scents, and sugar-on-snow demonstrations create authentic Vermont experiences impossible any other time.
Winooski River Valley Walking Tours
April's snowmelt creates dramatically swollen rivers and peak waterfall conditions perfect for riverside exploration. The Winooski runs at its most impressive levels, and spring wildflowers begin emerging along accessible downtown walking paths. Cool 6-19°C (43-66°F) temperatures make longer walks comfortable, unlike summer heat.
Historic Downtown Food Walking Experiences
April features special spring menus highlighting Vermont lamb, early greens, and maple-incorporated dishes at their seasonal peak. Restaurant patios begin reopening weather permitting, and local establishments offer shoulder-season pricing 15-20% below summer rates. Food tours include cheese makers, bakeries, and farm-to-table restaurants showcasing ingredients unavailable other seasons.
Vermont History Museum and Local Heritage Sites
April's shoulder season means unhurried exploration of Montpelier's rich political and cultural history. Museums extend spring hours but maintain intimate group sizes. The Vermont History Museum features special exhibitions on state government history, and historic house tours operate without summer booking challenges.
Early Season Farmers Market and Local Artisan Experiences
Montpelier's indoor winter farmers market transitions to outdoor spring format during April, offering unique transitional period with both greenhouse starts and stored winter crops available. Local artisans display maple products, wool goods, and early crafts. Prices remain lower than peak tourist season while selection reaches annual variety peak.
April Events & Festivals
Vermont Maple Open House Weekend
Statewide celebration of maple syrup production with over 100 participating sugar houses offering free tours, demonstrations, and tastings. Many locations provide horse-drawn wagon rides through maple groves and traditional sugar-on-snow preparation.
Legislative Session Observation Opportunities
Vermont's citizen legislature often extends into early April, providing rare chances to observe actual government sessions from public galleries. House and Senate chambers welcome visitors during active sessions with free gallery access.