Northeast Kingdom
Orleans, Caledonia, and Essex countiesIn Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, close to the borders of Canada and New Hampshire, small, close-knit communities are connected by scenic roads and the tall peaks of the Green Mountains. This is Vermont’s most rural region, where residents enjoy easy access to outdoor recreation, a lively arts scene, and opportunities to find the balance of life and work. It’s a place where both independence and community are celebrated. Former governor George Aiken gave the Northeast Kingdom its name during a speech in Lyndonville in 1946.
Vermont Recreation: 4 Seasons of Fun
Enjoy the many lakes and ponds in the Northeast Kingdom that offer recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, and canoeing. Standouts include Lake Memphremagog, Lake Willoughby, Spectacle Pond, and Crystal Lake.
The Kingdom is home to two Vermont ski resorts: Jay Peak Resort and Burke Mountain Resort. Cross-country skiing trails abound, with popular spots at Craftsbury Outdoor Center and Northwoods Stewardship Center.
The 100+ mile Kingdom Trails network is a mountain biking mecca. Gravel biking and four-season recreation is available on the 93-mile Lamoille Valley Rail Trail that travels from St. Johnsbury to Swanton.
From steep mountain treks to leisure family walks, the Northeast Kingdom’s diverse trail systems welcome hikers of all ages and abilities. Explore hiking trails in every section of the Kingdom and attend regular hikes with the NEK Chapter of the Green Mountain Club.
The Kingdom Games is a series of swimming, biking, and running events hosted throughout the year in different parts of the Kingdom and accessible to all ability levels and ages.
Downtowns: Where Charm Meets Community
St. Johnsbury boasts a lively downtown, home to the Catamount Arts Center, Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, and a variety of restaurants and cafes. Its walkable streets are lined with beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings.
Newport, situated on the shores of Lake Memphremagog, provides picturesque views along with a bustling waterfront with a recreation path that goes through the town. The Newport Farmers Market is a local favorite, offering fresh, locally grown produce and handmade goods.
Lyndonville offers a quaint downtown area that reflects its rich history and community spirit. With its pedestrian-friendly streets, you can explore local shops, enjoy a meal at a family-owned restaurant, or relax in one of the charming parks where you can enjoy band stand concerts and the weekly farmers market.
Experience History, Art, and Culture Year-Round
Dog Mountain is a playground for dogs and is home to the Stephen Huneck Art Gallery. The location hosts an annual summer concert series in partnership with Catamount Arts, which also houses its own gallery and live performance series in downtown St. Johnsbury.
Visit the Bread and Puppet Museum and Theatre, and the Museum of Everyday Life down the road. The Highland Center for the Arts offers a year-round schedule of performances, including dance, theater, and music, as well as an art gallery featuring local and regional artists.
Are you interested in learning about how you can live, work, and play in Vermont?
We can help you connect with employers, realtors, and community members who can give you an idea of how relocating to Vermont might work for you.
Your Vermont Connection Toolkit
Discover More
There are many additional resources available through the Northeast Kingdom Chamber of Commerce, including realtors, employment information, regional profiles, educational programs and more.
Northeast Kingdom Spotlight
Go deeper into Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. Explore career opportunities, education, outdoor recreation, and a rich vein of cultural offerings. Watch the video to see more of what the NEK has to offer.
Employment Resources
Vermont businesses are hiring with job opportunities in a variety of industries such as education, healthcare, and manufacturing.
More Inspiration
Are you interested in learning more from families and businesses who relocated to the Green Mountains? ThinkVermont’s Meet Your Neighbor’s blog is filled with stories about Vermont communities and the people who live and work in them.
Northeast Kingdom by the Numbers
Connecting You to the Northeast Kingdom
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Towns in the North East Kingdom
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