Colchester VT

Colchester – Nestled along the shores of Lake Champlain, Colchester brings the charm of small-town Vermont with the beauty of the great outdoors. Whether you’re kayaking at sunset, biking scenic trails, or relaxing by the water, this town gives you space to breathe and room to explore. With friendly locals, a strong sense of community, and picturesque views year-round, Colchester is a hidden gem for nature lovers and peace seekers alike.

• Population: ~17,000
• Weather: Four distinct seasons; summers (60–80°F) are warm and pleasant, winters bring snow and chilly temps (15–35°F).
• Places To Visit: Malletts Bay, Bayside Park, Colchester Causeway, Niquette Bay State Park, Sunset Drive-In Theater.
• Top Activities: Paddleboarding on Lake Champlain, biking the Island Line Trail, watching a lakeside sunset, fishing, attending local farmers markets.
• Famous Food: Maple creemees, Vermont cheddar from local dairies, gourmet sandwiches from local cafés, wood-fired pizza, and hearty New England chowder.

Colchester, VT is a growing town located near Burlington and close to Lake Champlain. Known for its beautiful natural surroundings, excellent schools, and active community, Colchester has a healthy local job market. Key industries include education, healthcare, public service, and technology. With employers like the University of Vermont, local hospitals, and several tech employers nearby, the town offers various career paths for professionals.

Top 5 Jobs in Colchester, VT

Colchester, VT, offers students a blend of natural beauty and small-town charm, making it a great place to unwind, explore, and have fun. With its mix of outdoor recreation and cozy hangouts, students have plenty of options to enjoy their downtime.

St. Michael's College Green – This is a perfect spot for students to relax, play frisbee, or have a picnic. It's a great place to soak in the sun and catch up with friends.

Colchester Causeway Park – Ideal for biking, walking, or just enjoying stunning lake views, this park offers a serene escape. The Causeway's pathway stretches across Lake Champlain, providing a unique and refreshing experience.

The Skinny Pancake – A cozy spot to enjoy delicious crepes and live music. It's a student favorite for brunch or casual hangouts, known for its local vibe and tasty food.

Sunset Drive-In – Experience a classic drive-in movie night with friends. This nostalgic venue offers double features and a fun way to enjoy films under the stars.

Local Motion Bike Ferry – For a bit more adventure, students can take the bike ferry connecting the Colchester Causeway to the islands. It's a fun day trip that combines exploration and exercise.

Snow Farm Vineyard – Located nearby in South Hero, this vineyard is perfect for a relaxing afternoon. Students can enjoy wine tastings and the beautiful surroundings, especially during their summer concerts.

Cliff House – Just a short drive away, this spot offers incredible views of the surrounding areas. It's great for a day trip to hike and enjoy the natural beauty of Vermont.

Colchester, Vermont is a thriving college town known for its strong emphasis on higher education, especially in fields like healthcare, environmental science, education, and technology. Nestled near beautiful Lake Champlain, the city offers a rich academic environment with public and private colleges that serve students from all over the region and beyond.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Colchester

University of Vermont (UVM) – Located nearby in Burlington, UVM is the state’s flagship public university and a leading research institution. It offers top programs in environmental studies, health sciences, engineering, business, and liberal arts. Many Colchester residents attend UVM due to its proximity and academic strength.

Community College of Vermont (CCV) – Winooski Campus – Just minutes from Colchester, CCV provides affordable and flexible associate degrees and certificate programs in areas like accounting, early childhood education, and cybersecurity. It’s Vermont’s largest source of two-year education.

Vermont Technical College (VTC) – Williston Campus – With a strong focus on applied sciences and health-related programs, VTC offers degrees in nursing, dental hygiene, engineering technology, and computer science. It provides hands-on training that prepares students for the job market.

Howard Center – Continuing Education Programs – While primarily known for mental health and human services, this organization partners with public institutions to offer continuing education programs in health, psychology, and addiction counseling near Colchester.

Northwest Vermont Career & Technical Center (NCTC) – Located in nearby St. Albans, NCTC serves Colchester high school and adult students with courses in mechanical engineering, healthcare, and information technology, often offering college credit.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Colchester

Saint Michael’s College – A private, Catholic liberal arts college located in Colchester, known for its strong programs in psychology, journalism, education, and environmental sciences. It's also recognized for hands-on learning and community engagement.

Champlain College – Although based in nearby Burlington, Champlain serves many Colchester students and is known for career-focused programs in cybersecurity, business, game development, and computer science. The college is nationally recognized for innovation and experiential learning.

Marlboro College (Merged with Emerson College) – Before merging with Emerson in 2020, Marlboro had a reputation for personalized learning. Some of its programs continue through partnerships in the region, offering unique liberal arts education options to students in the Colchester area.

Burlington College (Closed in 2016) – Though no longer operating, Burlington College had a history of offering progressive education for students near Colchester. Its alumni remain active in the local arts and education communities.

Vermont Law and Graduate School – Satellite Programs – While the main campus is in South Royalton, remote learning and extension programs for environmental law and policy are accessible to Colchester students, bringing high-quality private legal education to the region.

Colchester, Vermont, offers a strong educational environment with quality public and private high schools. These schools focus on preparing students for college, careers, and lifelong learning through academic excellence, community involvement, and extracurricular opportunities.

Top Public High Schools in Colchester, VT

• Colchester High School – The town’s primary public high school, known for its strong academics, supportive staff, and a wide range of sports and clubs.
• Essex High School – Located nearby in Essex, it serves some Colchester students and is one of the largest high schools in Vermont, with strong STEM and arts programs.
• South Burlington High School – A top-rated public school just outside Colchester, offering advanced placement courses and a college preparatory curriculum.
• Champlain Valley Union High School – Located in Hinesburg, this school is recognized for academic achievement and a robust selection of extracurricular activities.
• Burlington High School – Situated in nearby Burlington, the school supports a diverse student body and offers an International Baccalaureate program.

Top Private High Schools in Colchester, VT

• Rice Memorial High School, South Burlington – A Catholic college preparatory school offering strong academics, athletics, and values-based education.
• Ballet School of Vermont & Northern Vermont Ballet – Though not a traditional high school, it offers intensive arts education alongside core academics for students pursuing dance careers.
• Burlington Montessori School (Upper Grades) – Offers alternative, student-centered learning experiences in a private setting for upper-grade students in nearby Burlington.
• The Schoolhouse Learning Center, South Burlington – A small private school offering middle and upper-grade levels with a focus on interdisciplinary learning and individual growth.
• Vermont Commons School, South Burlington – A private college preparatory school emphasizing global thinking, community engagement, and small class sizes.

Colchester, Vermont is a picturesque New England town known more for its natural beauty and small-town charm than for being a major sports hub. While it does not have any professional sports teams of its own, residents of Colchester are passionate sports fans and often support teams from nearby cities and states. Still, Vermont boasts a strong culture of college sports and minor league athletics that keep local sports fans engaged year-round.

🏒 Hockey – Vermont Lumberjacks (EHL)

• Vermont Lumberjacks – Based in Burlington, just minutes from Colchester, the Vermont Lumberjacks are a Tier III Junior ice hockey team competing in the Eastern Hockey League (EHL). They play at the Leddy Arena and are known for promoting young talent looking to move on to college or higher-level junior leagues.

⚽ Soccer – Vermont Green FC (USL League Two)

• Vermont Green FC – Recently founded in 2021 and based in Burlington, this soccer team plays in USL League Two, a developmental league for college-aged players. Despite being new, they’ve gained fast local support and are celebrated for their commitment to environmental justice and sustainability.

🏀 College Basketball – University of Vermont Catamounts (NCAA)

• UVM Catamounts – The University of Vermont, located in Burlington just south of Colchester, has a thriving NCAA Division I basketball program. The Catamounts frequently win the America East Conference and make appearances in the NCAA March Madness tournament. Home games at Patrick Gym are a local favorite during the winter season.

🏒 College Hockey – UVM Catamounts Men's & Women's (NCAA)

• UVM Men’s Hockey – A proud program in NCAA Division I, the men’s hockey team plays in the Hockey East conference. Over the years, several NHL players have emerged from the Catamounts program, including Martin St. Louis and Tim Thomas.
• UVM Women’s Hockey – Also part of Hockey East, the women’s team has steadily grown and competes against some of the top programs in the country, gaining recognition for their skill and determination.

⚾ Minor League & Local Baseball

• While Vermont doesn’t have a professional baseball team, nearby teams like the Vermont Lake Monsters—based in Burlington—offer residents a fantastic minor league experience. Formerly affiliated with Major League Baseball, the Lake Monsters now play in the Futures Collegiate Baseball League, showcasing top college prospects each summer.

Though Colchester doesn’t boast major league teams, its proximity to Burlington and regional sports programs ensures that residents can enjoy a dynamic and passionate sports scene rooted in community and development.

Colchester, Vermont is a charming New England town full of natural beauty, rich history, and unique local flair. Whether you're into outdoor adventure, maritime history, or small-town living, this lakeside gem has something for everyone. Here are ten fun facts about Colchester, VT:

1. Lake Champlain Views – Colchester sits along the shores of Lake Champlain, offering stunning views and endless water activities like boating, fishing, and kayaking.
2. Sunny Spot in Vermont – While Vermont is known for its snowy winters, Colchester is one of the sunniest places in the state, especially in summer.
3. Island Line Rail Trail – The Island Line Trail stretches through Colchester and offers spectacular bike rides, including a ride across a causeway with views on both sides.
4. Oldest Community – Colchester is one of the oldest towns in Vermont, chartered in 1763, even before the United States became a nation.
5. Sunset Power – Residents call Colchester's lakeside the "Sunset Capital of Vermont" because of the colorful skies reflected on the water each evening.
6. Anchor Down – The town has a nautical history, and many homes and parks still include vintage boat anchors and buoys as decorative nods to its past on the lake.
7. Fun at Saint Michael’s College – Founded in 1904, Saint Michael’s College is located in Colchester and adds a youthful buzz to the town with its events and students.
8. Town That’s a Bit of Everything – Colchester blends mountains, farmland, forest, and shoreline into one town—offering a mix that’s hard to beat.
9. Marine Wildlife Spotting – Locals love to kayak close to shorelines where they often spot beavers, otters, herons, and sometimes even loons.
10. Festival Fun – Every summer, Colchester hosts the Colchester Days festival, filled with parades, outdoor concerts, and fireworks right on the lake.