Plan Your Visit
Museum Hours
May 1—October 31, 2025
Open 10 am to 5 pm daily
Tour Schedule
10:30 am
11:40 am
1:10 pm
2:40 pm
We recommend arriving 30 minutes before the scheduled tour time to watch one of our short films before the tour begins.
Regular Admission
Adults: $15
Students (5-17): $7
Under 5: Free
Annual Membership
All members enjoy complimentary admission, our quarterly membership newsletter, and 20% off in our museum gift shop. A great option for families!
Adult Membership: $30
Senior Membership: $20
Household Membership: $55
The Ethan Allen Homestead Museum in Burlington, VT, provides a peek into early American life, through the lens of the historic 1785 house that was the last home of Vermont folk hero Ethan Allen. Visitors learn about the Abenaki who called the land home for thousands of years, the politics and turmoil that preceded the founding of Vermont, and home life in what was then the rural frontier. The site includes permanent and rotating exhibits, two short films, and an extensive network of maintained trails.
Volunteers and staff provide multiple tours daily. The Allen House is only open for guided tours. Tours last approximately one hour. Groups of eight or more are requested to make a reservation in advance by e-mailing us at ethanallenhomestead@gmail.com.
We’re much more than the historic Allen House! Visitors can…
Cut a zinnia in Fanny’s Garden, an interpretation of an 18th-century herb, flax, flower, and vegetable garden.
Explore Negôni Alnôbaakik, a recreated Abenaki village and ceremonial site managed by Alnôbaiwi.
Take a selfie in reproduction clothing from our Costume Corner or play with colonial games & toys in our Tavern.
Gaze up at the architecture of the early 20th-century barn that houses our Visitor Center.
Learn about the archaeological digs conducted on our site and view the many artifacts found.
Shop for a slice of history in our gift shop, with many treasures by local Vermont artists and authors.
Beyond the Museum
Ethan Allen Homestead Park (owned and operated by the Winooski Valley Park District) boasts not just natural beauty, but a rich environmental, historical, and cultural heritage.
- Visit Widôbaiwi, the visitor’s center & office for Alnôbaiwi, a non-profit dedicated to indigenous Abenaki culture. Widôbaiwi is open to the public on Saturdays. Take a seat and read a book about Abenaki culture, stories, and history from their lending library.
- Visit the state historic marker for the Black Snake Affair.
- Run, walk, or hike over 4 miles of riverside and wetland nature trails.
- From mid-April to mid-May visit the hibernaculum of garter snakes in the recreated well in front of the historic Allen House. (Please don’t touch the snakes & please follow leave-no-trace principles.)
- Explore or dig around in the Community Gardens, in partnership with a variety of community organizations.
- Picnic in the covered picnic shelter or on the many picnic tables near the parking lot, or rent the picnic shelter by emailing info@wvpd.org.
- Cycle the Burlington Wild Ways bike trails along the Winooski River.
- Put in your kayak or canoe at the boat launch on the Winooski River, maintained by the Winooski Valley Park District.
- Check out Alnôbaiwi’s calendar of events. Some ceremonies are open to the public to observe and/or participate. Contact Alnôbaiwi for details.
Ethan Allen Tower
Built in 1905, the Tower offers sweeping views of the Champlain Valley. The Tower is a 5-minute drive (or a 40-minute walk) from the Homestead, and typically open during the summer months.
Greenmount Cemetery
Ethan Allen (and several of his family members) were buried in Greenmount Cemetery. A marble statue was erected in his honor in 1873. The cemetery is a 10-minute drive from the Homestead.
Visitor FAQs
How long should I plan to visit?
We recommend at least two hours to view an introductory film, take the tour, and explore the exhibits. Many visitors spend most of the day exploring all the museum and grounds have to offer.
Is parking available?
Yes, there is a large parking lot directly outside the Visitor Center.
What if it rains?
Tours are held rain or shine. There is a short walk (150 yards) from the Visitor Center to the Allen House. The museum has a small number of umbrellas that visitors may borrow, but if rain is forecast please bring a rain jacket or umbrella if you are able.
Is water available?
Yes, there is a water fountain with a bottle filling station by the restrooms. Chilled water and soft drinks are also available to purchase in the gift shop.
Do you have bike racks?
Yes, there is a bike rack on the lawn in front of the Visitor Center. The 127 Bike Path passes directly by the Homestead, and is a great option for those coming from downtown Burlington, Winooski, and the New North End. Please lock your bike securely; we cannot ensure the safety of your bike.
Why are tours scheduled? Why can’t I take the tour anytime?
The museum is mainly staffed by volunteers. We do not have enough docents to regularly provide a larger number of tours. We are always happy to schedule reservations for groups of eight or more visitors. We are also always seeking more volunteers; from tour guides to gardeners, it takes many hands to keep a history museum running.
Do you ever offer free admission?
Yes! The museum offers free admission for Vermont residents each year on Ethan Allen Day, June 23rd. Admission is always free to active duty military. Many Vermont libraries offer museum passes to cardholders. The museum is dedicated to sharing the history of the homestead; if cost is an obstacle, please e-mail us so we can find a way for you to visit.
Did Ethan Allen build furniture?
No; Ethan Allen was a Revolution War hero and key founder of Vermont. The Ethan Allen furniture company was founded in Vermont in the 1930’s, and adopted Ethan Allen’s name as an apt fit for their colonial-style furnishings.
Who was Fanny Allen?
There were two Fanny Allens. Frances Montresor Buchanan Allen Penniman (1760–1834) was Ethan Allen’s second wife. She lived a remarkable life (which you can learn about in our short documentary) and was one of Vermont’s first botanists. Frances Margaret Allen (1784–1819) was Ethan and Fanny Allen’s daughter, and the first woman in New England to become a Catholic nun. Fanny Allen Hospital in Colchester, VT, was named in her honor.
Support the Museum
We rely on donations to maintain the Allen House and offer public programming to the community.