Why St. Mike’s is the perfect location to attend college

Students admire not too distant Mount Mansfield from a campus location known as “The View” (Photo By Bear Cieri)

Amidst the mountainous beauty and serene environment of northern Vermont, Saint Michael’s College sits nestled among the hills of Colchester, a mere five minute drive from the bustling city of Burlington, ranked the sixth best college town in America. The small campus and intimate classroom setting at Saint Michael’s help students get ahead academically, and the surrounding locales encourage students to thrive socially.

Here are 10 reasons why our students say Saint Michael’s College is in the perfect location:

For the outdoorsy…

Lake Champlain (and North Beach Park)

The lake provides the perfect place for aquatic sports like kayaking and canoeing. Saint Michael’s College’s Adventure Sports Center utilizes the surrounding natural landscape almost every weekend throughout the year.

Enjoying Burlington’s waterfront.

Lake Champlain also has a beautiful and walkable waterfront for those hoping to stay dry while enjoying the view.

The shoreline of Lake Champlain is expansive, making North Beach Park feel like an ocean beach. If you desire to kayak, paddleboard, or just lay in the sun, North Beach Park is equipped to host a fun afternoon on the beach.

Sugarbush Ski Resort

Just an hour from campus, Sugarbush Ski Resort offers special season passes to Saint Michael’s College students for just $115 (less than the cost of a one-day lift ticket)! And don’t forget about also easily reached Camel’s Hump, Mad River Glen, Smuggler’s Notch, Jay Peak, and more for additional skiing, climbing, snowshoeing, and hiking locations.

Mount Mansfield

Just under an hour away from Saint Michael’s College is Mount Mansfield for those seeking a challenging yet rewarding hike. Sitting at just under 4,400 feet, Mount Mansfield is the highest peak in the state of Vermont. For the beginners, however, never fear — many other mountains offering less challenging hikes in the area as well.

For the traveler…

Montreal

Less than two hours from Saint Michael’s College campus, the city of Montreal in Quebec, Canada, is a highly accessible, multi-cultural adventure just waiting for Saint Mike’s students. French Club along with other courses visit Montreal during the school year, but even outside of academics, students often take the opportunity to cross the border and spend a weekend with their friends in the city.

Amtrak – Boston, NYC, and more

The Amtrak stations in Essex Junction and Burlington are five and ten minutes from Saint Michael’s College campus respectively and grant students access to the big cities of the Northeast. Whether for a break or a long weekend, Boston and New York City are must-visits in the region.

For the arts enthusiasts…

Higher Ground

In City Hall Park by the Flynn downtown in Burlington. (Photo By Bear Cieri)

For those interested in the music scene, Higher Ground in South Burlington has a constant lineup of various artists and music parties featuring any genre you can imagine. From Noah Kahan to K-Pop night, everyone can find something they like at Higher Ground.

The Flynn Center

The Flynn Center hosts everything from standup to music artists to musicals and dance performances. For anyone looking for cultural enrichment, the Flynn is an attractive destination for Saint Michael’ students. The Saint Michael’s College cultural pass to the Flynn allows students in good academic standing to attend shows free of charge.

Shelburne Museum

Shelburne Museum is a museum a few miles south of Burlington focused on art, history, and design, complete with gardens and 39 different structures for museumgoers to explore. From paintings to architecture to circus animals, the Shelburne Museum offers extensive entertainment for any and all.

Church Street

Downtown Burlington and Church Street provide a fun and unique getaway for Saint Mike’s students wanting to go explore off campus. The famous Church Street traffic-free pedestrian mall of several blocks has shops, markets, restaurants, and is within easy walking distance of the Roxy Cinema and Flynn Center. It also is home to the famous Ben & Jerry’s scoop shop.

Burlington Farmer’s Market

For anyone desiring to take their Saturdays slow and stroll through artisan and food markets, Burlington Farmer’s Market is your stop from late spring through autumn. A broad array of vendors set up stalls in downtown Burlington just waiting for you.

Want to visit Saint Michael’s and see what Burlington has to offer? Schedule a Visit 

Eating ice cream on Church Street.