Family Vacations: Sand Bar State Park

Sand Bar State Park’s two-thousand-foot sand beach has excellent conditions forswimming, sailing and windsurfing.

Sand Bar State Park in Vermont is named for a natural sandbar between South Hero Island in Grand Isle County and the town of Milton. Its smooth, sandy lake bottom remains shallow well out from shore, making this a perfect swimming spot for young children.

The park's 2,000-foot stretch of sand is considered one of the best beaches on Lake Champlain, and one where the water tends to stay a bit warmer than other parts of the lake in midsummer. Families headquarter on the sand and can take a break to picnic in the tree-shaded spots near the beach.

Next to the park is the Sand Bar Wildlife Refuge, a 1,000-acre safe haven for a variety of wildlife, such as beavers, muskrats, turtles, and waterfowl. It's also a seasonal stopover for a great variety of migratory waterfowl and other birds popular with bird-watchers.

There is a concession stand on the beach and canoe and kayak rentals in the summer. Sand Bar is also high on the list for windsurfers and kite surfers, who can be seen whipping around the lake when the wind is up.

Sand Bar State Park Information

Address: 1215 US Rte. 2, Milton, VT

Telephone: 802/893-2825

Hours of Operation: Dawn - Dusk

Admission: $3 adults; $2.50 kids

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Laura Sutherland is a widely acknowledged authority on family travel and has published several books on the topic, including Best Family Ski Vacations In North America and Tropical Family Vacations.