Vermont State Parks Announces Completion of Improvements to Alburgh Dunes State Park

Overlooking the new contact station, parking lot, and playground from the upper parking lot.

MONTPELIER, VT - Vermont State Parks is excited to announce the completion of a significant infrastructure project at Alburgh Dunes State Park, featuring new parking areas, accessibility improvements, a visitor contact center with portable toilets and changing stalls, and a new accessible natural playground, among other elements. The improvements also include state-of-the-art stormwater treatment and interpretive elements and plantings which complement the natural environment.

“Alburgh Dunes State Park is arguably one of the finest sand beaches on Lake Champlain and a great place for families to visit,” says Parks Regional Manager, Rob Peterson. “We’ve re-developed this park with a focus on sustainability, balancing the protection of sensitive natural features with public access, while improving amenities to serve our visitors’ needs. This project not only contributes to a cleaner lake, it creates inclusive access to a full spectrum of park visitors.”

The 600-acre park, which opened in 1996, has seen increasing visitation over the last decade, averaging over 22,000 visits over the last five summers. Alburgh Dunes State Park is named after the naturally occurring sand dunes that develop behind the sand beach, similar to dune formations along the ocean. The sand dunes are a rare natural community and host to rare and threatened plant species. The park also features a significant wetland complex and over fifteen natural community types, many of which are considered state significant. Park construction began in April of 2018 and completed in June of 2019.

Contacts: 

Rob Peterson, Northwest Parks Regional Manager
Robert.peterson@vermont.gov, 802-279-8329

Rochelle Skinner, Park Sales & Service Manager
rochelle.skinner@vermont.gov, 802-522-0841