Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Dover, VT

  • Published 2022/09/08

A beautiful destination for people who love skiing and other outdoor activities, Dover lies in Vermont’s Windham County.

This tourist-friendly town is located in the center of the Southern Vermont Region.

It’s popularly known as the home of Mount Snow, one of the state’s most accessible mountain resorts.

If you’re not into snow sports, there are several fun activities to enjoy in Dover, from mountain climbing and lake adventures to exploring the city’s museums, shops, and restaurants.

Visitors flock to Dover all year round, demonstrating how much tourists love this place.

Are you interested in discovering what else the town has to offer?

Dive into this list of the best things to do in Dover, Vermont:

Have Fun at the Famous Mount Snow

Mount Snow is a four-season resort strategically situated within the Green Mountains of Southern Vermont.

It’s located at Mount Snow Road in West Dover.

Famous for its skiing and snowboarding, it is the largest and closest mountain in the Northeastern metropolitan area.

During warmers months, you can try other activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and chairlift rides.

Several hotels and inns are also available at Mount Snow Valley.

Visitors of all ages will surely have a great time at this resort.

You can enroll your kids at Mount Snow Child Care, an all-day summer program that will keep your little ones busy with outdoor educational adventures.

Adult ski and snowboard lessons are also hosted here.

Trail with Friends and Family at Timber Creek XC Ski Area

Timber Creek XC Ski Area is located on Tanglewood Lane in West Dover.

It offers a cross-country and snowshoe trail system that is marked, well-maintained, and exciting to explore.

The level of difficulty ranges from novice to advance.

You can rent skiing or snowshoeing instructional packages at Timber Creek XC Ski Areaif you aren’t comfortable trying these activities on your own.

Group and private lessons are also available.

Timber Creek’s Snowshoe trails are separated from the cross-country trails, but these meet each other at some point.

If you’re wondering where you can try something new and exciting, Timber Creek XC Ski Area is the place for you.

Book an Adventure with Snowmobile Vermont

Snowmobile Vermont is one of New England’s most experienced snowmobile tour operators.

With over 26 years in the industry, it’s also the oldest and largest snowmobile tour operator, with branches in Killington, Okemo, Mount Snow, and Stowe in Vermont.

Snowmobile Vermont provides instructions to snowmobile riders before they head out to ensure a safe and memorable adventure.

Skilled and knowledgeable tour guides will also accompany you throughout the tour.

Its location near Mount Snow offers you a custom-guided tour through the breathtaking views from Vermont trails.

Escape Reality at Mind Lock Escape Room

Guaranteed entertainment and mind-boggling games await you at Mind Lock Escape Room.

Located in Mount Snow Market Place, this family-owned and operated escape room aims to bring indoor entertainment to locals and visitors of Vermont.

Mind Lock Escape Room offers three selections of escape rooms.

You may help Sherlock Holmes solve a theft case in My Dear Watson, solve a murder case in Murder in Manhattan, or maybe stop Warlock from casting an evil spell on the world!

It’s recommended to try their escape rooms with a small group of people to make the challenges, puzzles, and quizzes more complex and more exciting.

Puzzles and board games are also available for sale.

Conquer a Real Life Adventure through the Green Mountain Adventure Challenge

Explore a secret world and solve hidden quests through the Green Mountain Adventure Challenge.

Situated along Vermont Route 100 in West Dover, this game invites you to experience a real-life, action-packed adventure.

Along with exciting views during your hike, you will also encounter mind-blowing puzzles and quizzes.

The Green Mountain Adventure Challenge usually takes one to two days to complete, but there is no guarantee that you will solve it.

The adventure changes every summer.

Play with Friends and Family at the Top-Rated Mount Snow Golf Course

Situated in the south of Vermont is the top-rated and highly recommended Mount Snow Golf Course, one of the top five courses in Green Mountain State.

It was built in 1970 and designed by architects Geoffrey Cornish and Bill Robinson.

This 18-hole golf course has a length of 6,943 yards and a slope of 129.

At the same time, the Mount Snow Golf Course treats its players to a spectacular view of the peak of Mount Snow and the Green Mountains.

Experience Natural Healing at Dandelion’s Apothecary

If you are having any physical, emotional, or spiritual distress, Dandelion’s Apothecary surely has a cure for that.

This establishment can be found along Vermont Route 100 in West Dover.

Owned and managed by Clinical Herbalist Patricia Sweeney, the apothecary offers consultations to help you understand your body’s state and needs.

Massage therapy, energy work, and a holistic healthcare storefront are also offered here.

Dandelion’sApothecary sells herbs and spices, natural pain relievers, tea, African market Baskets, healing crystals, healing stones, and more.

Surround Yourself with Nature at Mount Snow Grand Summit Resort

The famous and frequently visited Mount Snow Grand Summit Resort is situated on Grand Summit Way.

Here, you can escape the stress and chaos of everyday life and spend the day relaxing and taking in the scenes of the Green Mountains.

This resort is open all year round.

It’s perfect for a quick weekend getaway for couples, families, and friends.

Mount Snow Grand Summit Resort boasts an array of amenities, such as pools, bars, a game room, a gymnasium, child-friendly areas, and bicycle rental.

Aside from indoor relaxation, fun outdoor activities are also available.

Mount Snow Grand Summit Resort is also becoming a popular wedding and conference destination.

Dance the Night Away at The Snow Barn

The Snow Barn is a music venue in Southern Vermont that showcases local, regional, and national acts.

It is located on Handle Rd in West Dover, inside Mount Snow.

This lively bar features local brews and other alcoholic beverages crafted by skilled bartenders.

The Snow Barn is the perfect place to relax your mind and body from a day of skiing, hiking, and biking.

Who says that outdoor adventures are all that await you in Dover?

The fun never stops at The Snow Barn.

Access the Town’s Best Adventures from Snow Mountain Village

Snow Mountain Village is ideally situated on Mount Snow Road, where you should stay if you plan to try every fun activity the vicinity offers.

It promises to give you a peaceful and memorable getaway.

Amenities such as a hot tub, fireplace, and indoor and outdoor pools can be enjoyed at Snow Mountain Village.

Popular destinations such as Mount Snow and the Southern Vermont Natural History Museum are accessible from this complex.

Snow Mountain Village’s balconies boast views of the mountains and skiers.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Revisit the Past and Learn History at the Southern Vermont Natural History Museum

Exterior view of Southern Vermont Natural History Museum

Daderot, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Southern Vermont Natural History Museum lies in Marlboro, less than a 30-minute drive from Dover.

It showcases New England’s enormous displays of native species.

Short eared Owl at Southern Vermont Natural History Museum

Daderot, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

The museum also houses live animals, natural history, geology, and ecology exhibits.

Aside from that, it offers educational programs that use live animals and artifacts.

Outdoor exploration and interactive activities also await interested enrollees.

The Southern Vermont Natural History Museum also hosts scheduled private events, birdwatching, wildlife festivals, and music and art entertainment.

Exhibits at Southern Vermont Natural History Museum

Daderot, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Appreciate Nature at Hogback Mountain Conservation Area

Hogback Mountain Conservation Area is located in Marlboro, a 22-minute drive from Dover.

You can admire mesmerizing views of Vermont, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire from here.

The conservation area is home to the Green River watershed, which provides a habitat for many wild animals, including deer, moose, black bears, and bobcats.

It also serves as a summer habitat for neotropical migrant birds.

Black-throated blue and black-throated green warblers can be spotted at Hogback Mountain Conservation Area during the summer.

Take a Side Trip to the Art of Humor Gallery

The Art of Humor Gallery is a 2,500-square-foot gallery that can be reached via a 20-minute drive from Dover.

It’s located on Not-A-Rd, Wilmington.

The gallery houses the works of artist and cartoonist Skip Morrow, including his New York Times best-seller books, magazine articles, greeting cards, and advertising materials.

Limited edition giclee prints, books, and watercolor originals are also displayed here.

The Art of Humor Gallery is situated on a 13-acre mountainside in the Green Mountains, so you can also enjoy sightseeing once you step outside.

Shop for Vermont Goodies at Hogback Mountain Country Store

Shoppers at Hogback Mountain Country Store don’t only enjoy its products but also the 100-mile view of Vermont from the store’s deck.

Vermont-themed T-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, and kids’ toys are available in-store.

In addition, the store offers goodies like cider donuts, homemade fudge, maple syrups, and various Vermont specialties.

You can also purchase tickets for the Southern Vermont Natural History Museum in this shop.

Hogback Mountain Country Store is just a 20-minute drive from Dover.

Try Water Adventures at High Country Marine

High Country Marine is located in Wilmington, just a quick 14-minute drive from Dover.

Water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, and guided boat tours are offered here.

These activities are guaranteed safe for visitors of all ages through the supervision of High Country Marine’s guides.

Bayliner, Tahoe Q4 Sport, pontoon boats, and tiki pontoons can be rented out here.

The activities at High Country Marine are perfect for bonding with friends, family, reunions, and company outings.

Final Thoughts

Dover is blessed with many magnificent mountains and large outdoor spaces.

A short vacation certainly isn’t enough time to try out all the activities that this town offers.

What are you waiting for?

Pack your bags, invite your friends and families, and prepare to enjoy all the best things to do in Dover, Vermont.

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