Visit Barnet, Vermont

A Scenic, Historic Town in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom

Located in Caledonia County, Barnet, Vermont is a quiet yet deeply rich town in Vermont’s scenic Northeast Kingdom. Bordering New Hampshire to the east, Barnet is a town that blends Scottish-American heritage, natural beauty, spiritual retreat, and four-season recreation. Travelers are drawn to Barnet for its access to Harvey’s Lake, scenic drives, quiet forest walks, and peaceful atmosphere—yet there’s far more to see, stay, and do in this hidden gem of a town.

Barnet 05821 VT Lodging, Real Estate, History & Visitor Information

Barnet VT

A Brief History of Barnet

Barnet was first settled in the 1770s, primarily by Scottish immigrants seeking farmland and freedom. The area’s rolling green hills, rich soil, and clean waters reminded settlers of their homeland. Today, the Scottish influence remains in the names of families, roads, and the local historical society’s archives.

Barnet’s Villages & Layout

Barnet is comprised of several small villages, each offering its own sense of place and charm:

Barnet Center – The historic heart of town, home to the Town Hall, churches, and civic buildings.
West Barnet – Located near Harvey’s Lake, this area is popular with seasonal visitors and vacationers.
East Barnet – A rural hamlet with open fields and woodlands.
McIndoe Falls – A village along the Connecticut River, known for its dam and scenic riverside walks.
Mosquitoville – Quirky in name, Mosquitoville is a quiet residential area tucked into the woods.
Passumpsic – A small village located along the Passumpsic River, with access to rail and road routes.

Natural Beauty & Outdoor Attractions

Harvey’s Lake

West Barnet, VT
This spring-fed lake is a central hub for summer recreation. You’ll find:
Public swimming beach and boat launch
Canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding
Fishing for perch, bass, and trout
Peaceful lakeside cabin rentals
Spectacular sunset views

💡 Did you know?
Famed ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau first tried diving here as a child while visiting relatives in Vermont. This experience inspired his lifelong love for underwater exploration.

Roy Mountain

Elevation: 2,103 ft
The highest point in Barnet, Roy Mountain offers a quiet summit trail with rewarding views of the surrounding forests and lakes. It’s a great spot for hiking, birdwatching, and fall foliage.

Barnet Town Forest

Access: Barnet Center Rd.
A local secret for walking, snowshoeing, and connecting with nature. The forest features native hardwoods, wildlife, and seasonal trails.

Spiritual Retreats

Barnet is a known destination for mindfulness and spiritual retreat, with two internationally respected centers:

Karme-Choling Meditation Retreat Center

369 Patneaude Lane, East Barnet, VT
Founded in 1970, this serene center offers Buddhist meditation retreats, wellness programs, and residential stays. Located on 700+ wooded acres with trails and gardens, it welcomes both experienced practitioners and curious beginners.

Milarepa Center

1344 US Route 5 North, Barnet, VT
A Tibetan Buddhist retreat affiliated with the FPMT network. Offers quiet, contemplative stays and educational programs in a beautiful rural setting.

🛏️ Where to when visiting Barnet, VT

Browse current VT VRBO Vacation Home Rentals, Hotel Specials, Airbnb Rentals and more below.

Harvey’s Lake Cabins

Lake Shore Dr., West Barnet, VT 05821
Rustic lakeside cabins available for summer rentals. Great for families and couples who want lake access, fishing, and stargazing.

Karme-Choling Retreat Center

369 Patneaude Lane, East Barnet, VT
Simple yet comfortable accommodations for retreat participants and overnight guests.

Rabbit Hill Inn (in nearby Waterford, VT)

48 Lower Waterford Rd., Waterford, VT 05819
A top-rated romantic inn offering luxury rooms, fine dining, and personalized service.

Comfort Inn & Suites Near Burke Mountain (in St. Johnsbury, 15 mins away)

703 US-5, St Johnsbury, VT 05819
Modern, pet-friendly accommodations with free breakfast, fitness center, and proximity to area attractions.

Where to Eat Near Barnet

While Barnet itself is mostly rural, nearby towns offer excellent food options:

The Creamery Restaurant Danville

Danville, VT
Exceptional relaxed dining in a casual setting. Reservations recommended.

The Kingdom Taproom

397 Railroad St., St. Johnsbury, VT
A lively local gastropub offering craft beer, seasonal Vermont fare, and creative small plates.

🎨 Culture & Points of Interest Nearby

Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium

1302 Main St, St Johnsbury, VT 05819
A must-see for families, history buffs, and science lovers. This 1891 Victorian-style museum features natural history exhibits, local artifacts, and northern New England’s only public planetarium.

St. Johnsbury Athenaeum

1171 Main St, St Johnsbury, VT 05819
A National Historic Landmark featuring an art gallery and one of the most beautiful libraries in the country.

Dog Mountain

143 Parks Rd., St. Johnsbury, VT 05819
Created by the late artist Stephen Huneck, this 150-acre property is a dog-lovers paradise, with open fields, walking trails, a chapel for pets, and seasonal festivals.

Peacham Village

Just a few miles from Barnet, Peacham is a quintessential Vermont village with white-steepled churches, a historic library, scenic back roads, and cultural events like the annual Fall Foliage Festival.

Outdoor Activities Near Barnet

Fishing – Cast a line at Harvey’s Lake, the Passumpsic River, or the Connecticut River.
Boating – Bring your kayak or canoe, or rent locally.
Hiking & Biking – Explore quiet country roads or nearby trails in the Kingdom Trails network.
Snowmobiling – In winter, VAST trails pass through the area for snowmobile adventures.
Cross-country Skiing & Snowshoeing – Barnet’s forests and fields are perfect for winter recreation.

🧭 Getting to Barnet, Vermont

Barnet is easy to reach via I-91, located just minutes from the New Hampshire border. It’s about:

30 minutes north of White River Junction, VT
15 minutes south of St. Johnsbury, VT
2.5 hours from Boston, MA
2 hours from Burlington, VT

Nearby airports include Lebanon Municipal Airport (NH) and Burlington International Airport (VT).

✅ Plan Your Visit

Whether you’re planning a quiet lakeside vacation, a retreat to a meditation center, or a scenic drive through Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, Barnet, Vermont offers a peaceful, authentic, and unforgettable experience.

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Chartered: 1763
County: Caledonia
Barnet, VT Population:
2010: 1,708

GPS Coordinates:
Latitude: 44.1829
Longitude: -72.50

Barnet, VT Local Information
Barnet Town Offices: 802-633-2256

Northeast Kingdom Vermont

SUGGESTED NORTHEAST KINGDOM VT LODGING Visit NEK VT Vacation Specials. Browse Northeast VT vacation rentals, inns, resorts, and pet-friendly lodging availabilities below.