ORWELL, Vt. - If you’ve always wanted to explore the historic southern end of Lake Champlain by water, hop aboard the M/V Carillon this summer. Every Wednesday through Saturday in July and August the M/V Carillon, an attractive wooden cruise vessel, offers a narrated tour of the southern lake. Trips depart at 1:00 p.m. from Teachout’s Lakehouse Wharf at Larrabee’s Point at the western end of VT Route 74 in Shoreham. Visitors to the Mount Independence State Historic Site in Orwell may pick up the boat at 12:30 at the Mount, by calling 802-897-5331 in advance.

Captain Mahlon Teachout provides a fascinating account of the history of the region, as the boat travels past Hands Cove, Thunder Meadow, Mount Independence, Mount Defiance, and Fort Ticonderoga.

Those who take the cruise and visit Mount Independence the same day will receive a 20% discount on admission to Mount Independence.

Mount Independence, one of the best-preserved Revolutionary War sites in America, is located in Orwell on Mount Independence Road, six miles west of the intersections of VT Routes 22A and 73. Regular admission is $5.00 for adults and free for children under 15. Carillon cruises are $9.00 for adults and $5.00 for children 3 to 12 years old.

Call (802) 897-5331 or visit the MV Carillon's web site for information on the cruises. Their schedule may change subject to weather, passenger load, and charter or group sailing.

Elsa Gilbertson
Regional Administrator
802-759-2412

Vermont Division for Historic Preservation
Chimney Point State Historic Site
7305 VT Route 125
Addison, Vermont 05491