FRANKLIN COUNTY

County Offices
17 Church Street
St. Albans 802-524-3863

Chamber of Commerce
2 North Main Street
St. Albans 802-524-2444
https://www.fcrccvt.com

Often considered as “Vermont’s Northern Treasure,” panoramic Franklin County nestles in the northwestern corner of the state. Stepped in agricultural heritage, historic traditions, and natural beauty, the county welcomes newcomers to friendly towns and villages that climb over the gently rolling countryside.

Services
State-of-the-art healthcare services are close to home for residents of Franklin County, anchored by the Northwestern Medical Center in St. Albans. Serving both Franklin and Grand Isle counties, NMC provides a private community hospital licensed for 70 beds. Keeping pace with technological advancements and a growing population, the hospital completed a number of major renovation and expansion projects in the 1990s that place it among Vermont’s list of “youngest hospitals.” NMC provides a full range of inpatient and outpatient services that include 24-hour emergency care, an after-hours walk-in clinic, the Family Birth Center, pediatrics, ambulatory surgical services, rehabilitation, and advance imaging. Northwestern Medical Center maintains close ties to Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington, utilizing a telemedicine system for remote consultations with regional specialists. In addition to a network of skilled physicians in private practice, the county is home to a number of community health centers. Franklin County Home Health and Northwestern Medical Center are partners in The Center for Health & Wellness, providing customized programs and services to area businesses and industries along with a wide range of public wellness programs and health screenings.

Franklin County residents are strong supporters of excellence in education, and the public school districts are dedicated to continual improvement. Along with modern computer facilities and Internet access in every school, the county is home to two technical centers and has initiated several successful programs that foster career development in young students and adult learners. Students in Franklin County have easy access to a number of outstanding institutions of higher education. St. Albans hosts a center for the Community College of Vermont, which has earned national recognition for its unique methods for bringing opportunities for higher education to Vermont residents. Several other public and private colleges and universities are available within a 30-mile drive from most Franklin County addresses, including St. Michael’s College, Burlington College, Champlain College, Johnson State College, and the University of Vermont.

Lifestyle
Those who appreciate the friendliness of small towns, the charm of quaint villages, and the natural beauty of unspoiled landscapes will find a paradise in Franklin County. Quality of life and simplicity are the hallmarks of primarily rural communities, where residents have long shared a sense of civic pride and active involvement. Some of the recent examples of this generous, cooperative, and philanthropic spirit are the donations that led to the expansion of St. Albans High school, the $5 million Collins-Perley Sports Complex, an addition to Fairfax High School, and the creation of the Vermont Science and Education Center. Historic preservation is equally evident in such attractions as the Abenaki Tribal Museum & Cultural Center in Swanton, the Brick School House Historical Museum in St. Albans, and the Opera House at Enosburg Falls.

The natural environment is respected and well-utilized for outdoor recreation in Franklin County, home to Burton Island and Kill Kare state parks in St. Albans. Enosburg Falls features Lake Carmi State Park, with the fourth largest natural lake in Vermont, swimming beaches, and one of the state’s largest campgrounds. Swanton is the location of the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge, providing many recreational and educational opportunities such as wildlife observation, photography, hiking, canoeing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hunting and fishing. The Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail extends for nearly 27 miles to accommodate all types of bicycling, walking, skiing, horseback riding, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. Throughout the four seasons, the communities of Franklin County celebrate their rich heritage in such events as the Vermont Maple Festival, a three-day extravaganza of activities, performances, displays, and awards. Enosburg Falls, billing itself as “The Dairy Center of the World,” hosts the Vermont Dairy Festival each June. For a true harmony of rural delight with easy access to urban advantages, discover the scenic byways and the welcoming communities of Franklin County.

Enosburgh, Enosburg Falls Village
Town Offices
802-933-4421
https://www.enosburghvt.org/

Village Offices
802- 933-4443
https://villageofenosburgfalls.org/

Chamber of Commerce
802-524-2444
https://www.fcrccvt.com/

The town of Enosburgh encompasses the village Enosburg Falls and such places as Bordoville, East Enosburgh, North Enosburgh, Samsonville, West Enosburgh, and Enosburgh Center. As a unique footnote, the town of Enosburgh is spelled differently than “Enosburg Falls.” Recreational opportunities are as close as Lake Carmi State Park, home to one of Vermont’s largest natural lakes and an expansive campground. Two other state parks are close by in the St. Albans area. Residents enjoy four-season outdoor adventure from skiing and winter sports to hiking, horseback riding, water sports, fishing, hunting, camping, and nature study. The restoration and renovation of one of the cultural jewels of Franklin County, the Opera House at Enosburg Falls, is an example of the hard work and generous spirit that have always prevailed in Franklin County. Enosburg Falls is also distinguished as “The Dairy Center of the World” and the home of the Vermont Dairy Festival.

Highgate
Town Offices
802-868-5002
https://www.highgatevt.org/

Chamber of Commerce
802-524-2444
https://www.fcrccvt.com/

Situated in northwestern Vermont along the southern border of Quebec, Canada, the picturesque town of Highgate nestles along the shorelines of Lake Champlain and the Missisquoi River. Scores of dairy farms dot the landscape, creating a rural and picturesque ambiance for residential development. Agribusiness is the predominate driver of the local economy, which includes greenhouse operations and beef cattle ranches.  Other important features within the town are the Franklin County Airport, the Highgate Falls Hydroelectric Dam, and the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge. In addition to its local schools, the town offers a community library and the Highgate Sports Center for hockey, figure skating, baseball, and many other activities. The Northern Forest Canoe Trail on the Missisquoi River and the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail both traverse the town, adding opportunities for outdoor adventure.

Montgomery, Montgomery Center
Town Offices
802-326-4719
https://montgomeryvt.us/

Chamber of Commerce
802-524-2444
https://www.fcrccvt.com/

Known as “The Covered Bridge Town,” Montgomery and Montgomery Center are situated at the base of Jay Peak just 45 minutes from the famous ski center in Stowe. The unique topography of the town required many bridges, which numbered 13 as recently as the 1940s. The natural beauty of this area is still complemented by the charm of the remaining wooden, covered bridges. Formerly a center for wood products, Montgomery is popular today for cross-country skiing at Hazen’s Notch, for scenic bicycle routes, and for its close proximity to the Jay Peak Resort. Montgomery still features many of the picturesque farms that dotted the historic countryside. At the same time, the town has welcomed a variety of small businesses, artist studios, craftspeople, and a balanced community life that includes a local library and many recreation programs for residents of all ages.

Richford
Town Offices
802-848-7751
https://www.richfordvt.org/

Chamber of Commerce
802-524-2444
https://www.fcrccvt.com/

Tucked in the northeast corner of Franklin County, the town of Richford preserves a largely rural character in rolling hills and farmland along the banks of the Missisquoi River. Residents enjoy the delights of country living, including abundant water, excellent air quality, and four-season recreation that includes access to nearby lakes and mountains. The Missisquoi River Valley Rail Trail stretches 26 miles from Richford to St. Albans, utilized by cyclists, hikers, cross-country skiers, and snowmobilers. The Vermont state snowmobile trail runs right through Richford and continues on into Quebec, Canada. Richford is also surrounded by several fine ski resorts, including the famous Jay Peak, only 15 miles from home. Mount Sutton in Quebec is even closer at seven miles away. Within an hour of Richmond, skiers can choose from Bromont, Owl’s Head, Stowe, and Smugglers Notch. The residential atmosphere is one of a quaint small town, yet Richford offers excellent schools, local shops, restaurants, and healthcare services.

St. Albans
City Offices
802-524-1500
https://www.stalbansvt.com/

Chamber of Commerce
802-524-2444
https://www.fcrccvt.com/

The wonderful community of St. Albans nestles in the valley between the Green Mountains and Lake Champlain to offer a hometown with spectacular views. Residents are proud of the area’s rich history, recalled in events from the St. Albans Raid to the annual Maple Festival. In fact, the town bills itself as the “Maple Sugar Capital of the World.” Annual celebrations are usually held at the centrally located Taylor Park, a monument to area veterans where a flower garden and fountain grace walking paths shaded by old-growth maple trees. The park is also the scene of the local Farmer’s Market. Two state parks are located within the township, Burton Island and Kill Kare, providing such amenities as campgrounds, a marina, a nature center and museum, places to swim and picnic, rowboat rentals, and hiking trails. The town blends historic architecture and quaint homesteads with vibrant new construction for a full range of lifestyle options.

Swanton
Town Offices
802-868-7418
https://www.swantonvt.gov/

Village Offices
802-868-3397
https://www.swantonvt.gov/

Chamber of Commerce
802-868-7200
https://www.facebook.com/swantonchamber/

The small town of Swanton encompasses Swanton Village, providing a visually appealing and friendly environment for commercial and residential growth. Swanton nestled in northern Franklin County, separated from the Canadian border only by its sister town of Highgate. Lake Champlain lies to the west, and Interstate 89 is available on the east, leading to St. Albans and the foothills of the Green Mountains. The Missisquoi River flows right through the village, and the 6,600-acre Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge as well as the Maquam Waterfowl Area are minutes from home. The population is sparse in Swanton and the setting is decidedly rural. Dairy products, maple syrup, production, and grain growing are all prominent activities. Recreational opportunities span the four seasons and include boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, camping, horseback riding, golfing, playing tennis, and winter sports of every kind.