Knight Point on North Hero Island opened as a state park in 1978, but its history goes back much further. John Knight, the point's first resident, began ferry service between the islands in 1785. His family operated a ferry until the first bridge opened in 1892. The historic Knight Point house is a parks staff residence. The wooden frame wing is a reconstruction of the Knight Tavern, an inn built in 1790 for travelers crossing between the islands. The brick section of the building, added to the tavern in 1845, has an unusual two-story porch.

Grounds / Facilities

Expansive lawns are the center of this 54-acre day use park. The lawn becomes meadow west of the developed area, where the forest along the lakeside is a substantial natural feature. Besides stands of mature, windswept oak and maple on the point, hickory and hop hornbeam are found further inland. Tight clusters of cedar trees enhance the beauty and wildlife cover of the area.

The cobbled shoreline, west of the swimming beach and extending around the point, is a State Natural Area. It's the largest undisturbed example of this type of natural community on Lake Champlain, and is home to an unusually diverse group of rare plant species.

A walking trail loops around the point to offer scenic lake and shore vistas, plus intimate opportunities for close-up nature and forest viewing. A connecting path cuts through the meadow for those wishing to shorten the walk. Both trails are wide and easy to follow.

The land you can see south of Knight Point is Grand Isle. The channel between the islands is known as "The Gut" and is one of only three navigable routes between the main body of Lake Champlain, and the lake's "inland sea", east of the drawbridge. It's the only one suitable for sailboats and large cruisers. There is usually plenty of boat traffic to watch, right from the beach.

Facilities include a sandy swimming beach and boat rentals. Shaded and open picnic areas include cooking grills.

ACTIVITIES

Hiking: There are two trails around and through the point.
Swimming: There is a beach with a designated swimming area.
Boating: Boats are welcome at the park. The park also offers boat rentals.
Fishing: Great fishing in Lake Champlain.
Picnicking: Wide expanses of lawn makes the park ideal for picnicking. There is also an open-air pavilion that is available to rent.