The Point at Button Bay State Park, 7/21/2017

While in Vermont, we wanted to see Lake Champlain and we also wanted to spend some time in nature with our sweet doggy, Sadie. Button Bay State Park is about 30 miles from where we were staying (Lake Dunmore Kampersville). 

Button Bay is a 253-acre park along the banks of Lake Champlain (the state of New York is on the opposite shore). Interestingly enough, some famous historical figures have visited this place: Samuel de Champlain (1609), Ethan Allen and Benjamin Franklin (1776), and Benedict Arnold (1777). The state park was created in 1964 and named for the button-like concretions formed by clay deposits along the shoreline of the lake. 

The primary activities here are swimming (at the pool), fishing/boating in the lake, picnicking, and hiking to Button Point. 

We walked along the shores of beautiful Lake Champlain and proceeded on the trail to the Nature Center. Sadie was very happy to be in the woods (and was checking out a squirrel in photo below). 

Continuing on the (easy) trail, we came to a lovely view of Ship Island. 

By the time we reached the Nature Center, it was closed (not sure what the hours are on weekdays). 

Button Point is a short walk from the Nature Center. You can walk out onto the rocky point from the wooden stairway. 

And then we saw to Button Point...simply gorgeous! Button Island is shown in the photo below. 

The first order of business for Sadie on the rocky point was to cool down with a swim!

We spent quite a bit of time on the point enjoying the rock formations, crazy root structures, and views of the lake.

The mountains on the opposite shore provide a beautiful backdrop to Lake Champlain.

As we retraced our steps along the path we saw this lean-to in the forest. Not a bad place for some shelter, with a little bit of work, right?

The campground area has 53 campsites, 13 lean-tos (didn't see any of them), and 4 cabins. The park is a beautiful place for a family camping vacation with the pool, playgrounds, and lake activities. We just loved the nature trail and Button Point!

For additional information about Button Bay State Park, click on this link: www.vtstateparks.com/buttonbay.html

A couple of miles down the road from the park, we saw an osprey nest with two adults. The nest was close to Lake Champlain where the osprey can find food. We have seen these beautiful birds of prey from the Chesapeake Bay, Gulf Coast of Florida, the coast of Washington state, and lots of places in between. It is always a treat!

We are enjoying the beauty of Vermont in the summer. I know it is a very popular winter destination for skiing and other winter sports, but have never heard much about summer vacations here.