More than half of Vermont's west coast is beautified by the clear waters of Lake Champlain. Between Burlington and New York's town of Champlain, a string of Lake Champlain Islands, centered between the two states and tied together by U.S. Route 2, create some of the most scenic lake settings in the state.
     Pictured here is a view of the blue waters of Lake Champlain from the Sand Bar Wildlife Refuge. The 1,000 acre preserve is home for water loving mammals, reptiles, and thousands of migratory waterfowl. The sandbar, created by Lamoille River sediments, makes for a wonderful beach at the Sand Bar State Park. For most of us, water can have some sort of magical power, drawing us near and coaxing us to stay. It's no surprise that the Sand Bar park is one of the most popular areas in Vermont. The park takes in 2,000 feet of beach, where picnicking, swimming and water sports are part of summer fun.
     This scenic area is dotted with nine state parks, and two are accessed by boat only. It's easy to see why this area, a short distance from Burlington and surrounded by the beauty of Lake Champlain, earns top billing.