ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain is a small museum about nature and science. It is located on the waterfront in Burlington, Vermont. This museum was established in 2003.
Design Of The Museum
From the outside of the museum, with the clear glass and a print of butterflies, this building really stands out, especially during sunset. The sunlight reflected on the glass, it was just absolutely stunning. ECHO science center was the second thing that captured me besides the beautiful waterfront view. By looking at this building, I was curious about this building and would want to explore to see what creatures are in this museum. They change what they show from time to time, so it is like exploring a mystery box. I loved the looks of the building and was curious about why not give it a chance to visit the museum. For anyone who loves to see science, animals, and creatures, especially the little ones, would love this place.
One step into the ECHO center, wow, this was not the kind of boring museum like I anticipated. It was innovative and interactive. You got to see lots of fish, animals, traveling exhibitions and a theater for 3D films. Although it was a small museum with just 2 floors, it still had lots of to show.
Museum First Floor
On the first floor, right beside the admission desk, you could see the frog exhibit and follow by seeing the local fishes from Lake Champlain and the big fish tank. There were also special exhibits that change every few months. There was also a museum shop if you were interested in buying souvenirs.
Museum Second Floor
The second floor shows more animal exhibits, turtles, little fishes, sea tanks, see the action lab, and you could see how the staff take care of the animals around the animal care window. It is interesting and great to get a peek at how they care for animals, but it also can be scary for creatures like snakes. I hate snakes and they were terrifying.
It was fun to tour around the center, but it sure would be very exciting for the kids. Throughout the center, there was lots of space for children to learn more about the animals, games to play, and many interactive exhibits.
3D theater
I have not gone to the 3D theater, but I am sure it is amazing to see animals in 3D, as you would see them in real life. ECHO is a great place for science and nature education, as it also lets you ask questions in their Lake Champlain resource room.
Overall, I did enjoy my visit to ECHO. It was unique, amazing, and lovely. The best way if you worried you could not get a good picture view of the lakeside, you could go to the deck on the second floor, it actually offered a great angle to take postcard-like pictures.
Cafe in Museum
Don’t worry about walking around and being hungry too. There was a healthy living cafe on the first floor available for you to buy food and drinks.
ECHO Leahy Center For Lake Champlain
Address: 1 College St, Burlington, VT 05401
Phone: +1 (802) 864 1848
Email: info@echovermont.org
Hours: 10 am to 5 pm ( Open through the year)
Pricing: Free for ECHO members & toddlers age 2 or less
Children ( aged 3 to 17) $ 14 , Seniors & students $15
Adult $ 17
Public parking ( behind ECHO center): Open from 8 am to 11 pm, check the site for more info about parking
