About this Location

Facility Overview

The 37-87 Lake St Parking facility is a premier open-air waterfront parking area positioned along the scenic shores of Lake Champlain in Burlington, Vermont. Located directly across from Burlington’s bustling shoreline parks and cultural institutions, this spacious surface lot provides straightforward, ground-level vehicle access without the structural constraints found in enclosed parking garages. Because there are no overhead clearance beams or low-hanging clearance structures, the lot easily accommodates high-clearance vehicles, including lifted pickup trucks, full-size SUVs, passenger vans, and vehicles outfitted with roof racks, cargo boxes, or bicycle carriers. Broad driving lanes and clearly delineated spaces facilitate stress-free navigation, turnaround, and parking for both local commuters and visiting road-trippers.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

This Lake Street location sits in one of Burlington\'s most vibrant and visited districts, offering immediate access to top waterfront attractions, dining, and scenic recreation:

ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain: Located just steps away (approx. 2-minute walk), this renowned science and nature center is a premier destination for families and educational tours.
Burlington Waterfront Park & Burlington Greenway: Directly adjacent, offering open green lawns, picturesque picnic areas, and direct access to the 14-mile Island Line Rail Trail for walking, jogging, and cycling along Lake Champlain.
Burlington Boathouse & Spirit of Ethan Allen: Less than a 4-minute walk to cruise departures, kayak/paddleboard rentals, and lakeside dining.
Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center: Located right next door, hosting theater, cinema events, and community arts programs.
Church Street Marketplace & Downtown Burlington: A pleasant 8 to 10-minute stroll up College Street or Main Street leads directly to the award-winning pedestrian mall, brimming with local boutiques, craft breweries, farm-to-table restaurants, and street entertainers.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

The parking area is readily accessible via Lake Street, running parallel to the waterfront, with direct feeder access from both Main Street and College Street. Because it is positioned west of the downtown core, drivers can circumvent much of the uphill pedestrian congestion in downtown Burlington. Regional access is convenient: Interstate 89 (Exit 14W or Exit 13) connects effortlessly via US Route 2 / Main Street or Shelburne Road (Route 7) straight down to the lakefront. For public transit connections, the Green Mountain Transit (GMT) Downtown Transit Center is located approximately 10 minutes away on foot up St. Paul Street, providing regional bus routes across Chittenden County and beyond. Amtrak rail passengers traveling via the Ethan Allen Express will find the Burlington Downtown Amtrak platform nearby at Main Street Landing / Union Station.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

Open-Air Surface Parking: Generous headroom with zero height restrictions, ideal for oversized vehicles, campers, and roof racks.
Digital Payment Convenience: Quick payment using automated on-site pay kiosks and mobile parking applications such as ParkMobile.
Accessible Stalls: Designated ADA-compliant parking spaces located close to waterfront pathways and paved pedestrian corridors.
Well-Illuminated Grounds: Equipped with nighttime perimeter lighting for enhanced visibility and pedestrian safety after sunset.
Direct Greenway Access: Step immediately onto paved lakefront pathways leading to parks, docks, and downtown stairways.

Ideal For

Waterfront Tourists & Families: Perfect base for visitors heading to the ECHO Center, scenic lake cruises, or Waterfront Park festivals.
Cyclists & Outdoor Enthusiasts: An ideal staging spot to unload bikes or outdoor gear to access the Burlington Greenway.
Cultural & Arts Attendees: Convenient parking for shows, indie film screenings, and galas at Main Street Landing and the Flynn Center.
Downtown Diners & Shoppers: A stress-free alternative to congested downtown street parking, paired with an easy walk up into the pedestrian district.

Visitor & Driver Tips

During peak summer weekends, Burlington Discover Jazz Festival, maritime events, and sunny holidays (like the 4th of July), waterfront spaces fill very quickly; arriving before 10:30 AM or after 5:00 PM will yield the best selection of open spots. Be sure to note your license plate number before walking over to the pay station, or pay directly via the ParkMobile app to easily extend your parking time without returning to your vehicle. If walking to Church Street Marketplace, note that the walk involves a moderate uphill climb; comfortable walking footwear is recommended.