The other Lamoille
Beyond Stowe’s resort glow, the Lamoille River towns of Johnson and Morrisville show a working, creative side of the county — mill history, riverside main streets and a rail trail that is drawing a new wave of cyclists.
Johnson & the Studio Center
Johnson is home to the Vermont Studio Center, the largest artists' and writers' residency in the United States, which fills the old mill village on the Gihon River with visiting creatives year-round. The town’s general store and riverside setting make it a quietly arty stop.
Morrisville
Morrisville is the county’s everyday hub — a revived downtown with cafes, Lost Nation Brewing and access to the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, which runs right through town along the river.
Ride the rail trail
The finished western reaches of the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail — Vermont’s longest, eventually 93 miles from Swanton to St. Johnsbury — pass through Cambridge, Johnson and Morrisville on flat, packed gravel, crossing restored trestles above the river. It is ideal for family cycling and fall-foliage rides.
Good to know
What is the Vermont Studio Center?+
The largest artists' and writers' residency in the US, based in Johnson’s historic mill village on the Gihon River.
Where does the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail go?+
Eventually 93 miles from Swanton to St. Johnsbury; the towns of Cambridge, Johnson and Morrisville sit on finished, ride-ready sections.
Is Morrisville worth a stop?+
Yes — a revived downtown with cafes, Lost Nation Brewing and direct rail-trail access.