ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain

Address:	1 College St, Burlington, VT 05401, USA
Phone:	+1 802-864-1848
Site:	echovermont.org
Rating:	4.3
Working:	10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 13

Tanya Monforte

The educational mission statement of the museum claims "our expert education staff works to create a connection to Lake Champlain that in turn helps develop a strong sense of stewardship-- igniting a passion to make our home a better place." I do not believe the museum meets its own mission statement. Our visit to the museum began quite hopeful with the exhibit about Love and Forgiveness. It was very well executed and perfectly interactive for our six year old. It was well thought out and enjoyable. However, once you enter the animals exhibits it becomes clear that this is a museum built with the interests of the observer in mind and not the basic needs of the animals hailing from the Lake. Besides food and water, it seems as if an institution such as this should work to ensure the animals basic needs for exercise or even minimal movement should be considered. The tanks and cages are so small that there is literally no space for movement for several of the animals. I was struck particularly by the case for the frogs. The american bullfrog is cased in a clear cylinder that is slightly larger than his body. The animal would not be able to stretch its legs out at any moment. Hopping is obviously never possible. It is kept in a case so that it is purely for display. There were other striking examples of tanks that were far too small for the animal in question. I am not alone in feeling uneasy with this museum. Other parents I talked with who are also interested in conservation and science are becoming irritated by the conditions animals are kept in "educational" facilities such as the Echo Museum. It is difficult to imagine that the project of teaching future generations about the importance of respect for the natural environment is possible as long as sentient beings are displayed as props. I can only hope these practices which fail to find respect for the natural world will be remanded to the history of environmental education as they have no place in a forward looking pedagogy.

Adam Solomon

My family had a tremendous time at ECHO. We spent a couple hours there and the kids (9 and 14) werent done! The adults in the group also found it entertaining and informative. The museum itself is striking in appearance and easy to navigate. Theres a lot of information regarding the geological history of Lake Champlain, archaeological/anthropological information about some of the native American peoples, and the biology of the lake. Theres a stunning display regarding the wreck of a ship just outside the Burlingtons breakwater. The wrist bands/hand stamps allow for re-entry, so you do some of the museum, go off to grab some food, walk around and then return later in the day to do more of the museum. Possibly a good option for families with antsy kids ;-) We really had a wonderful time and would highly recommend it. I also found it paired well as an experience with the information I learned on the Northern Lights cruise of the lake which was more concentrated on the 18th & 19th century history of the area. The two experiences gave me a good overview/background on Burlington.

A Private User

My daughter and I had a nice time in the center. The activitys were well done and there was somthing for all ages. What really upset me was the Smart Grid display! Why would they want to introduce politics into a learning center? The smart grid system although presented as a way to save energy is really a way for the government to infringe on our privacy. If I want to wash my clothes during the day or use my oven when I want to. I dont need some one sitting in an office looking at my consumption and raising my rates because Im doing what I want when I want. Keep politics away from our children or show all sides and let us formulate our own opinions! I saw nothing about that talked about how the smart grid is an infringement on our rights or how the government is subsidizing or how we can not opt. out of having the system if we so choose! Very disappointed! A real vermonter that works and pays taxes.

N Patrick Pierce

ECHO is a fantastic place for all ages. What really shines about ECHO is the multitude of hands-on learning and exploration activities, especially for children. There is so much to learn about the nature of Lake Champlain. There are a number of aquariums and small exhibits. A few things to look for: the second floor kids play area is worth the membership, the library in the back is a wealth of information if you are a subject matter expert on Lake Champlain, and take a walk on the second floor outside deck to watch a beautiful sunset. Of course all the staff that Ive encountered is very knowledgeable, kind, and ever-present for questions.

Walter Strohschein

Großartig! Was Museumspädagogik angeht, sind die USA uns um Welten voraus! Falls Sie zufällig mit Kindern in Burlington sind: Besuchen Sie das ECHO - und planen Sie Zeit ein, weil Sie die Kinder von manchen Mitmach-Exponaten kaum wegkriegen werden. Aber auch für Interessierte Erwachsene sehr gut.

Robin Lamb

More museum than aquarium. We went for a Girl Scout sleepover, so we were given the royal treatment in terms of activities for the kids. If we came for the day, however, I think we would have been disappointed. The museum is two small floors with exhibits, and a landing with an aquarium. You could probably go through the entire place in an hour, an hour & a half max.

supriya dubey

Very warm and lively place for kids with lots of aquatic animals in display. They also provide space for early learning readiness program which is a great cause for preparing little babies and kids for school readiness. Lively place. They keep changing some of the exhibits on quarterly basis which makes kids more excited about the place. Great fun

David W Cox

Visited with my Grandson who as been through the exhibit of Butterflies before. He explained all the rules and how you have to be checked so that none excape. The interesting thing is one did and it was interesting to see the crew run around with nets to catch the butterlfy that got out. It is a seasonal display that is well worth seeing.

Philippe Larose

Un superbe musée vraiment captivant pour les publics de tous âges! Nous avons joué pendant je ne sais plus combien de temps dans le bac de sable "kinetic".

Cassie Bell

What a little Green Mountain gem! Saw the Butterfly exhibit with exotic butterflies. Such fun. Offers good family fun and educational experience learning about our local eco- system. Geared toward elementary aged kids, but my teen and pre-teen enjoyed it as well.

Jeffery Pynduss

This is a great place for kids and adults. Theres a pay to park, parking lot. If you plan to go here more than once its worth getting the year pass, their pass works at other museums such as Boston Childrens Museum and Boston Science Museum amongst many others

Chris Ottum

This is a must visit place for families, or anyone interested in learning about the local ecology! I went with a group of friends, and really enjoyed ourselves. When we visited, there was a neat butterfly exhibit, definitely check it out while its there!

Amy Ravit Korin

ECHO is a great place to learn about Lake Champlain, and better when accompanied by kids. The displays are mainly catered to children, so it could be spruced up a bit to attract more adults The exhibits are well curated and very educational.