Ballard Park (Site of The Westport Inn), Westport

Ballard Park is a public park in the center of Wesport hamlet. The park is on the lake shore and offers magnificent views of Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains of Vermont–the very views that inspired world famous artists to paint this spectacular and picturesque natural scene. Ballard Park was once the site of a grand resort hotel, the Westport Inn.

Ballard Park offers concerts each Thursday evening throughout the summer months as part of its Summer Concert Series. These are held at the Ballard Park Performance Pavilion, whose design is patterned after that of the Westport Inn Hotel building. Another popular summer offering is a “Shakespeare-in-the-Park” summer theater. The park also hosts various community events, such as the Heritage Festival. The park offers ice skating and sledding in winter, with a “warming hut” to which skaters and sledders can seek temporary refuge from winter’s chill.

Ballard Park can be reserved for private and special events. Don’t Miss This When Visiting
There is a Champlain Valley Heritage Network marker at Ballard Park.

Talented musicians perform Thursday evenings during the summer. More information on the summer concert series can be found at the Facebook page of Soundwaves.

Suggested Further Reading
Ballard Park Foundation website

Additional Notes And Comments
Along Route 9N/22/Main Street and Washington Street.

Ballard Park is administered by the Ballard Park Foundation. Although it is a public park, its operation and maintenance are virtually entirely supported by private funds raised by the Foundation’s board of directors. A main fund raiser is the annual “Summer Party” held at the park’s gardens.

Fees
no
Tours Are Offered
no
Site is Child-friendly
yes
Site is Pet-friendly
yes