ECHO is Vermont’s science and nature museum on the Burlington waterfront and is open daily.
The museum’s mission is to inspire and engage everyone in the joy of scientific discovery, the wonder of nature, and care of Lake Champlain. Discover over 100 science interactives; 50 live species of fish, reptiles, and amphibians; changing exhibits; and our 3D theater. Check out the latest news and press on the museum’s latest happenings here.
Media inquiries: Contact Nicole Bova, ECHO’s Director of Development, via email or phone, 802.864.1848 Ext. 120.
ECHO in the News
WCAX: Revamped Fish Exhibit Opens at ECHO
BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – A new $3 million exhibit at ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain opened to the public Tuesday. The “Into the Lake” exhibit doubles the size of its sturgeon tank. Other changes include a new home for the snapping turtle on the mezzanine floor, a plankton exhibit, and an invasive species display.
The ECHO Center’s Steve Smith says it’s all about education and how to take better care of the lake we all love. “It’s just going to be great to provide more opportunities to interact with our guests and teach them what we’re doing here, what they should be doing out on the lake, and how we can all help be good environmental stewards,” he said.
Parts of the center have been closed to the public since last fall as the renovation took place.
WCAX: New Fish Exhibit at ECHO Set to Open Next Week
BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – A new exhibit that takes a deep dive into Lake Champlain is just days away from opening at the ECHO Leahy Center in Burlington.
Our Ike Bendavid showed you how the crew at ECHO moved the fish for construction.
And now, he has a look at their return ahead of the opening of the exhibit next week. Watch the video to see.
Once they put the finishing touches on the new exhibit, there will be a ribbon-cutting next Tuesday.
Hello Burlington: ECHO’s New 15,000 Gallon Aquarium Opens in Burlington, VT
There’s something big happening on Burlington’s waterfront. This summer, ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, is unveiling a stunning new transformation to its beloved “Into the Lake” exhibit. This expansion offers visitors an immersive dive into Lake Champlain’s vibrant ecosystem by introducing a 15,000-gallon freshwater aquarium, more than double the capacity of the previous tank. ECHO’s hands-on science museum is always a popular destination, and the brand-new aquarium is taking it to the next level as a must-see destination for families and nature enthusiasts. Read more.
Vermont Business Magazine: ECHO celebrates Into the Lake Exhibit Gallery & Trout July 15
ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain is proud to announce a dual celebration honoring the newly renovated Into the Lake exhibit and the restoration of lake trout in Lake Champlain. The ceremony takes place on Tuesday, July 15, from 12:30 – 3:00 pm at ECHO. The new exhibit inspires public education about native wildlife and stewardship of the Lake Champlain Basin ecosystem. The upgraded gallery features an expanded 15,000-gallon aquarium, updated exhibits, a new presentation space, and more. Read more.
Click here for ECHO’s Lake Tank Ribbon Cutting Press Release.
WCAX: ECHO Holds it’s 19th Annual Turtle Release with Vermont Fish and Wildlife
BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – A dozen turtles are now back at home in Lake Champlain. ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain held its 19th annual turtle release with Vermont Fish and Wildlife this week at North Hero State Park. In those 19 years, they have released 445 turtles that were rescued from disturbed nests and rehabbed.
Officials say it’s a small part of critical efforts to restore the Eastern spiny softshell turtle back into the lake.
WCAX: ECHO Center’s new exhibit space set to open this summer
BURLINGTON, VT (WCAX) – It may look like a construction zone right now, but the future location of the ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain’s “Into the Lake Exhibit” is on track for a summer opening.
WCAX: ECHO launches Rube Goldberg machine
BURLINGTON, VT (WCAX) – A new exhibit in Burlington celebrates the use of complex machines for simple tasks.
Rube Goldberg machines are elaborate and often made with items around the house and a lot of physics. The new contraption machine and workshops by Zach‘s Contraptions allows visitors to try their hand at a few pre-designed machines or make their own.
New ECHO exhibit explores Rube Goldberg contraptions
BURLINGTON, VT (WCAX) – A new exhibit in Burlington celebrates the use of complex machines for simple tasks.
“Rube Goldberg: The World of Hilarious Invention” opens to the public on Saturday at the ECHO Leahy Center.
Seven Days: Looking for Champ? Check Out This Sculpture at ECHO
A new 30-foot sculpture of the elusive lake creature is not so hard to find. It’s on display at the lakefront environmental center in Burlington.
Legend has it that Champ, the serpentlike mythical monster, was first spotted in Lake Champlain four centuries ago. Since then, there have been scores of supposed sightings, including one in 1977 that resulted in a photograph of a dino-like figure bobbing in the water.
Now visitors to Burlington’s ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain will get an eyeful of Champ just by stepping inside the waterfront building. A new 30-foot, 2,000-pound sculpture — made of steel and foam and paid for by private donors — hangs from cables above the science center’s mezzanine. Read more.
UVM Physics Department hosts “Phun Day” at ECHO
Visitors at Echo, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain got a special treat on March 22nd as students, staff, and faculty from the University of Vermont were there to facilitate hands-on science activities as part of Physics Phun Day. The Physics department has a long-standing relationship with Echo, and it’s an annual tradition for the Society of Physics Students to come down and bring some toys to help explain and illuminate fundamental principles of science with engaging activities visitors can try. Read more.
