26 Famous Landmarks in Vermont You Should Visit

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One of the most beautiful places to visit in New England is Vermont. If you're wondering, "What is Vermont famous for?" there's a lot to mention!

Vermont is famous for its stunning natural landscapes, outdoor attractions, and charming East Coast towns. You can also find numerous famous landmarks in Vermont, including the bustling Church Street Marketplace, the cute Vermont Teddy Bear Factory, and the fascinating American Precision Museum.

To learn more about all the must-see landmarks in the Green Mountain State, read on!

• 26 Vermont landmarks

26 Famous Vermont Landmarks

Vermont State House

The Vermont State House is located in the state capital of Montpelier in Washington County. Opened in 1859, the Greek-Revival building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.

Interestingly, the State House is the third state capitol building to be built, with all three sitting on the same site. Visitors to the Vermont State House can tour the building and find out more about state politics and Vermont history.

Justin Smith Morrill Homestead

Another house museum to visit in Vermont is the Justin Smith Morrill Homestead. This landmark was the home of Senator Justin Smith Morrill, who helped draft the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution as the Civil War came to a close.

The homestead was also one of the first National Historic Landmarks to be declared in 1960. As with other house museums, the home is decorated like it would have been when the senator lived there. While exploring, you can learn more about Justin Smith Morrill’s life and career.

Vermont Tourism

Old Constitution House

One of the most significant historical landmarks in Vermont is the Old Constitution House. On July 8, 1777, the first constitution for the state of Vermont was signed at this location.

This constitution was notably ahead of its time compared to those in other states. It outlawed slavery, allowed all men to vote regardless of income or if they owned property, and established a public school system.

The house in Windsor is now a museum, with educational exhibits, historical re-enactments, and rooms decorated as they would have been in the 18th and 19th centuries.

American Precision Museum

The American Precision Museum is located within Windsor's Robbins & Lawrence factory. This factory was the first in the United States to produce precision interchangeable parts.

The museum today features exhibits on production in the US through the 19th century. You can also learn about various innovations, including those that impacted precision manufacturing.

Smugglers' Notch State Park

Smugglers' Notch State Park is found near Stowe and is a mountain pass with an elevation of 2,165 feet. The landmark gets its name from smugglers who would move goods from Canada through the mountains during the War of 1812.

The smuggling routes were used again over 100 years later to smuggle alcohol into the US from Canada during prohibition in the 1920s. These days, the park is loved by outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy admiring the scenery and following hiking and biking trails.

Vermont Teddy Bear Factory

A highly adorable famous place in Vermont is the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory. The factory is owned by the Vermont Teddy Bear Company, one of the largest producers of teddy bears in North America, producing and selling around 500,000 bears a year.

The company began selling bears from a cart at Church Street Market in Burlington in the 1980s. Today, the brand has state-of-the-art production facilities, one of which you can visit and tour. After learning about the production process, you can buy your own bear in the gift shop.

Vermont Tourism

Calvin Coolidge Historic Site

Also known as the President Calvin Coolidge Homestead District, this Vermont National Historic Landmark features the childhood home of the 30th US president. Calvin Coolidge lived at the house in Plymouth from the age of four in 1876 until 1887, when he was 15.

After he left home to attend Black River Academy, the Coolidge family continued living there, and Calvin returned frequently. In fact, it was in this home that he took the Presidential Oath of Office in August 1923.

Visiting the homestead offers a look at where President Calvin Coolidge grew up. It also provides some background on his life before and after his presidency.

Emma Willard House

Located in Middlebury, Vermont, the Emma Willard House is one of the most fascinating historic sites in the state. Emma Willard was a significant figure in the development of women’s education. She lived at the home from 1809 until 1819.

Along with being her home, Emma used the residence as a schoolhouse for girls in 1814. She went on to open a girl’s boarding and day school in New York in 1821, one of the first of its kind. The house remains connected to education to this day and is now used as an admissions office for Middlebury College.

Vermont Tourism

Mount Independence State Historic Site

If you’re interested in Revolutionary War history, the Mount Independence State Historic Site is one of the famous places in Vermont you must visit.

During the war, American troops constructed numerous fortifications in this area to keep the British at bay. It was one of the most important military sites throughout the conflict.

The area was named Mount Independence after the US won the war and created the Declaration of Independence in 1776. After being used as farmland for around two centuries, Mount Independence was turned into a State Historic Site.

Naulakha

Known as Naulakha after Naulakha Pavilion in Lahore, Pakistan, the Rudyard Kipling House in Dummerston was home to the famous literary figure from 1893 to 1896. He notably wrote The Jungle Book here, along with various other works.

Unlike many historic homes, Kipling’s residence wasn’t turned into a museum after being added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. That doesn’t mean you can’t visit it, though!

In fact, you can stay at Naulakha as it’s now a holiday home! The four-bedroom, three-bath house is available to rent throughout the year and is surrounded by tranquil countryside.

jenlo8/Depositphotos.com

Church Street Marketplace

Opened in 1981, Church Street Marketplace in Chittenden County is a much-loved shopping and dining attraction in Burlington, Vermont. The marketplace covers four blocks along Church Street and was originally designed in 1958.

There are a variety of local shops at the market, including florists, clothing outlets, kids’ shops, and even bridal stores. Church Street Market also has many dining options, including coffee shops, pizza places, and food cart vendors.

Bennington Battle Monument

Another of the historical places in Vermont relating to the Revolutionary War is the Bennington Battle Monument. The monument sits in Bennington in Southern Vermont and commemorates those that fought in the Battle of Bennington.

Despite its name, the battle actually took place in New York state but was named after the Vermont town. The memorial itself features a 306-foot obelisk that sits within a five-acre memorial park.

Lake Champlain

Located in both Canada and the US, Lake Champlain is a well-known natural landmark. The freshwater lake sits within Vermont and New York on the US side and Quebec on the Canadian side.

Lake Champlain isn’t just a scenic lake, however. Beneath the water sits the oldest fossil reef in the world. This world-famous landmark is around 450 million years old and holds the fossils of dinosaurs who once called North America home. Some even believe that dinosaur-like creatures, similar to the Loch Ness Monster, lurk within the lake!

Socialist Labor Party Hall

Also known as the Old Labor Hall National Historic Landmark, Socialist Labor Party Hall was constructed in 1900. It was a primary location for members of the labor movement in the early 1900s to meet and debate policy.

The building is found in Barre, Vermont, and was built by Italian immigrants to the area. Most of these individuals were also members of the Socialist Labor Party.

Vermont Tourism

Rokeby Museum

Rokeby Museum is one of the landmarks of Vermont that will appeal to an array of travelers, from history enthusiasts to families. This site has a 1780s farmstead surrounded by 50 acres of grounds and woodlands with scenic hiking trails.

Visitors will additionally discover exhibits covering Vermont history from the 18th and 19th centuries. The landmark also features the Historic Robinson Home that was used as a place of shelter on the Underground Railroad.

Stellafane Observatory

A more unusual Vermont attraction on the National Register of Historic Places is Stellafane Observatory, also known as Stellafane Clubhouse. Founded in 1924 in Springfield, VT, by Russel W. Porter, it's an astronomical observatory and site of the Springfield Telescope Makers Club.

The clubhouse is an eye-catching pink building where those interested in astronomy and building telescopes can gather. The building and on-site telescopes are still used by members today, and the Stellafane Convention is held here annually.

Ethan Allen Homestead Museum

Ethan Allen was an American Revolutionary War patriot, businessman, and farmer who helped found the state of Vermont. He built the homestead in Burlington in 1787. Ethan Allen lived there until he died in 1789.

Today, you can visit the homestead and tour the over 230-year-old property. You can also explore the surrounding gardens and farmland and see historical re-enactments.

Vermont Tourism

Chimney Point State Park

One of the many beautiful Green Mountain State parks is Chimney Point State Park. The park is located in Addison next to Lake Champlain and includes an on-site museum called the Chimney Point State Historic Site.

At the museum, you can discover exhibits on the history of those that have lived in the area over the last few centuries, including Native Americans. You can then enjoy the park grounds, which include picnic areas and fantastic lake views.

Ethan Allen Monument

Another of the famous places to visit in Vermont relating to Ethan Allen is the Ethan Allen Monument, also known as Ethan Allen Tower. This landmark is located just a few minutes from the Ethan Allen Homestead within a park named after the historical figure.

After seeing the 40-foot-tall tower, you can explore the rest of the park, which features grassy lawns, oak and maple trees, and a playground for kids. If you’re looking for the best things to do in Burlington, a relaxing visit to Ethan Allen Park is a must!

Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home

Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home is one of the most famous National Historic Landmarks in Vermont. This residence was the summer home of Robert Todd Lincoln, son of Abraham Lincoln, and his wife, Mary Harlan Lincoln.

The home in Manchester, Vermont, was constructed in 1905 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. Today, much of the house is open to the public, allowing you to explore the Colonial Revival property and its grounds.

Covered Bridges

While not a specific landmark, seeing at least some of the renowned covered bridges when in Vermont is a must! The state is home to over 100 covered bridges and has more per square mile than any other state.

Many of the bridges are also over 100 years old, having been constructed between 1820 and 1900. Montgomery has the most covered bridges, but you’ll likely see one in every town.

Robert Frost Stone House Museum

Not to be confused with the Robert Frost Farm State Historic Site in New Hampshire, the Robert Frost Stone House Museum is located on the Bennington College campus in Shaftsbury, Vermont. The poet lived in the home, now turned museum, from 1920 to 1929.

While living at the house, he wrote many of his most well-known works and won one of his four Pulitzer Prizes. Visitors today can tour the home and learn more about this renowned American literary figure.

Vermont Tourism

Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park

Located in Woodstock, the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park preserves the Marsh-Billings House, which was built in 1805. The site is named after the residence's owners, including George Perkins Marsh and Frederick Billings.

Along with touring the home, visitors to the park can explore the surrounding grounds. These grounds include a lake and scenic forest hiking trails. There are also beautifully manicured gardens to explore. In addition, the Billings Farm & Museum is found adjacent to the National Historical Park and is well worth a visit.

The Old Round Church

Constructed in 1812, the Old Round Church in Richmond is a sixteen-sided meeting house, a rare architectural find. In the 19th century, the church was a meeting place for Vermont’s five Protestant congregations. It was also used as a town hall. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1996 and remains open for viewings and events.

Quechee Gorge

Quechee Gorge is located in Quechee State Park and is the deepest gorge in Vermont. The gorge drops 165 feet and was created about 13,000 years ago by glacial activity. Today, it’s one of the most visited natural landmarks in Vermont.

There are a few trails to hike to reach the gorge, and after seeing it, you can explore the rest of the park. Things to do at Quechee State Park include hiking and camping.

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Shelburne Museum

Shelburne Museum is the largest museum in Vermont. Located in the town of Shelburne, the museum features art exhibits displaying over 150,000 pieces. Artworks to see range from textiles to impressionist paintings and folk art.

In addition, there are a variety of historic buildings on site, beautiful gardens, charming duck ponds, and much more. Shelburne Farms, a working farm complete with a mansion built by the Vanderbilts, is also located next to the museum. Here you can find some of the best cheeses in VT!

In Summary

Vermont is a beautiful destination with something for every type of traveler. When in this New England state, you won't be short of natural, historical, and cultural landmarks to visit!

This article was edited by Loredana Elena.

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