Historic buildings and battlefields, grand sweeping vistas, and those iconic covered bridges are only a few of the Vermont landmarks out there. Not sure which landmarks to visit while camping in Vermont? Try adding these top 10 landmarks in Vermont to your must-see list!
Top Landmarks in Vermont
Vermont Landmarks
Vermont State House
As you’d expect, the Vermont State House is located in its capital of Montpelier. The building was constructed in 1859 and is one of the oldest and best preserved state capitals in the country. It was built in Greek Revival style with a gold leafed domed roof and is beautiful to look at.
These days, the capital is open to the public and offers free tours to visitors.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Visitors can explore the quaint town of Montpelier, the smallest capital city in America. The city is also surrounded by nearby state parks, including Elmore State Park, Kettle Pond State Park, and Camels Hump State Park.
Camping can be found at both Elmore State Park and Kettle Pond State Park. Both are wonderful places to Stay while visiting the area.
Mount Independence
Mount Independence in Orwell, Vermont was the site of major American fortifications during the Revolutionary War. Situated on Lake Champlain, a museum and visitors center is now on the spot with live reenactors to explain the history of this site during the summer months.
Some of the exhibits include a hospital, soldiers’ quarters, and blockhouses that reflect the colonial time period. There’s also 6 miles of hiking trails for outdoor lovers to discover.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
After seeing Mount Independence, make sure to have fun on Lake Champlain! There are all sorts of hiking trails around the lake, or enjoy the lake itself with swimming, boating, or fishing. If you have your passport, you can also head over into Canada.
Half Moon Pond State Park is about half an hour away from Mount Independence and is a great place to set up camp for a while.
Rock of Ages Quarry
Rock of Ages Quarry is almost 600 feet deep and is the world’s largest operating deep hole granite quarry. They offer guided tours of both the quarry and the factory, where visitors can see how artisans carve the stone into art and headstones. There’s even an outdoor granite bowling alley where the whole family can try their hand on the granite bowling lane.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
The quarry is just outside the city of Montpelier, so visiting the Vermont State House and the other area attractions mentioned above will keep you busy. It’s also close to several state parks including Big Deer State Park and Little River State Park.
You can, of course, camp at the state parks. That said, Lazy Lions Campground is also nearby and a good pick.
Mount Equinox
Mount Equinox is the highest peak of the Taconic Range, and offers spectacular views of Manchester and Bennington County. Skyline Drive takes you to the summit at 3,648 ft. From the top you can see the Green Mountains, the Valley of Vermont and the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
While you can drive Skyline Drive, you can also hike the hiking trails, including the Blue Summit Trail to the top.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Mount Equinox is in Manchester, Vermont. Here, you’re not too far to Saratoga Springs and Albany, New York where you can enjoy attractions such as the Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Spa State Park, and the New York State Museum.
Dorset RV Park is a great campground and is nearby, so choosing it as your home base is definitely a good plan.
Shelburne Farms
Shelburne Farms is a historic farm along the shores of Lake Champlain. It was created in 1886 as a model farm. Today it sits on 3800 acres of land, is a National Historic Landmark, and a nonprofit educational center on sustainability.
They have walking trails, tours, and of course the working farm to explore. There’s even a restaurant and inn on site where you can enjoy farm to table food without even leaving the premises.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
You’ll be right by Shelburne Bay on Lake Champlain, so get ready for water activities and hiking. You’re also just south of Burlington, if you want to explore Vermont’s most populated city and sights like Church Street Marketplace and ECHO, Leah’s Center for Lake Champlain.
Shelburne Camping Area is the place to stay when visiting this particular attraction, as it is nearby and offers everything you need for a comfortable stay.
Calvin Coolidge Homestead District
The Calvin Coolidge Homestead District is the childhood home of the 30th president of the United States. Located in Plymouth, Vermont, it’s also the place where he was sworn into office after the previous president, Warren G. Harding died in office.
This historic site preserves the house exactly how it was when Coolidge took the presidential oath of office, and also includes a village with buildings like the general store, a cheese factory, a church, barns, and a dance hall.
The homestead is open for tours during the summer and has several trails on the property.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Coolidge State Park is right by this landmark, as is the Plymouth Historical District. You’re also not too far from Windsor to see landmarks number 7 and 9 on our list!
Hoping to find a place to stay? Coolidge State Park actually has a campground and is the ideal place to stay while exploring these sites.
The Old Constitution House
Located in Windsor, The Old Constitution House is the birthplace of Vermont. One year after the Declaration of Independence was signed, delegates of the Republic of Vermont met here to create the first Constitution of the State of Vermont.
The Old Constitution House was originally a tavern when the constitution was drafted, and today it is restored to look as it did back then. It’s open to the public during the summer months.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Explore Windsor and Windsor Town Forest. You’re also close to Concord, New Hampshire if you want to head into a city and see things like The Mount Washington Cog Railway and Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks. Also, the iconic Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge is just around the corner.
Wondering where to stay? Try Mount Ascutney State Park for a beautiful, quiet camping experience.
Bennington Battle Memorial
The Bennington Battle Memorial is a 306 foot high stone obelisk that commemorates the Battle of Bennington during the Revolutionary War. It’s the tallest monument in Vermont and the most popular state historic site. You can head up to the monument’s observation deck, which lets visitors view three different states.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
There are some great hiking trails nearby on the Bennington Area Trail System, including Everett Cave and Long Trail hiking area. You can also head west into New York to visit Albany to see the New York State Capitol and Albany Institute of History and Art.
One of the best places for camping nearby is Greenwood Lodge and Campsites.
Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge
Vermont is home to over 100 covered bridges – more than any other state! These wooden covered bridges were built to protect the roadway from snowy weather. Today they’re a Vermont icon and can be seen all across the state.
The Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge is the longest wooden covered bridge in the United States at 450 feet and connects the towns of Cornish, New Hampshire and Windsor, Vermont.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
When you’re at this bridge, you’re also right next to the Old Constitution House, and the town of Windsor where you can check out the American Precision Museum and other sights. You can also explore Windsor Town Forest for outdoor activities.
As for camping, we recommend staying at Getaway Mountain Campground.
Vermont Underwater Historic Preserves
That’s right, some of Vermont’s landmarks are actually underwater! Vermont’s Lake Champlain was an important waterway and now contains many shipwrecks going back to the 1700s. The Vermont Underwater Historic Preserves maintains five historic sites for scuba divers to explore.
Access to the underwater sites are free, but divers must register before they go. It’s a unique way to experience the past!
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Visit the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum to learn more about the archeology and ecology of the lake. You can also take rowing tours of the lake and explore how these boats are built.
One good place to stay nearby is Rivers Bend Campground, which is both lovely and comfortable.
Planning an RV Trip to Vermont
An RV road trip is the perfect way to explore all these popular landmarks in Vermont as well as the best state parks in Vermont and the many other awesome sights and attractions.
Now it’s time to get planning and exploring!
