What is a landmark?
Historic buildings and battlefields, grand sweeping vistas, and those iconic covered bridges are only a few of the famous and natural landmarks in Vermont. If you’re heading to the state in your RV, you’ll want to add a few of these U.S. landmarks to your list!
What are Some Famous Landmarks in Vermont?
- Vermont State House
2. Mount Independence
3. Rock of Ages Quarry
4. Mount Equinox
5. Shelburne Farms
6. Calvin Coolidge Homestead District
7. The Old Constitution House
8. The Bennington Battle Memorial
9. Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge
10. Vermont Underwater Historic Preserves
Vermont Landmarks
Here is our list of the top 10 Vermont landmarks for you to explore!
1. 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. The capital is open to the public and offers free tours to visitors.
Things to do near the Vermont State House: Visitors can explore the quaint town of Montpelier, the smallest capital city in America. We’ve put together a local guide to help you explore the city. It’s also surrounded by nearby state parks, including Elmore State Park, Kettle Pond State Park, and Camels Hump State Park. Here are some local RV rentals to check out.
2. 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 hiking trails for outdoor lovers to discover.
Things to do near Mount Independence: 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.
3. 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.
Things to do near Rock of Ages Quarry: The quarry is just outside the city of Montpelier and close to several state parks including Big Deer State Park and Little River State Park. We’ve got you covered with local RV rentals to explore this area.
4. 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.
Things to do near Mount Equinox: Mount Equinox is in Manchester, Vermont, but you’re not too far to Saratoga Springs and Albany, New York.
5. 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 premise.
Things to do near Shelburne Farms: 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. Check out some of our local RVshare rentals nearby.
6. Calvin Coolidge Homestead District
The Calvin Coolidge Homestead District, also called the Calvin Coolidge Historic Site 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.
Things to do near the Calvin Coolidge Homestead District: Coolidge State Park is right there, as well as the Plymouth Historical District. You’re also not too far from Windsor to see landmarks number 7 and 9 on our list!
7. 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.
Things to do near the Old Constitution House: Explore Windsor and Windsor Town Forest. You’re also close to Concord, New Hampshire if you want to head into a city. And the iconic Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge is just around the corner.
8. 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.
Things to do near the Bennington Battle Memorial: 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.
9. 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.
Things to do near the Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge: You’re right next to the Old Constitution House, and the town Windsor. You can also explore Windsor Town Forest for outdoor activities.
10. 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!
Things to do near the Vermont Underwater Historic Preserves: 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.
Planning an RV Trip to Vermont
An RV road trip is the perfect way to explore all these popular landmarks in Vermont. And we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know for your next RV trip.
Here are guides to some of the best state parks in Vermont, as well as all the national parks in the country. And as always, we’re here to help when it comes to finding the best campgrounds and RV rentals. Now it’s time to get planning and exploring!
