Top 12 Historic Landmarks in Vermont

Samuel de Champlain was a French explorer who was first noted for discovering Vermont’s famous Green Mountains in 1609, and the state’s name is derived from the French words for “Green Mountains.”

Before this time, the Algonquian tribe lived in the area for centuries, and French forces actually joined the Algonquians in fighting against a rival Native American tribe.

The English arrived in 1724, and the famous French and Indian War ensued. Later, the state was involved in the American Revolution, and it gained independence for a time until it became the 14th state in the United States in 1791.

Many historic battles were fought on Vermont soil over the centuries and some of the forts and homes that were built 200 to 300 years ago or more still stand for you to tour and explore, making Vermont a truly fascinating place to explore with a road trip.

You can easily load your friends or family members up into the car and enjoy an amazing vacation exploring some of the most notable historical landmarks and attractions in the state. While doing so, you can enjoy incredibly beautiful, natural landscapes throughout Vermont.

Looking to hitting the road and visiting Vermont? First, enter your ZIP code above and compare at least three to four policies today!

Top 12 Historic Landmarks in Vermont

To know more about Vermont in detail, you need to spend ample time exploring the state’s attractions.

If you are planning a road trip to visit Vermont’s most historic and famous landmarks, these are a few of the more notable attractions that you should include on your itinerary.

#1 – Mount Mansfield State Forest

Mount Mansfield State Forest is a vast wooded area that spans across 44,444 acres. The forest includes:

• Little River State Park
• Waterbury Center State Park
• Underhill State Park
• Smugglers’ Notch State Park

While there is an extensive amount of natural beauty for you to savor and numerous outdoor recreational activities to enjoy here, history buffs will want to hike along the Little River History hiking trail in Little River State Park.

The Little River History hiking trail includes numerous educational points of interest that can tell you more about what life was like for early settlers in the area.

There is a daily entrance fee of $4 for adults and $2 for children between the ages of four and 13.

#2 — Vermont State House

The Vermont State House in Montpelier is the primary governmental building for the state of Vermont. The state house is where the governing officials meet to establish new laws, take votes on proposed bills, and more.

You can enjoy a guided tour or a magic wand audio tour through the capitol building free of charge during regular business hours throughout the year. These tours are a fabulous way to learn more about the governmental history of Vermont.

#3 — Robert Frost Farm

Robert Frost is among the most famous American poets, and the Robert Frost Farm is where this poet and his family lived between the years of 1900 and 1911.

You can tour this well-preserved farmhouse and walk along beautiful trails that cover the grounds to learn more about how the poet and his family lived during this period of time as well as about the history of the poet himself.

Guided tours as well as poetry readings, displays, and a trail through the grounds are available free of charge during business hours throughout the year.

#4 — Smugglers’ Notch State Park

When you visit Smugglers’ Notch State Park, you will be able to walk along the actual trail that early Vermont residents used to conduct illegal trading activities with Canada in the early 1800s.

This historic trail was also used to help fugitive slaves escape to Canada before the Civil War and as an important route to bring smuggled liquor into the United States during the Prohibition.

At this park, you can enjoy camping, hiking, biking, exploring caves and ice climbing. The daily entrance fee for access to Smugglers’ Notch State Park is $4 for adults and $2 for children between the ages of four and 13.

#5 — Montshire Museum of Science

The Montshire Museum of Science in Norwich is a critically-acclaimed museum that has nationally-recognized exhibits and activities for visitors to enjoy.

At this museum, you can learn more about the development of scientific theories and principles that have evolved over the years. Some of the primary permanent exhibits that you can explore relate to:

• Air and weather
• Creatures
• Light and sight
• Sound and hearing
• Native plants and the environment
• Puzzles
• Water
• The planet and astronomy

Admission is $15 for adults and $12 for children between the ages of two and 17.

#6 — Shelburne Farms

Shelburne Farms in Shelburne is a 14,000-acre working farm and educational center that is available for tours and activities.

The farm was established close to Lake Champlain in 1868, and it is a thriving facility that allows visitors to learn more about natural and historical farming practices, horse breeding, and more.

There is also a family residence on-site that you can tour when you visit as well as a farm store that is filled with great mementos and souvenirs. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and $5 for children between the ages of three and 17.

#7 — Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium

Situated in St. Johnsbury, the museum was established in 1889 and features more than 175,000 unique objects on display for you to view and learn about. Some of the exhibits that you will find at the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium include: 

• Mounted animals
• Fossils
• Shells
• Historic tools and dolls
• Archival photos
• A planetarium, etc.

Notably, the museum is located inside a beautiful, historic building with Classic architecture, and the grounds are impressively maintained.

The cost for entrance is $9 for adults. Seniors and children between the ages of six and 17 are $7.

#8 – Hildene

Hildene is a historic family home in Manchester, where the only surviving son of Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln lived most of his life. 

Robert Todd Lincoln and his family lived on the Georgian Revival-style Hildene farm from 1905, and it stayed in the Lincoln family’s possession until 1975.

Today, the home and the dairy farm are open for guided tours and other activities. Admission fees are $20 for adults and $5 for children.

#9 — Green Mountain National Forest

The Green Mountain National Forest is a beautiful, protected area that spans across six counties. It was established in 1932 and covers approximately 400,000 acres.

Notably, the forest is home to segments of the famous Appalachian Trail, the Long Trail, and the Robert Frost National Recreation Trail.

This forest is a wonderful place to explore if you want to learn more about the history of the area while enjoying the natural beauty that Vermont is known for.

#10 — Billings Farm & Museum

Located in Woodstock, Vermont, Billings Farm & Museum is considered one of the finest outdoor history museums in the country. Even though the farm dates back to 1871, Billings Farm & Museum is still a fully functioning dairy farm.

Get the chance to explore the carefully restored 1890 farmhouse or any of the four exhibits that teach you about life on the farm. Housed in historic barns original to the farm, each exhibit is called:

• General Store
• Rural Farm House
• Ice Cutting and Harvesting
• Maple Sugaring

There are also interactive programs where you can meet award-winning animals on the farm or sample Billings Farm cheddar cheese.

The farm and museum is open every day during the summer (April 1st-Oct. 31st), from 10 am to 5 pm. Winter hours are only 10 am to 4 pm during the weekends and holidays. Admission fees are:

• $15 for adults ages 16-61
• $14 for seniors ages 62 and over
• $9 for students ages 16 & up
• $8 for children ages 5-15
• $4 for children ages 3-4

#11 — Bennington Battle Monument

The Battle of Bennington was a turning point in the American Revolution, and the Bennington Battle Monument was built to commemorate the event.

When you visit the monument, you can explore the grounds to learn more about the battle, and you can take an elevator to the top of the structure to admire expansive views of the landscape in all directions.

Admission is $5 for adults and $1 for children between the ages of six and 14.

#12 — ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center

Sitting on the shore of Lake Champlain in Burlington, the ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center is the perfect place to visit when you want to learn more about the world around you and its history.

There are exceptional programs that include everything from engineering exhibits to aquatic animal displays and activities.

ECHO is a popular destination for school field trips in Vermont, and you can tour this facility on your road trip throughout the state. Admission is $16.50 for adults, $14.50 for seniors and students and $13.50 for children between the ages of three and 17.

Traveling Safely in Vermont

One of the most significant ways your road trip across Vermont could be negatively impacted is if you are involved in a car accident. A car accident could cause injuries, expensive damage to your vehicle, liability issues, and more.

– Know the Auto Insurance Laws

In Vermont, drivers are required by law to carry a minimum amount of auto insurance coverage at all times, and you should review your current coverage to ensure that you comply with state law.

This coverage includes $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injuries as well as $10,000 per accident for property damage.

Remember that Vermont is a fault state, which means that you could be held liable for damages you cause to another person when you are behind the wheel.

– Review Your Coverage

While you need to review your coverage today to ensure that you comply with minimum requirements, you may also benefit by updating your coverage every six months.

Factors that affect your premium can change quickly, and comparison shopping periodically will help you to avoid paying more than necessary for car insurance.

While cost is an important factor to consider when shopping for car insurance, remember to also focus on the reputation and financial strength of the auto insurance provider if you want to make the best buying decision.

– Map Your Route Ahead of Time

Plan your travel route and know where you are headed to before you get behind the wheel. Looking at a GPS is a form of distracted driving and can lead to car accidents.

To prepare for your road trip, tune-up your engine and pack an emergency kit in your car in case something happens. These steps will help you to be as safe and secure as possible on your road trip across Vermont.

If you want to tour the historic sites of Vermont and want to ensure your car is good to go beforehand, start comparison shopping today by entering your ZIP code below!