Southern VT historic farms, battlefields, museums, and gardens welcome visitors

Adams Old Stone Grist Mill Museum

Mill Street Under-the-Hill Bellows Falls, VT 05101 Phone: 802-463-4280

Open: July-August, Saturday-Sunday, 2-4 p.m. or by appointment

This historic museum features 19th century milling equipment, farm tools and machinery. The structure houses much of its original equipment, including all the grain elevators and storage bins. Implements from the Vermont Farm Machinery Company are also stored in the building, as well as household articles, antique signs, and hand tools used by various craftsmen that were there when the business closed in the early 1960s, and the original sleigh for the Mill, as well as the family sleigh, all belonging to the Adams Family.

Bennington Battle Monument

Bennington, VT Phone: 802-447-0550

A 306 foot stone monument that pays homage to the Battle of Bennington. An elevator can take visitors to an observation point.

Historic Grafton Village

Routes 121 and 35 Grafton, VT Phone: 802-843-2255

This restored 19th century village offers visitors a detailed look at life in a bygone era. The site includes walking trails, museums, a cheese factory, agricultural exhibits, and even a cross-country ski center in the winter.

Historic Hildene

Manchester, VT Phone: 802-362-1788

This mansion was the home of Robert Todd Lincoln, President Abraham Lincoln's only surviving son. The house and furnishings have been restored to their 19th century appearance. A visitor's center offers additional information through exhibits and a slide show.

Park-McCullough Historic Estate

1 Park St. / P.O. Box 388 North Bennington, VT 05257 Phone: 802-442-5441

At Historic Park-McCullough, you experience the grandeur of the house often described as one of Vermont's jewels. The 35-room house was completed in 1865 for Trenor and Laura Park. This summer home is a classic example of French Second Empire style. The furnishings and decor are nearly unchanged. As you walk in the front door you will find rooms with 14-foot ceilings opening onto a gracious central hall with a sweeping staircase. The fine interior details include oak and walnut paneling, parquet floors, bronze chandeliers, and large, airy bedrooms.
The beautiful grounds feature a playhouse, rose gardens, and a Carriage Barn with a fine collection of horse-drawn carriages, buggies, and sleighs. Also onsite, the visitor will find a charming playhouse. It features miniature child-sized furniture and a working iron cook-stove. Open daily, Mid-May to mid-October, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. for personal guided tours, with special events throughout the year. Fee charged.

Peter Matteson Tavern

Shaftsbury, VT Phone: 802-447-1571

Historic educational facility offers tours by appointment only.

The Old Mill

Weston, VT

This mill, originally burnt to the ground in 1900, has been reconstructed. Visitors can see how early mills worked, included the use of water-powered and horse-drawn saws. A tinsmith is also at this location. Donations are requested.