Vermont historic homes and sites tell story of the state's social past

Vermont > State > Indoor Activities > Historic Homes and Sites

Vermont's historic homes and sites include residences of writers and one U.S. president, natural history museums, battlefields of the American Revolution; and many homes that preserve and honor the state's diverse history as independent and self-sufficient farmers, inventors, and citizen politicians. These historic places make a great vacation exploration adults and kids who love American history.

Shelburne Museum

U.S. Route 7 - P.O. Box 10 Shelburne, VT, 05482 Phone: 802-985-3346

This super-cool museum on the edge of Lake Champlain is filled with unusual attractions that are sure to entertain every person in the family. Kids and parents will love the authentic paddlewheel steamboat Ticonderoga, which was a workhourse of passenger and cargo transportation on the lake for decades in the 19th century. Shelburne Museum is one of the nation’s most eclectic museums of art, Americana, and design, displaying 150,000 objects on 45 acres in 25 historic New England buildings. There's even a lighthouse. A full day of family fun waits here.
Hours: Open Tues-Sun May 15 through late October, 10am - 5pm.
Museum Admission: Adults $25, Ages 13-17 $14, Ages 5-12 $12, Under 5 Free. Discounts available for VT residents, students, seniors, Museum or AAA members, and active military.

Hildene - The Lincoln Family Home

1005 Hildene Road Manchester, VT, 05254 Phone: 800-578-1788

This Georgian Revival mansion was built in 1905 in the scenic village of Manchester by Robert Lincoln, the only child of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln to survive to adulthood. Robert Lincoln was chairman of the Pullman Company, the largest manufacturing corporation at the turn of the 20th century. Hildene was home to only Lincoln descendants until 1975. Visitors may take guided or self guided tours and see at 1,000-pipe aeolian pipe organ, a gift from Robert to his wife, the Hoyt Formal Garden. the Observatory, the 1903 Pullman car Sunbeam, and Hildene Farm. This is a site on the Vermont African American Heritage Trail and includes an exhibit, Many Voices, highlighting the Pullman porters and the subsequent rise of the black middle class.
Hours: Daily, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. - Admission: Adults, $23; youth, $6; children under age 6, free

St. Anne's Shrine

92 St. Anne's Road Isle La Motte, VT, 05463 Phone: 802-928-3362

This is the site of Fort St. Anne, the oldest settlement in Vermont. On the shore of Lake Champlain, the site features the remains of the fort, as well as a chapel, grottos, and a statue of Samuel de Champlain. this also is a spiritual attraction, maintained by the Society of St. Edmund, and visited by religions pilgrims. Many rustic grottos around the property are visited for quiet contemplation and prayer. Picnic facilities and an all-purposed building are open. A cafe serves breakfast in July and August.

The Old Mill

The original 18th century mill was burnt beyond repair in 1900, but has been authentically reconstructed. Visitors can watch the operation of one of few water-powered mills in New England, milling grain as was done 75 years ago. Tours are offered.
Hours: Open July through early October, Saturday and Sunday afternoons, and on Wednesday afternoons through September 7.
Information: http://bit.ly/Z6FsUz

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Hubbardton Battlefield Monument - Hubbardton, VT - Photo Credit Hugo Stackel

Hubbardton Battlefield Historic Site

5696 Monument Hill Road Hubbardton, VT, 05735 Phone: 802-759-2412

The Battle of Hubbardton is considered one of the most successful rear guard actions in the annals of American history. A visitor's reception center houses a museum with an exhibit that places this battle into its Revolutionary War context. Strategic points along the Battlefield are marked. An annual reenactment commemorates the anniversary of the battle.
Hours: Late May to mid-October, Thursday-Sunday 9:30am - 5pm.

Chester A. Arthur Historic Site - Fairfield, VT - Photo Credit Gabriel Miller

President Chester A. Arthur Historic Site

4588 Chester Arthur Road Fairfield, VT, 05455 Phone: 802-828-3226

The home of America's 21st President, Chester A. Arthur, has been restored. On the grounds visitors will find a 19th century brick church, a picnic area, and a great deal of information about this little-known leader of the U.S.
Hours: Please check website. Site interior areas closed for 2022.

Wilson Castle

West Proctor Road Proctor, VT Phone: 802-773-3284

This mansion, built in the mid-19th century, offers a variety of imported, elegant furniture and household items. The 115-acre estate is also home to gardens and walkways. Popular Haunted Castle tours are offered during the Halloween season. A production called Murder Mysteries live combines dinner theater, scavenger hunt, and guest participation game.
Hours: Memorial day weekend to mid-October, guided tours daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Season finishes with two weekends of Haunted Castle tours.
Admission: Adults, $10; children age 6-12, $5.50.
Information: www.wilsoncastle.com/

Dog Mountain

143 Parks Road Saint Johnsbury, VT Phone: 800-449-2580

Dog Mountain is on 150 acres on a private mountaintop spot in St. Johnsbury. The grounds are always open to people and their dogs. Stephen Huneck and his wife, Gwen, bought the property in 1995 and turned the barn into and art studio. The Dog Chapel soon followed, in 2000. The unspoiled haven is covered with hiking trails and dog ponds. Wildflowers abound in the summer and snow-shoeing is a favorite activity in the winter. On Dog Mountain, dogs are free to run, play, swim, and meet other dogs.

Bennington Battle Monument

Monument Circle Bennington, VT, 05201 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. Open daily from May 1 - October 31, 10am - 5pm.

Farrar-Mansur House Museum

Route 100, On the Green Weston, VT, 05161 Phone: 802-824-8190

Originally built as a tavern in 1797, the house is now operated as a historic house museum by the Weston Historical Society. Collection includes 18th and 19th century decorative arts and furnishings.
Hours: Memorial Day-July 1, Saturday-Sunday, 1-4 p.m.; July 1-Labor Day, daily, 1-4 p.m.
Admission: $2.
Information: http://bit.ly/UmIYFV

Chimney Point State Historic Site

7305 VT Route 125 Addison, VT Phone: 802-759-2412

Chimney Point on Lake Champlain has evidence of human presence from 7,500 years into the past. Exhibits and events tell the stories of Native American, French colonial, and early American people on this site. The stories are told artifacts left behind, contemporary arts and traditions practiced by current inhabitants, and historic buildings in a marvelous setting
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Information: http://historicsites.vermont.gov/chimneypoint.

Old Stone House Museum

109 Old Stone House Road Brownington, VT, 05860 Phone: 802-754-2022

The Old Stone House, built as a school dormitory in 1834-36, now houses 25 rooms of exhibits focusing on 19th century life in northern Vermont. The collection includes furniture, textiles, photographs, pottery, folk and fine art, and many of the tools and utensils of daily life.
Hours: Open mid-May thru mid-October, Wednesday-Sunday 11am - 4pm. Closed Monday & Tuesday.
Admission: Adults $10, Seniors & Students with ID $8, Ages 5-17 $5, Under 5 Free.

Justin Smith Morrill Homestead

214 Justin Morrill Memorial Highway Strafford, VT, 05072 Phone: 802-765-4288

A Gothic revival home with 17 rooms and 7 additional buildings on the property. This was home to Justin Smith Morrill, who established Land Grant Colleges in Vermont. Visitors will enjoy historical exhibits.
Hours: Memorial Day through Columbus Day, Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tours are conducted on the hour.
Hours: Weekends from July through Columbus Day, 10am - 5pm. Admission: $6

President Calvin Coolidge Birthplace & Historic Site

3780 Route 100A Plymouth, VT, 05056 Phone: 802-672-3773

"Silent Cal," America's 30th President was born, buried, and sworn in as President at the Aldrich House, the centerpiece of this restored village. The homes of Calvin Coolidge's family and neighbors, the community church, cheese factory, one-room schoolhouse, and general store have been carefully preserved, and many of the buildings have their original furnishings. The President is buried in the town cemetery.
Hours: Late May to mid-October, daily, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: Adults, $7.50; children age 6 to 14, $2; children under age 6, free; family pass, $20
Information: http://bit.ly/YRzTH9

Ethan Allen Homestead

1 Ethan Allen Homestead Burlington, VT, 05408 Phone: 802-865-4556

The homestead of Vermont's Revolutionary War Hero, Ethan Allen. Built in 1787, visitors can tour the farm and view exhibits related to Allen's life, colonial history and the history of Vermont. The visitor's center also offers a multi-media program about Ethan Allen.
Hours: Open daily from May to October, 10am - 4pm. Tours every 90 minutes.
Admission: Adults $12; Children 5-17 $6, Under 5 Free.

Vermont State House

115 State Street Montpelier, VT Phone: 802-828-2228

The striking gold-domed Vermont State House commands the landscape of Montpelier, the smallest capital city in America.
Hours: Year-round, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. except state holidays. Guided Tours available on the half-hour, free of charge, July through mid-October.
Information: www.leg.state.vt.us/sthouse/sthouse.htm

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.

Joseph Smith Brithplace Memorial - South Royalton, VT

Joseph Smith Birthplace Memorial

357 LDS Lane South Royalton, VT, 05068 Phone: 802-763-7742

At the birthplace of the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) is one of the world's tallest solid granite spires in the world, erected in 1905. Site includes Visitor's Center with historical art and exhibits, a theater, changing special exhibits, stone walls and bridge.
Hours: Monday–Saturday 10am – 5pm, Sunday 11am – 6pm. Please call to confirm hours before you visit. No admission fee.

Mount Independence Historic Site

497 Mount Independence Road Orwell, VT Phone: 802-759-2412

Mount Independence was a fortified position during the Revolutionary War. Several trails on the 300-acre property of pasture and woodland link the remains of the Revolutionary War fortification, like batteries, blockhouses, and barracks. The trails have spectacular vistas overlooking Lake Champlain and the surrounding countryside. Some of the trails are wheelchair accessible. All trails start at the Visitors Center.
Open late May through early October, daily, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: $5.
Information: http://historicsites.vermont.gov/mountindependence/

Park-McCullough Historic Estate

1 Park Street North Bennington, VT, 05257 Phone: 802-442-5441

Park-McCulloughis 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. Visitors may arrange a tour of the grounds with the adjacent Mile-Around Woods and the Hiland Hall Farms Garden.
Dates & Hours: The Mansion is open Friday-Sunday from Memorial Day weekend to Columbus Day weekend, 10am-2pm. The public is welcome to explore the grounds any time from dawn to dusk.

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