Vermont’s natural beauty and rich history are best experienced in person, where the landscape and landmarks reveal a depth and grandeur that photos can’t capture. Here are six Vermont landmarks that are truly more beautiful when seen with your own eyes.
1. Bennington Battle Monument
Standing at 306 feet, the Bennington Battle Monument is Vermont’s tallest man-made structure and commemorates a pivotal Revolutionary War victory. Its Gothic Revival architecture and imposing granite presence are awe-inspiring, but it’s the panoramic views from the observation deck—stretching across Vermont, New York, and Massachusetts—that make a visit unforgettable.
The monument’s setting, surrounded by the rolling hills of the Green Mountains, adds a sense of solemnity and pride that’s palpable only in person.
2. Mount Independence
Mount Independence is one of the nation’s most significant Revolutionary War sites, with six miles of trails winding through archaeological remains of the original fortifications. The site’s rugged beauty, with sweeping vistas over Lake Champlain and the surrounding countryside, immerses visitors in both history and nature.
Walking the same ground as soldiers from centuries past, you’ll feel the weight of history and the serenity of Vermont’s wild landscape—a combination that’s impossible to convey in pictures.
3. Quechee Gorge Bridge
Known as the “Grand Canyon of Vermont,” Quechee Gorge is a dramatic chasm carved by the Ottauquechee River. The bridge spanning the gorge offers breathtaking views of sheer cliffs, lush forests, and the rushing river below.
Each season transforms the scene: autumn brings a riot of color, while winter cloaks the gorge in sparkling snow. The scale and tranquility of the gorge, along with the sound of the river, create an experience that’s both exhilarating and peaceful.
4. Shelburne Farms
Shelburne Farms is a National Historic Landmark that blends architectural grandeur with sustainable agriculture. The estate’s sweeping meadows, historic barns, and views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks are stunning in person.
Designed by architect Robert Robertson and landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, the farm’s harmonious blend of natural and built environments is best appreciated while strolling its grounds, where the sights, sounds, and even the scent of fresh hay create a sensory experience beyond any photograph.
5. Calvin Coolidge Homestead
The Calvin Coolidge Homestead in Plymouth Notch is the preserved childhood home of the 30th U.S. president. The homestead’s simple, practical architecture and rural setting reflect Vermont’s character and history.
Walking through the rooms where Coolidge was sworn in as president, and wandering the surrounding village, you’ll sense the quiet dignity and authenticity that defined both the man and the state. The landscape, dotted with historic buildings and framed by gentle hills, is especially evocative in person.
6. Mount Mansfield
Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, is famous for its distinctive profile—often described as a human face with a “chin,” “nose,” and “forehead.” The mountain’s trails lead through alpine tundra, rare in the eastern U.S., and offer sweeping views of the Green Mountains and beyond.
The changing light, shifting clouds, and seasonal colors make every visit unique. Standing atop the summit, with the wind in your hair and the world at your feet, is an experience that no photo can replicate.
These six Vermont landmarks are more than just destinations—they are immersive experiences where history, nature, and culture converge. Their true beauty is revealed only when you stand among them, breathe the crisp air, and take in the sights and sounds that make Vermont so special.
SOURCES:-
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_National_Historic_Landmarks_in_Vermont
[2] https://www.mexicohistorico.com/paginas/The-Legacy-of-the-Bennington-Battle-Monument.html
[3] https://historicsites.vermont.gov/mount-independence
[4] https://salientcal.com/2016/05/02/home-again-touring-the-homestead/
[5] https://www.vermonter.com/visiting-shelburne-farms/
