Open Travel Guide
History of Vermont

Vermont History & Heritage Guide 2026

The history of Vermont told through its places: sites worth the detour and the context they need.

Vermont has 8+ historical sites covered in this guide, led by Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home, Vermont State House and Rock of Ages Granite Quarry. Each entry below includes the practical details — what it costs, when to go, and how to plan around it.

Vermont is a small New England state of extraordinary natural beauty, famous for fiery fall foliage, world-class ski resorts, covered wooden bridges, and a thriving farm-to-table food culture. Burlington, its largest city, sits on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain and buzzes with craft breweries and independent shops. From the rolling Green Mountains to maple-syrup farms and award-winning cheese dairies, Vermont rewards travelers who seek authenticity over spectacle.

Historical sites

Places where Vermont's past comes alive.

Historic

Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home

Where: Manchester

Admission: Adult: $25 (USD) | Child: Ages 6–14: $7 (USD); under 6 free

Historic

Vermont State House

Where: Montpelier

Admission: Adult: Free | Child: Free

Historic

Rock of Ages Granite Quarry

Where: Barre (Graniteville)

Admission: Adult: $8 quarry tour (USD) | Child: Ages 5–12: $5 (USD)

Historic

Ethan Allen Homestead

Where: Burlington

Admission: Adult: $12 (USD) | Child: Ages 5–14: $6 (USD)

Historic

President Chester A. Arthur Birthplace

Where: Fairfield

Admission: Adult: Free | Child: Free

Historic

Billings Farm & Museum

Where: Woodstock

Admission: Adult: $20 (USD) | Child: Ages 5–15: $10 (USD)

Historic

Grafton Village

Where: Grafton

Admission: Adult: Free to walk the village | Child: Free

Historic

Vermont History Museum

Where: Montpelier

Admission: Adult: $7 (USD) | Child: Ages 6–17: $3 (USD); under 6 free

Museums

Curated collections that tell Vermont's story.

Museum

Shelburne Museum

Hours: May–December: daily 10 AM–5 PM

Admission: Adult: $25 (USD) | Child: Ages 3–17: $14 (USD)

Museum

Vermont History Museum

Hours: Tuesday–Saturday 10 AM–4 PM

Admission: Adult: $7 (USD) | Child: $3 (USD)