Let’s Visit Vermont
- Join our virtual tour highlighting the top attractions in Vermont
- For an overview of the state, see: National Geographic Kids. Vermont
Highlights\
Let’s learn more about some fascinating places worth seeing in Vermont.
- Stowe Mountain Resort (Stowe) is renowned for skiing and snowboarding during winter and hiking during summer.
- Shelburne Museum (Shelburne) stands out for its vast collection of American folk art, impressionist paintings, and historic buildings.
- Lake Champlain (Burlington) attracts visitors with its breathtaking views, water activities, and historical significance, including ties to the Revolutionary War.
- Ben & Jerry’s Factory (Waterbury) is famous for offering tours that showcase the creation of their iconic ice cream, with tastings included.
- Mount Mansfield (Underhill) is the highest peak in Vermont, attracting hikers and skiers with its panoramic views and challenging terrain.
- Smugglers’ Notch (Jeffersonville) is known for outdoor adventures, including skiing, hiking, and family-friendly activities.
- Quechee Gorge (Hartford) is dubbed Vermont’s “Little Grand Canyon” and draws visitors for its dramatic views and beautiful hiking trails.
- Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home (Manchester) was the summer home of Robert Todd Lincoln and is famous for its well-preserved architecture and beautiful gardens.
- Vermont State House (Montpelier) is celebrated for its Greek Revival architecture and historical significance as one of the oldest and most well-preserved state capitals in the U.S.
- Church Street Marketplace (Burlington) is a popular outdoor pedestrian mall offering vibrant shopping, dining, and live entertainment in the heart of the city.
Intriguing mysteries and weird facts
Discover these little-known facts about Vermont.
- Vermont has no billboards.
In 1968, Vermont banned billboards to protect its natural landscapes, so the views are always free from big advertisements. - Vermont was its own country.
Before it became the 14th state in 1791, Vermont was an independent republic for 14 years, even having its own currency and postal system. - Maple syrup is practically its own food group here.
Vermont produces more maple syrup than any other U.S. state, and in 1994, they made maple the official state flavor! - There’s a lake monster named Champ.
Legend says a mysterious creature called “Champ” lives in Lake Champlain, with sightings going back hundreds of years. - The first state to ban slavery.
Vermont’s 1777 constitution was the first to prohibit slavery, a progressive move at the time. - Montpelier has no McDonald’s.
The capital city, Montpelier, is the only U.S. state capital without a single McDonald’s fast-food restaurant. - More cows than people.
In some rural areas of Vermont, cows outnumber people, making dairy farming a key part of the state’s culture. - One state, one area code.
Vermont is the only U.S. state with just one area code (802), which makes it super unique. - Ben & Jerry’s has a “Flavor Graveyard.”
At the Ben & Jerry’s factory, there’s a “graveyard” for retired ice cream flavors, complete with tombstones! - Leaf-peeping is a serious event.
Every autumn, tourists flock to Vermont to admire the stunning fall foliage, creating a yearly spectacle known as “leaf-peeping.”
Notable People
Here are 10 famous men and women from Vermont.
Famous Men
- Calvin Coolidge (1872–1933)
Coolidge served as the 30th President of the United States and is known for his quiet, effective leadership during the Roaring Twenties. - John Deere (1804–1886)
An inventor and industrialist, Deere founded Deere & Company, which became a giant in the manufacturing of agricultural equipment. - Rudyard Kipling (1865–1936)
Though born in India, Kipling lived in Vermont for four years, during which he wrote much of “The Jungle Book.” - Joseph Smith (1805–1844)
The founder of the Mormon religion (Latter Day Saints), Smith was born in Sharon, Vermont, and started a global religious movement. - Brigham Young (1801–1877)
Young succeeded Joseph Smith and led the Mormon migration to Utah, where he established Salt Lake City.
Famous Women
- Grace Coolidge (1879–1957)
The wife of President Calvin Coolidge, Grace Coolidge was admired for her grace, charm, and efforts to promote causes like the education of the deaf. - Brigadier General Ann E. Dunwoody (born 1953)
Dunwoody was the first woman in U.S. military history to achieve the rank of four-star general, breaking barriers for women in the armed forces. - Pearl S. Buck (1892–1973)
The first American woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, Buck spent significant time in Vermont and is renowned for her works about China. - Helen Hartness Flanders (1890–1972)
A Vermont native, Flanders was an important folklorist who documented New England folk music and ballads, preserving the region’s cultural heritage. - Julia Dorr (1825–1913)
Dorr was a poet and novelist from Vermont whose works explored the human condition, nature, and domestic life. She was also active in social reform causes.
Date of Ratification of the Articles of Confederation/
Admission to the Union
March 4, 1791
State Capital and Government
Area and Total Population
| Area: 9,216 square miles | Total Population: 627,000 |
Major cities and their population
| City/ Town | Population |
| Burlington | 45,000 |
| South Burlington | 21,000 |
| Colchester | 18,000 |
| Montpelier | 8,000 |
Education
Educational Resources
Fairs and festivals
Flag
The flag of Vermont contains the coat of arms in the midde. A pine tree represents the Vermont forests. The cow and three sheaves of wheat represent the dairy and agriculture industries. The deer head on top represents Vermont’s wildlife. The Green Mountains are in the background. The text at the bottom reads Freedom and Unity. The Vermont General Assembly adopted the flag on June 1, 1923.
Geography
Location
Glimpses Into History
Breathtaking Landscapes
Check out these amazing landscapes and wildlife of Vermont.
National Landmarks and Historic Sites
National and State Parks
Sports
NCAA (National Collegiate Athletics Association) Division I Teams
State Motto
“Freedom and Unity”
State Nickname
- The Green Mountain State
State Symbols
- State symbols. Vermont
Seal
The seal, with a 14-branched pine tree rising from the forest, shows sheaves of wheat on either side. The 14 branches symbolize the Thirteen Colonies and Vermont as the 14th state admitted to the union. On the right is a cow, representing Vermont’s history of dairy farming. Wavy lines in blue at the top of the seal suggest clouds in the sky. At the bottom of the seal are more wavy lines suggesting water. The words Freedom and Unity appear near the bottom of the seal.
License Plate
State Animal
State Bird
State Flower
Tourism: Enjoy some incredible vacations
Watch a video
- Vermont (US Embassy Vienna)
- Vermont Travel Guide (TampaAerialMedia)
- 25 Best things to do in Vermont (Anna and Karl Travel)
- 10 best places to visit in Vermont (US Historians)
- 10 best things to do in Vermont (Sky Travel)
- What to do in Burlington, Vermont (New York Times)
Weather
- Today’s weather in Burlington
- Today’s weather in Montpelier
More Resources For The Best Things To Do
Burlington
- Hello Burlington
- Cathedral of St. Joseph
- Echo Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
- The Flynn Performing Arts Center
Montpelier
