Discover Bennington County

The American Museum of Fly Fishing offers insight into a subject that extends far beyond the sport of fishing: it documents the development of fly fishing as a sport, art form, craft and industry in the United States and internationally. Its programs include exhibitions, gallery programs, lectures, special events and presentations; formats may change. The Southern Vermont Arts Center also brings together different perspectives: its exhibitions feature artists from the region, the United States and around the world. Workshops and classes take place in the studio and outdoors, with offerings depending on the current program cycle.

Art, history and landmark buildings

The Bennington Battle Monument commemorates a decisive victory in the American Revolutionary War. At 306 feet, it is Vermont’s tallest structure. The Old First Congregational Church offers a different historical focus: founded in 1762, it is considered Vermont’s oldest Protestant church and an architectural and historic landmark. Hildene was built around the turn of the 20th century as a summer home for the Lincoln family.

Several other historic structures also share the same year of construction: the Burt Henry Covered Bridge, the Silk Road Covered Bridge and the Paper Mill Covered Bridge were each built in 1840. The Robert Frost Stone House Museum at Bennington College in Shaftsbury is a historic residence. Together, these places offer different points of interest if you are interested in architecture, literature and Vermont’s history.

Lakes, trails and outdoor activities

At Lake Shaftsbury State Park, the easy Healing Springs Nature Trail loops around Lake Shaftsbury. The park also has a sandy swimming beach. Kayaks, canoes and pedal boats are available for rent there. The beach and rentals are seasonal and may vary; check current options before planning a specific visit. Woodford State Park offers a different lakeside loop: its trail runs 2.7 miles around the lake.

Popular activities at Emerald Lake include swimming, fishing, non-motorized water sports and hiking. Only non-motorized watercraft are permitted on the lake. That distinction is useful when planning your time on the water. Dorset Quarry is a former marble quarry that is now used as a swimming area. Check access and safety conditions before visiting. The Battenkill River offers opportunities for trout fishing.

For longer hikes, the Long Trail’s southern terminus is in Pownal. The route is 272 miles long and is described as the nation’s oldest long-distance hiking trail. The Long Trail and Appalachian Trail share a route through the northwest corner of Hapgood State Forest. These details describe two different things: the trail’s starting point in Pownal and its shared route through Hapgood State Forest.

Natural areas and landscapes

The protected areas showcase different aspects of the natural environment. Whipstock Hill Wildlife Management Area includes rare natural communities of statewide significance, including Rich Fen and wet and mesic clayplain forests. Non-motorized access for hiking, snowshoeing and wildlife viewing is available on existing logging roads. Fisher-Scott Memorial Pines Natural Area has been designated a National Natural Landmark since 1976; dispersed hiking and nature observation are allowed there.

South Stream Wildlife Management Area includes a 24-acre pond and emergent wetlands that offer opportunities for waterfowl viewing. The area is open to hiking and wildlife observation; regulated hunting, trapping and fishing are also permitted. Kesick Swamp Wildlife Management Area, meanwhile, is described as a historic beaver meadow with wetland and emergent marsh habitat. Visiting these natural areas lets you distinguish among different landscapes and uses, rather than treating them as one uniform hiking area.

Scenic route, summit views and seasonal events

The Molly Stark Scenic Byway forms a 48-mile corridor along Route 9, with Bennington at one end. Bromley Mountain has 47 trails and nine lifts, and the summit offers 360-degree views across the Green Mountains. Trail and lift counts may change; check current information if it matters to your plans.

Garlic Town USA takes place in Bennington every Labor Day weekend and has a tradition spanning more than 30 years. Offerings include fresh garlic bulbs and garlic-flavored oils and sauces; the selection may vary from one edition to another. If the festival is a reason for your trip, check the dates and offerings in advance.

Travel information

Green Mountain Express has provided transportation services in and around Bennington County since 1985. Specific services may change, so it’s worth checking current information before planning your journeys. The Bennington Welcome Center offers informational materials, free Wi-Fi, help with directions and assistance with restaurant and theater reservations. These visitor services may also change; confirm specific offerings on-site if you’re relying on them.

First decide which of these topics matter for your stay, then factor the relevant visiting conditions and dates into your plans.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: East Dorset, Bondville, Pownal, Dorset, Manchester, Winhall, Bennington, Shaftsbury, Sandgate.

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