Historic Homes and Sites
Central VT historic farms, battlefields, museums, and gardens welcome visitors
10 listings
Orwell, VT
Mount Independence Historic Site
497 Mount Independence Road 802-759-2412Mount 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/
Weston, VT
Farrar-Mansur House Museum
Route 100, On the Green 802-824-8190Originally 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
Strafford, VT
Justin Smith Morrill Homestead
214 Justin Morrill Memorial Highway 802-765-4484A 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.
South Royalton, VT
Joseph Smith Birthplace Memorial
357 LDS Lane 802-763-7742At 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.
Plymouth, VT
President Calvin Coolidge Birthplace & Historic Site
3780 Route 100A 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
Hubbardton, VT
Hubbardton Battlefield and Museum
5696 Monument Hill Road 802-759-2412The 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.
Montpelier, VT
Vermont State House
115 State Street 802-828-2228The 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
Proctor, VT
Wilson Castle
West Proctor Road 802-773-3284This 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/
Weston, VT
The Old Mill
802-824-5294The 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
Addison, VT
Chimney Point State Historic Site
7305 VT Route 125 802-759-2412Chimney 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.