Bennington County: Discover Culture, Lakes, and Nature

Bennington County combines impressive cultural attractions with lakes, hiking trails, natural areas, and regional traditions. When choosing a vacation rental or holiday home, the mix you want is therefore especially important: Are you looking for exhibitions and history, water-based activities, extended hikes, or a trip with changing daily destinations? The region offers a variety of options for all of these interests.

Culture, History, and Creative Impressions

The American Museum of Fly Fishing is dedicated to the development of fly fishing as a sport, art form, craft, and industry in the United States and internationally. Exhibitions, gallery programs, lectures, special events, and presentations make the museum a cultural destination in its own right. The Southern Vermont Arts Center focuses on a different area, presenting exhibitions by artists from the region, the United States, and around the world. Workshops and classes are held there both in the studio and outdoors.

Vermont's history is also present throughout the county. The Bennington Battle Monument commemorates a decisive victory in the American Revolutionary War and, at 306 feet, is Vermont's tallest structure. Hildene was built around the turn of the 20th century as a summer home for the Lincoln family. Founded in 1762, the Old First Congregational Church is considered Vermont's oldest Protestant church and an architectural and historic landmark. Several covered bridges add to the historic character: the Burt Henry Covered Bridge, the Silk Road Covered Bridge, and the Paper Mill Covered Bridge were each built in 1840.

Lakes, Swimming Areas, and Nature Trails

Those who enjoy alternating between peaceful moments in nature and active days will find several different options. At Lake Shaftsbury State Park, the easy Healing Springs Nature Trail leads around Lake Shaftsbury; the park also has a sandy beach for swimming and rentals of kayaks, canoes, and pedal boats. Woodford State Park offers a 2.7-mile hiking trail around the lake. Popular activities at Emerald Lake State Park include swimming, fishing, non-motorized water sports, and hiking. Only non-motorized watercraft are permitted on Emerald Lake.

Dorset Quarry is a former marble quarry that is now used as a swimming area. The Battenkill River offers opportunities for trout fishing. For longer hiking plans, the Long Trail begins in Pownal; this 272-mile route is described as the nation's oldest long-distance hiking trail. The Long Trail runs together with the Appalachian Trail through the northwestern corner of Hapgood State Forest.

Scenery, Wildlife Viewing, and Regional Specialties

The Whipstock Hill Wildlife Management Area encompasses rare natural communities of statewide significance, including Rich Fen as well as wet and moderately moist clayplain forests. Non-motorized access for hiking, snowshoeing, and wildlife viewing is available there on existing logging roads. The South Stream Wildlife Management Area includes a 24-acre pond and wetlands with emergent vegetation that offer opportunities for observing waterfowl. Hiking, wildlife viewing, regulated hunting, trapping, and fishing are also permitted there. The Kesick Swamp Wildlife Management Area is a historic beaver pond meadow with wetlands and emergent marsh habitat. Scattered hiking and nature observation are permitted in the Fisher-Scott Memorial Pines Natural Area; the area has been designated a National Natural Landmark since 1976.

Choose Accommodation to Match Your Travel Plans

For those interested in culture, a stay can focus on museums, historic buildings, and regional art. Anyone looking to combine water and activity can shape their itinerary around lakes, swimming areas, and non-motorized water sports. For hikers, the Long Trail, Hapgood State Forest, and the natural areas offer a wide variety of options. The 48-mile Molly Stark Scenic Byway follows Route 9 and is anchored at one end by Bennington. The Green Mountain Express has provided transportation services in and around Bennington County since 1985. As a culinary specialty, Garlic Town USA takes place in Bennington every Labor Day weekend, offering fresh garlic bulbs as well as oils and sauces flavored with garlic.

For further location comparisons, you can also compare Bennington, East Dorset, Bondville, Pownal, Dorset, Manchester, Winhall, Shaftsbury, and Sandgate. The Bennington Welcome Center provides informational materials, free Wi-Fi, help with directions, and assistance with reservations for restaurants and theaters.

For the broader travel overview: Vermont.