These Small Towns in Vermont Have the Best Historic Districts

Sandwiched between the states of New York, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, as well as buffering up against the Canadian province of Quebec to the north, Vermont boasts some of the best scenery in all of New England. Adding to the charm of the "Green Mountain State" are its many picturesque small towns, some of which are home to Vermont’s best historic districts.

From the stately elegance of Woodstock’s old homes to the sprawling living museum encapsulating much of Shelburne, each of these small towns serves as windows to Vermont’s fascinating history. Discover the small towns in Vermont with the best historic districts for ideas and inspiration for your travels.

Woodstock

Although home to only around 3,000 people, Woodstock has a lot to offer those interested in learning more about Vermont’s history. The epitome of the quintessential New England town, Woodstock has been around since 1761 and later bore witness to the country gaining its independence. Its setting in the picturesque Green Mountains adds to its appeal, adding further to the allure of its meticulously preserved historic district with its many well-preserved buildings from the 1800s.

Billings Farm & Museum is also worth a visit. Established in 1871, this still-operating farm offers a peek into Vermont's rural heritage through hands-on activities and exhibits. The adjacent Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park complements the experience with its historically significant mansion and grounds. Be sure to also grab a photo of the town’s iconic Woodstock Covered Bridge spanning the Ottauquechee River.

St. Johnsbury

St. Johnsbury is set in the state’s northeast in an area that’s long been referred to as the Northeast Kingdom and should feature highly on your list of places to visit in Vermont. First settled in 1787, the town’s picturesque historic district is home to the must-visit St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, a library and art gallery built in 1871 that’s well worth popping into. Now a National Historic Landmark, this attractive old building features Victorian Gothic architecture and houses a large collection of books and artwork, including the famous Domes of the Yosemite by Albert Bierstadt, a masterpiece American landscape painting.

The Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium, established in the late 1800s and home to an impressive collection of natural history artifacts, is another must-visit historic attraction in St. Johnsbury.

Montpelier

Despite being the country’s smallest state capital with a population of just over 8,000 souls, Montpelier boasts a historic district that is bursting at the seams with attractions. Located on the Winooski River, the star of Montpelier is undoubtedly Vermont State House with its distinctive gold dome and stunning Greek Revival architecture. Be sure to book a tour of the building for a chance to see its impressive collections of artworks and historic artifacts chronicling events from Vermont's past.

Hubbard Park is another must-visit, its iconic stone tower boasting superb panoramic views of the city.

Shelburne

Located along the shores of Lake Champlain, a body of water it shares with New York and Quebec, Shelburne Village Historic District covers an area of around 74 acres and features numerous important old buildings. Many of these are on the grounds of Shelburne Museum, a collection of 39 buildings from the 1800s that includes old homes, barns, a schoolhouse, and even a steamboat that were all located here. 

Another significant landmark, Shelburne Farms is a 1,400-acre working farm, forest, and National Historic Landmark. Originally an agricultural estate, today it serves as an educational center promoting sustainable farming practices. 

Bennington

Located in southwestern Vermont, Bennington played a pivotal role in the Revolutionary War against Britain. Many references to this important part of US history are dotted around the town, the most important being the Bennington Battle Monument. Commemorating the Battle of Bennington in 1777, this iconic 306-foot stone obelisk is one of Vermont's most visited state historic sites and offers panoramic views from its observation deck.

Another must-visit landmark is the Old First Church. Constructed in 1762, it is Vermont's oldest church and houses the final resting place of poet Robert Frost in its adjacent cemetery.

Brattleboro

Brattleboro sits along the Connecticut River and has done a stellar job of preserving its historic downtown core. A standout historic landmark, the Brattleboro Museum and Art Center is set in a renovated 1915 train station and is a great place to start a self-guided tour of the town (be sure to also check out the locally inspired art).  

The town is also famous for being where famed writer Rudyard Kipling wrote his acclaimed novel, The Jungle Book. You can even visit the historic home, Naulakha, to learn more about the life and times of the writer.

Manchester

The Manchester Village Historic District is perfect for a fun walking tour. Located in southwestern Vermont in the scenic Taconic Mountains, a subrange of the Appalachian Mountains, this picturesque place has long been a popular retreat for artists and writers seeking a quiet spot to be creative. Highlights include Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home.

This stunning Georgian Revival mansion and its 412 acres of grounds served as the summer residence of Robert Todd Lincoln, the son of President Abraham Lincoln, and affords a glimpse into the Lincoln family's life in the early 20th century. The estate includes beautiful formal gardens, walking trails, and a fully restored 1903 Pullman train car.

Middlebury

You’ll find the attractive old town of Middlebury in the heart of Vermont’s scenic Champlain Valley. Bisected by pretty Otter Creek, the town’s most iconic historic landmark, Middlebury College Old Chapel, was constructed in 1836 in the then-popular Federal style and is notable for its grand bell tower and stately columns.

Downtown Middlebury is fun to explore on foot, and a self-guided tour should include such landmarks as the historic Ilsley Public Library and the Town Hall Theater. The Henry Sheldon Museum is another must-visit Middlebury attraction and was established in 1882 around a substantial private collection.

With their well-preserved buildings and tree-lined streets serving as living museums, these attractive towns make for fun travel destinations for those wanting to experience an authentic Vermont getaway. Learning about these small towns in Vermont with impressive historic districts will provide the research and inspiration needed to plan the perfect travel itinerary.