Vermont is full of beautiful, quirky, and sometimes confusing locations that even locals might mix up. With its picturesque towns, winding roads, and unique landmarks, Vermont is a treasure trove of hidden gems that can be tough to identify. Ready for the challenge? See if you can spot these ten Vermont locations—you might be surprised by how tricky it can be!
1. The Round Church, Richmond
Built in 1813, the Round Church in Richmond is a rare 16-sided meetinghouse that looks more like a chapel you’d find in another New England state. Its distinctive design often leaves people guessing, and it’s one of Vermont’s best-kept architectural secrets.
2. Moss Glen Falls, Granville
There are multiple waterfalls with the name Moss Glen Falls in Vermont, but the one in Granville is the real roadside beauty. Located along Route 100, it’s easy to confuse with its namesake in Stowe. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself guessing wrong!
3. Dog Mountain, St. Johnsbury
If you’re a pet lover, you’ve likely heard of Dog Mountain in St. Johnsbury, but its whimsical chapel and colorful sculpture garden might throw you off. With its quirky vibe and one-of-a-kind art, it’s unlike any other location in Vermont—making it a bit tricky to identify at first glance.
4. Quechee Gorge
Known as “Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon,” Quechee Gorge is a dramatic and stunning chasm, but many people confuse it for a gorge located in the wrong part of the state—or even in New Hampshire. It’s a common mix-up, but one that’s easy to make when you first spot it!
5. Lake Willoughby
At first sight, Lake Willoughby looks like it belongs in the Pacific Northwest or even as a fjord in Scandinavia. This glacial lake, flanked by steep cliffs, often confuses visitors due to its striking resemblance to landscapes found far from Vermont.
6. Shelburne Museum’s Round Barn
Vermont is known for its charming round barns, but the Round Barn at the Shelburne Museum is particularly special. This barn is a 1901 structure originally from East Passumpsic, and its relocation is often a source of confusion for both locals and visitors. It’s not the only round barn in the state—but it’s certainly one of the most unique!
7. Montpelier’s Gold Dome
The capital of Montpelier is the smallest state capital in the U.S., but its gold-domed State House is often mistaken for a university building or courthouse in other parts of the country. Its majestic and shining dome is a prominent feature of the city, but it still catches many off guard.
8. Warren Covered Bridge
Warren Covered Bridge is one of the most photographed covered bridges in Vermont. With so many red-covered bridges scattered across the state, even locals get confused about which one is which. Its classic beauty is unmistakable, but it’s tricky to identify without a little extra attention.
9. The Floating Bridge, Brookfield
The Floating Bridge in Brookfield is one of the most unusual sights in Vermont. It actually floats on Sunset Lake, and its unique design often leaves people guessing whether it belongs in Scandinavia or Alaska. Its sheer oddity makes it a tough one to pin down, but it’s one of the state’s most iconic structures.
10. Jenne Farm, Reading
The Jenne Farm in Reading is often called the most photographed farm in New England, with its rolling hills and classic red barns. It’s so iconic that many people mistakenly attribute it to Woodstock or other nearby towns. But Jenne Farm’s charm is all its own.
How many did you get right? Whether you nailed all ten or missed a few, these hidden gems of Vermont are just a glimpse into the state’s charm and surprises. Vermont’s beauty lies not only in its postcard-perfect scenes but in its ability to make you take a second look. Time to get out and explore these tricky but stunning destinations in person!
Sources
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_National_Historic_Landmarks_in_Vermont
[2] https://www.watercoolertrivia.com/trivia-questions/vermont-trivia-questions
[3] https://www.britannica.com/place/Vermont/Economy
[4] https://tcnewengland.org/vermont-mens-center/
[5] https://highways.dot.gov/sites/fhwa.dot.gov/files/2022-11/Vermont%20Intersection%20Data_Case%20Study_508.pdf