Vermont’s highways are dotted with eccentric, creative, and downright strange roadside attractions—perfect for road trippers seeking something beyond the usual mountain vistas. Here are ten of Vermont’s strangest roadside attractions that are worth taking a break for:
1. Gorilla Holding a VW Beetle (Queen Connie, Salisbury)
A giant King Kong-like gorilla statue clutching a real Volkswagen Beetle in its upstretched hand, this steel-and-concrete roadside icon was built in 1987 to draw attention to a local auto dealership. Visitors can even climb into the gorilla’s palm for a memorable photo op.
2. Shelburne Museum’s Landlocked Ship (Shelburne)
The Ticonderoga, a 220-foot, 892-ton steamship, sits improbably on dry land at the Shelburne Museum. Dragged two miles from Lake Champlain, it’s a monument to one woman’s eccentric collecting—and a must-see oddity.
3. World’s Tallest Ladderback Chair (Giant Chair, Barre)
Standing 19.5 feet tall, this enormous wooden chair towers over visitors and is a quirky tribute to Vermont’s furniture-making heritage.
4. Emily’s Bridge (Gold Brook Covered Bridge, Stowe)
This picturesque covered bridge is rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a jilted bride named Emily. Whether you believe the tales or not, the bridge’s eerie reputation makes it a favorite stop for thrill-seekers.
5. Whale Tails (South Burlington & Randolph)
Massive granite whale tails rise out of the ground near Interstate 89 and in Randolph. The original “Reverence” sculpture and its sibling “Whale Dance” are whimsical and surreal sights in landlocked Vermont.
6. Largest Zipper in North America (Barre)
“Unzipping the Earth” is a 74-foot-long granite zipper embedded in a downtown Barre walkway. It’s a playful public art piece and a testament to Vermont’s granite industry.
7. The Dog Chapel (St. Johnsbury)
A heartfelt, folk-art chapel built for dogs and their humans, featuring stained glass, dog sculptures, and walls covered with photos and notes honoring beloved pets. “All creeds, all breeds, no dogmas allowed” is its motto.
8. Champ the Lake Monster Statue (Burlington)
Lake Champlain’s legendary lake monster “Champ” is immortalized in a big, cartoonish green statue and a stone monument by the Burlington waterfront. Snap a photo and keep your eyes peeled for the real thing.
9. Fire Hydrant Jack (Shelburne)
A giant red “jack” made from welded fire hydrants, this sculpture is both a quirky roadside sight and a tribute to firefighters.
10. Vermontasaurus (Thetford)
A 25-foot-tall, 122-foot-long dinosaur sculpture made entirely from scrap wood, Vermontasaurus is the work of creative locals and has survived both weather and zoning debates. It’s a testament to Vermont’s DIY spirit and love of the bizarre.
These attractions showcase Vermont’s offbeat side, making any road trip through the Green Mountain State a memorable adventure.
Sources:
- https://sillyamerica.com/blog/best-vermont-roadside-attractions/
- https://www.atlasobscura.com/things-to-do/vermont
- https://www.sevendaysvt.com/guides/quirky-roadside-attractions-to-seek-out-in-vermont-30651853
- https://newengland.com/travel/new-england/the-strangest-roadside-attractions-in-new-england/