Bennington, Vermont

Situated at the western gateway to Vermont, Bennington is one of Vermont's oldest towns and the first town chartered west of the Connecticut River by New Hampshire in 1749. With a historical legacy that dates to before the Revolutionary War, Bennington includes three villages: Bennington, North Bennington, and Old Bennington, and offers a number of outdoor recreational activities and historical landmarks.

For more information about eating, lodging, and special events in the Bennington area, visit http://www.bennington.com/

Bennington Highlights

• Bennington Center for the Arts
Bringing world-class fine art and exciting theatre to residents and visitors, the Center's permanent art collection, sales exhibitions, Oldcastle Theatre Company, and Covered Bridge Museum are open to visitors throughout the year. (Visit)
• Bennington College
A small liberal arts college founded in 1932 offering a distinguished faculty and innovative academic and creative programs. (Visit)
• Bennington Monument
Memorializing the famous Battle of Bennington of 1777, this 306' stone obelisk opened to the public in 1891; a guided elevator takes visitors to the observation floor for spectacular views of historic Bennington and three states.
• Bennington Museum
The museum's galleries evoke the rich heritage of Vermont with its collections of Early Americana, paintings, pottery, historical objects, and fine furniture, as well as featuring the largest collection of Grandma Moses art and memorabilia available to the public. (Visit)
• Bennington Recreation Center
Day rates are available for use of facilities including indoor pool, exercise room, sauna, and locker rooms; also open to the public are tennis, handball, volleyball and basketball courts, and a softball field.
802-442-1053
• Bennington River Walk
A meandering trail along the River with panels explaining local history. (Visit)
• Covered Bridges Driving Tour
Discover five unique covered bridges in Bennington County. (Visit)
• Covered Bridge Museum
History comes alive in exhibits that detail the history and importance of covered bridges. (Visit)
• Downtown Bennington
Stroll through a National Historic District, shop in stores that feature unique Vermont products, dine in restaurants offering menus to satisfy all tastes, and enjoy popular seasonal events like Mayfest and Summer in the Park. Walking Tour directions available.
(Downtown)
(Mayfest Arts Festival)
(Summer in the Park)

• Mt. Anthony Country Club
Founded in 1897, a restaurant, clubhouse, and 9-hole golf course are open to the public. (Visit)
• North Bennington
Home to Bennington College, the Park-McCullough House, the Sage Street Mill, several distinctive restaurants, and the 173-year-old Powers Market, the New York Times said about North Bennington: "Behind the frozen-in-time beauty, the village subtly offers up big-city perks, accessible nature and bottomless history." (NY Times Review)
• Oldcastle Theater
Renowned for presenting exciting new theatre works as well as comedies, drama, musicals, and American classics. (Visit)
• Old Bennington
Much of Vermont's early history took place in the picturesque village of Old Bennington, site of the Bennington Museum, Old First Church, Bennington Monument, and other notable historic resources. Walking Tour directions available. (Visit)

• Old First Church/Robert Frost Gravesite
As the oldest church in Vermont, this 1805 building in Old Bennington is perhaps the finest example of post-colonial church architecture in New England; the adjacent cemetery contains the graves of Robert Frost and Revolutionary, British and German mercenary soldiers.

• Park-McCullough House
Home to two Vermont governors, this 1865 Second Empire 'summer cottage? with many original furnishings is one of the finest Victorian mansions in New England. (Visit)

• Southern Vermont College
A small, private liberal arts college founded in 1974 that serves a career-oriented student body from diverse academic backgrounds. (Visit)
• Stark Street Playground
Located near Southwest Vermont Medical Center, this facility offers play equipment, a small playing field, and a basketball court.
802-442-1053
• Vermont Arts Exchange
A former cotton mill that now offers art classes, community outreach art programs, and exhibition galleries.
802-442-5549
• Willow Park
Offers a pavilion, horseshoe pits, play equipment, volleyball courts, softball fields, bike track and path, nature trails, bleachers, theater stage, skate park and 2 large playing fields.
802-442-1053