CELEBRATING VERMONT AND SUMMER
Every June, the state hosts “Vermont Days.” The weekend celebrates the beginning of Summer with free admission to day-use areas at Vermont State Parks and state-owned historic sites. This year, the weekend is June 10 and 11. You don’t have to be a resident of Vermont to take part. Out-of-state visitors are welcome to celebrate too!
Lake Saint Catherine, Poultney, Vermont.
Free State Park Day Use
Vermont has 55 state parks. Rutland County is home to five of those parks. If you’re looking for hiking, head to Taconic Mountains Ramble State Park. This park is unique for its numerous trails and Japanese garden, which is accessed by a very steep, hilly trail. Half Moon Pond State Park is nestled away in the forests of the 3,500-acre Bomoseen State Park. Both parks have camping, swimming, hiking, fishing, and more! Lake Saint Catherine State Park is the most southern state park. It began operating as a picnic and swimming area in 1953, it now has hiking trails with a view of Birdseye Mountain. At the base of Killington is Gifford Woods State Park, close to the Appalachian and Long trails.
As a reminder, firewood cannot be brought to parks from out of state unless the wood is packaged, labeled as having beed heat treated, and certified by USDA or the appropriate state department of agriculture.
Photo from the Town of Pittsford, Vermont website.
Free State-Owned Historic Site Entry
Vermont has a deep history. The state owns some historical sites around the state. These are the sites in Rutland County. The Hubbardton Battlefield in Hubbardton is one of the earliest attempts to preserve and commemorate a Revolutionary War site. The marble battle monument placed in 1859 is one of the oldest Revolutionary War battle monuments in the United States. The Forest Dale Iron Blast Furnace was an early 19th-century iron smelting facility in Brandon, Vermont. Built in 1824, the iron company processed iron ore, and cast stoves, cooking pots, chains, axes, tools, small cannons, and much more. The state also owns five Covered Bridges. The oldest state-owned bridge is the Hammond Covered Bridge, erected in 1843. It spans over Otter Creek in Pittsford!
Watch this video to take a virtual tour of some Vermont State Historic Sites.
Free Fishing Day
On Saturday, no license is required to go fishing. The state asks that everyone follows the Vermont Fishing Regulations to help protect Vermont’s fisheries while providing a variety of fishing opportunities. There are eighteen designated fishing locations across Rutland County. The entire list of those spots can be found here.
Vermont Days is not only a time to celebrate the beginning of summer, but our small, beautiful state as well. Creativity flows throughout Rutland County and its residents. If you are interested in learning more about this beautiful place so many have made their home, connect with us here! We are always happy to discuss opportunities in our region.
