The northeastern state of Vermont is known for its scenic landscapes, hiking trails, ski resorts, and rolling mountains, as well as its iconic foods, from Vermont cheddar cheese to Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream. With only a population of around 620,000 residents, travelers looking for a quiet travel destination in North America need not look any further than Vermont. Aside from its elegance, the state also offers travelers a taste of New England, with its oak bridges, peaceful forests, numerous farms, wineries, and artisan fare.
However, Vermont has a quirkier side, which can be seen next time travelers decide to take a road trip through the state. Check out some of the quirkiest landmarks and attractions that the northeastern state offers its visitors!
9 Largest Zipper in North America
- Address: 203 N Main St, Barre, VT 0564
This monster-size, 74-feet long granite sculpture was created by Chris Miller, and is actually named "Unzipping The Earth". Located in the heart of Vermont's city of Barre, tourists have described this sculpture as "great", and resembles, well...a zipper (that is also a flower bed for perennials). After visiting the Zipper, tourists can enjoy a leisurely stroll around Barre and check out other attractions such as the Opera House, Hope Cemetery, Rock of Ages, and Thunder Road Speedbowl.
8 Vermontasaurus
- Address: 104 Robinson Hill Rd, Post Mills, VT 05058
Some locals have described this structure as unsafe because the Vermontasaurus is made from lumber scraps and nails. Regardless, this folk art installation was created by Brian Boland in 2010, who wanted to make a 25-foot tall (by 122-foot long) dinosaur-like sculpture by the Thetford's Post Mills Airport. In 2011, Vermontasaurus's midsection broke, which took 50 volunteers to piece the local dinosaur sculpture back to its pointy glory. Visitors can also check out other dinosaur sculptures nearby as well, made from scrap vehicles.
7 The Whispering Statue
- Address: Main St., Barre, VT
If you have a secret you'd like to bring to your grave, don't even whisper it around The Whispering Statue, officially known as "Young Triumphant". Built as a war memorial in 1924, The Whispering Statue is located at the heart of Barre's town center, surrounded by granite benches. Despite being installed in a bustling 5-way intersection on North Main Street, it's been said that if you whisper to someone across the statue's plaza, it can be heard as clear as day (even during rush hour)!
6 Ben & Jerry's Flavor Graveyard
- Address: 1281 Waterbury-Stowe Road, Vermont Rte 100, Waterbury Village Historic District, VT 05676
Ben & Jerry's is a classic All-American ice cream brand that is known for its kooky flavors, such as Cherry Garcia or the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. Unfortunately, many unique flavors of this popular ice cream brand inevitably meet their end and are buried in Ben & Jerry's Flavor Graveyard. Overlooking the factory lies a small field of flavors resting in peace, complete with their own headstones. Want to pay respects to once-beloved favorites like Turtle Soap or Bovinity Divinity? At the Flavor Graveyard, "we pay tribute to our dearly de-pinted".
5 The World's Tallest File Cabinet
- Address: 220 Flynn Ave, Burlington, VT 05401
Some visitors travel to Vermont to get away from the office, so visiting Burlington's World's Tallest Filing Cabinet may begrudgingly remind them of what's waiting back at home once their vacation is over. This public art installation is officially called "File Under So. Co., Waiting for..." and was built in 2002 by Bren Alvarez. Standing tall above the weeds at 50-feet long, Bren's art was inspired by the construction delays of building Burlington's bypass and is decorated with 38 file drawers.
4 Queen Connie
- Address: Salisbury, VT 05769
Move over King Kong, Queen Connie is the new giant gorilla in town! Since 1987, T.J. Neil built Queen Connie from concrete, holding a defunct Volkswagen Beetle, as a way to attract customers to Pioneer Auto Sales. Located by Route 7 in Leicester, Connie has captured the hearts of tourists passing by and has worked her way into the hearts of locals for over 25 years.
3 Dog Chapel
- Address: 143 Parks Rd, St Johnsbury, VT 05819
Located on Dog Mountain, Stephen Huneck built the Dog Chapel in St. Johnsbury as a symbol of connection between human and dog, and also one of love. First opening in 2000, the Dog Chapel is more than just a roadside attraction, but an art piece that strives to retell the history of the area, while providing a positive, loving space for visitors. Before entering the Chapel, curious travelers will be invited by the sign upfront, which says: "The Dog Chapel: Welcome, All Creeds, All Breeds, No Dogmas Allowed."
2 Flying Monkey Sculptures
- Address: One Main Street Burlington, VT 05401
Flying Monkeys aren't only seen in The Wizard Of Oz, travelers can find these unique sculptures on top of Burlington's buildings. The winged monkeys were created by sculptor Steve Larrabee in 1976, eventually creating more pairs of flying primates on top of buildings, particularly those on Main Street and on top of Burlington's Lake/College buildings.
1 The Museum of Everyday Life
- Address: 3482 Dry Pond Rd, Glover, VT 05839
Ever lie down awake at night and wonder about how the pencil was invented or how someone came up with the idea for the toothbrush? Traveler's questions about the mundane, everyday objects can all be answered at The Museum of Everyday Life, which was founded by Clare Dolan in 2011. Visitors can take a look at these ordinary objects to learn more about their origins and human history. As stated on the website, the museum's goal is simple, yet potent, which is to provide "a heroic, slow-motion cataloging of the quotidian–a detailed, theatrical expression of gratitude and love for the minuscule and unglamorous experience of daily life in all its forms."