Montpelier Landmarks and Monuments

(Montpelier, Vermont - VT, USA)

Being such a small state capital means that Montpelier only comes with a handful of noteworthy landmarks worth seeking out, including both its State House and the Hubbard Park Tower.

Located within the heart of Montpelier and close to the Supreme Court is the very majestic Greek Revival-style Vermont State House. This is actually the third landmark of its kind to be built on this site for use as a Capitol building, with this incarnation being completed in 1858, following significant fire damage to the previous Second State House the year earlier, when much of the overall structure was completely destroyed.

Visitors to the Vermont State House can expect traditional Capitol-style architecture, complete with an almost obligatory shiny golden dome, portico and stone columns, flanked either side by symmetrical wings. The very top of the dome is crowned by a statue of the Roman goddess of agriculture, which takes the overall height of the building to almost 42 metres / 138 feet.

Vermont State House

Address: 115 State Street, Montpelier, Vermont (VT), 05633, USA
Tel: +1 802 828 2228
Guided tours of the Vermont State House are available during the summer months, while self-guided tours are available all through the year, where visitors are given an audio device which imparts information in each room. The largest and most impressive rooms include the Cedar Creek Room, the Governor's Office, the Representatives Hall (used for House of Representatives meetings) and the Senate Chamber. Of note, those taking a self-guided tour will be able to see the majority of the public rooms, although some may only be viewable from the doorway unless there is a guide present at the time.
Open hours: self-guided tours, July to October, Monday to Friday - 07:30 to 16:15, Saturday - 11:00 to 15:00; November to June - 07:30 to 16:15; guided tours, July to October, Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 15:30, Saturday - 11:00 to 14:30 on the half hour; November to June - Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 15:00 on the half hour
Admission: free

Hubbard Park Tower

Address: Hubbard Park Drive / Tower Loop, Montpelier, Vermont (VT), 05602, USA
Tel: +1 802 223 7335
Lying within the center of Hubbard Park, on the northern side of Montpelier, is a surprising landmark of sorts - a tall stone tower. This unexpected folly functions as a lookout tower and is hard to miss, since it measures in at almost 16 metres / 52 feet in height. Following renovation work in the 1990s, visitors are now able to climb the steep staircase of 65 steps to the very top, where the stunning 360-degree views from this highest point in the whole city are quite special, being well worth any effort to get here. Close by are a number of giant red oak trees, which are at their best when dressed in their bright-red fall colors in late September / October. Soon after, the chilly winter months bring along snowfall, meaning that this is a great place to enjoy a spot of sledding.
Open hours: Monday to Wednesday, Friday to Sunday - 07:00 to 21:00, Thursday - 07:00 to 22:00
Admission: free