Legendary Figures from Vermont Who Changed the World
In Montpelier, Vermont’s charming capital located about 30 miles east of Burlington, the Vermont Historical Society Museum invites visitors to step into the world of Calvin Coolidge, the 30th president of the United States, who was born and raised in Plymouth Notch, about 45 minutes south of Montpelier. At the museum, you can explore exhibits that delve into Coolidge’s humble origins and his steady rise to the presidency during the Roaring Twenties. The collection features personal artifacts and photographs that paint a vivid picture of rural Vermont life at the turn of the 20th century. Visiting on a crisp autumn day adds to the experience, as the brilliant fall foliage outside mirrors the vivid stories inside, making Montpelier an ideal starting point for those interested in political figures shaped by Vermont’s quietly enduring spirit.
Driving south from Montpelier into the heart of the Green Mountains, Plymouth Notch itself offers an unspoiled glimpse of where Coolidge grew up. The Coolidge Homestead, a National Historic Site, is nestled amid rolling hills and rustic farmhouses that seem frozen in time. Walking the easy trails around the village lets you absorb the pastoral landscape that influenced Coolidge’s values of simplicity and community. The homestead’s preserved buildings include the tiny house where he was born and the general store once run by his family. Visiting in late spring or summer is best to enjoy the blooming wildflowers and the gentle buzz of Vermont’s rural life, making this site a deeply personal encounter with a leader whose roots ran deep in small-town America.
In Brattleboro, about 90 minutes southeast of Montpelier, the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center provides a platform to explore the legacy of Rudyard Kipling, the famous English author who spent his final years in Vermont. Kipling’s connection to Vermont is tangible through the museum’s rotating exhibits that highlight his literary contributions alongside local artists who draw inspiration from his themes of nature and humanity. While the museum itself is a contemporary space, its location in downtown Brattleboro is perfect for combining art with a stroll through a vibrant town known for its lively farmer’s market and artisanal shops. Fall or early summer visits bring mild temperatures perfect for walking the nearby Connecticut Riverwalk, complementing a day spent immersed in Kipling’s world.
Traveling northwest from Montpelier, the Shelburne Museum, located about 25 minutes south of Burlington on Lake Champlain’s shores, celebrates the inventive mind of Bennington native Robert Frost through its American folk art and historic buildings. While primarily an art museum, the grounds include spaces dedicated to Vermont’s literary heritage, featuring special exhibits on Frost’s poetry and his intimate connection to the Vermont landscape. Visitors can wander through the 45-acre campus, exploring everything from vintage barns to steamboats, and then relax by the lake for stunning sunsets. Springtime or early fall offers the best lighting and comfortable weather to appreciate both the outdoor art installations and the contemplative mood that characterizes Frost’s verses.
In Manchester, approximately 45 minutes south of Rutland, the American Museum of Fly Fishing honors Vermont’s role in shaping outdoor sports and conservation. This place connects to legendary Vermont figures who advanced ethical fishing and environmental stewardship, including individuals who influenced the preservation of the state’s pristine rivers and lakes. The museum’s collection features rods, reels, and photographs documenting the evolution of fly fishing alongside stories of conservationists whose passion for Vermont’s wilderness helped set standards nationwide. After exploring the exhibits, visitors can take a short drive to nearby Lye Brook Falls Trail, a moderate 1.6-mile hike that culminates in a stunning 125-foot waterfall — a reminder of the natural beauty these anglers sought to protect. Early summer is ideal for this trip, when water levels are high and the forest is lush.
In Burlington, Vermont’s largest city on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain, the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts has been a cultural hub since the 1930s. It has hosted iconic performers who shaped American music and culture, such as folk singer Pete Seeger, who was deeply influenced by Vermont’s progressive spirit and landscape. Catching a performance here, whether classical, folk, or contemporary, offers a direct connection to Vermont’s ongoing legacy in music and activism. The theater itself is an architectural gem with a warm interior that amplifies the intimate atmosphere. Evening shows in the summer season often coincide with nearby Lake Champlain waterfront festivals, creating a vibrant cultural experience under the stars.
Finally, the town of St. Johnsbury, about 35 miles northeast of Montpelier, is home to the Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, a place where Vermont’s scientific innovators come alive. This museum honors the Fairbanks family, makers of the famous platform scale, which revolutionized commerce worldwide. Inside, hands-on exhibits and a historic planetarium offer a unique blend of industrial history and cosmic exploration. The museum’s Victorian architecture and surrounding sculpture garden add to its charm, especially in winter when snow blankets the grounds, creating a magical setting for learning and discovery. Visiting on a clear night lets guests experience the planetarium’s star shows, connecting Vermont’s inventive past with the infinite future above.
Each of these places invites visitors to trace the footsteps of Vermonters whose ideas and achievements transcended borders. From presidents and poets to conservationists and artists, Vermont’s legendary figures continue to inspire through the museums, historic sites, and landscapes that preserve their stories in vivid, tangible form. Exploring these destinations offers more than a history lesson—it’s a chance to engage with the spirit of a state that quietly shaped the world.