The Most Haunted Places in Vermont (And the Stories Behind Them)
Nestled just a few miles north of Burlington, the Ethan Allen Homestead in Burlington offers visitors a haunting glimpse into Vermont’s Revolutionary past. The estate, once home to Ethan Allen, leader of the Green Mountain Boys, carries an eerie reputation for ghostly encounters. Walking the grounds or exploring the 18th-century farmhouse museum, guests sometimes report unexplained footsteps and fleeting shadows. The surrounding orchard and gardens bloom vibrantly in summer, making the contrast between life and lingering spirits even more striking. A visit on a crisp autumn evening, when the air is thick with the scent of fallen leaves, feels especially atmospheric for those drawn to history and the supernatural.
In southern Vermont, about 20 miles east of Brattleboro, the town of Chester invites travelers to wander through its quaint village center, where centuries-old inns and homes hold stories whispered through generations. The historic Stone Village, a collection of 19th-century granite buildings, is particularly known for unexplained noises and apparitions, especially around the historic Old Red Mill. Visitors who stay overnight in one of the village’s restored inns sometimes report strange sounds in the night, making it a magnet for curious ghost hunters. Early spring, when the snow melts and the air is fresh but still cool, is an ideal time to explore Chester’s timeless streets with fewer crowds.
Moving to the northeastern part of the state, St. Johnsbury, about 40 miles southeast of Newport, is home to the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium, a trove of natural history and local lore. Beyond its impressive collection of fossils, minerals, and taxidermy, longtime employees have shared stories of unseen presences moving through the halls after hours. Visitors can enjoy the planetarium shows during the day, but evening tours—sometimes themed around the museum’s spectral tales—create a distinct ambiance, blending science with the supernatural. The museum’s historical architecture and its setting in the village’s center make it a compelling stop on a fall foliage road trip.
In the heart of Middlebury, approximately 35 miles south of Burlington, the Henry Forest Preserve offers a quieter but no less intriguing experience. During the day, hikers can take the Forest Loop Trail, a moderate three-mile circuit that winds through dense hardwoods, over small brooks, and past rocky outcrops. Local legend speaks of a restless spirit known as the “Lady of Middlebury” who is said to appear near the forest edge at twilight. The preserve’s serenity is perfect for reflection, and visiting in late October when the forest is ablaze with autumn color adds a layer of poignant beauty to the eerie stories.
Farther east, in Montpelier, Vermont’s capital city about 45 miles southeast of Burlington, the Vermont State House stands as a beacon of classical architecture and political history. Its marble dome and grand interior have been the backdrop of many dramatic events, and tales of ghostly figures in period attire roaming the halls persist among staff. Visitors attending guided tours during quieter hours might catch an inexplicable chill or hear faint whispers from the past. Winter’s quiet months, when snow muffles the city streets, cast the State House in a stillness that feels ripe for encountering echoes of history.
A journey to the small town of Woodstock in central Vermont, roughly an hour’s drive south of Barre, brings one to the historic Norman Williams Public Library. This charming brick building, dating back to the early 1900s, has been reported to host a particularly playful ghost said to move books and rattle windows during quiet evenings. The library’s cozy reading nook and towering shelves are perfect for a daytime visit, but those drawn to the paranormal might prefer an after-hours tour or local storytelling event, often held in the fall when the village’s colonial charm is at its peak.
Lastly, the famed Shelburne Museum, just south of Burlington on the shores of Lake Champlain, offers more than art and Americana. Its vast grounds include several historic buildings, from a lighthouse to a steamboat, all relocated and restored. Among these, the 19th-century lighthouse replica has a reputation for spectral sightings, with visitors reporting cold drafts and strange lights. Touring the museum’s grounds in late afternoon, when shadows lengthen over the lake, imbues the collection with a mysterious allure. The museum’s unique assemblage of artifacts from Vermont’s past, combined with its lakeside setting, creates a multifaceted experience where history and hauntings intertwine.
Each of these destinations offers visitors an immersive way to engage with Vermont’s rich history, natural beauty, and hidden supernatural stories. Whether wandering colonial streets, exploring forest trails, or stepping inside venerable public buildings, travelers can uncover the enduring spirit that continues to shape Vermont’s identity. The state’s blend of scenic charm and whispered legends invites all who visit to look a little closer and listen a little harder to the stories that still linger in the air.