Weird Laws Still on the Books in Vermont
In Montpelier, Vermont’s charming capital located about 40 minutes east of Burlington, visitors can wander through the Vermont State House, a stunning example of Greek Revival architecture with its gleaming gold leaf dome. Inside, the historic chambers echo with the legacy of laws both ordinary and unusual. Among these is a curious statute that once prohibited the wearing of high heels without a permit. While not actively enforced, the law lingers as a reminder of old safety concerns in public spaces. Touring the State House, especially during the summer when the gardens bloom, offers a tangible connection to how Vermont’s legal quirks have shaped its civic life.
Just a short drive northeast of Montpelier, the Vermont History Museum in Barre offers a fascinating look at the state’s legislative past. Barre, known as the “Granite Center of the World,” houses this museum where exhibits delve into the peculiar laws that reflect Vermont’s rural and communal values. One such law, originating from the early 20th century, forbade women from wearing false teeth without a license. Though odd to modern ears, it speaks to historical public health concerns. Exploring the museum’s rich collection of artifacts and documents during the crisp fall months, when foliage paints the surroundings, reveals how cultural attitudes influenced lawmaking in this working-class town.
Heading south towards Brattleboro, about two hours from Burlington, the local courthouse stands as a symbol of Vermont’s justice system and its sometimes quirky rules. Brattleboro is also known for its vibrant arts scene and scenic riverfront on the Connecticut River. Here, a long-forgotten ordinance once banned the sale of ice cream on Sundays, a relic of blue laws intended to maintain Sabbath observance. Walking along the riverwalk trail offers a peaceful contrast to the lively downtown, where visitors can reflect on how the community balances tradition with modern life—especially vibrant in the warm summer evenings filled with street performances.
In the quaint town of Middlebury, about 45 minutes south of Burlington, Middlebury College’s Special Collections & Archives house manuscripts and legal documents that illustrate the state’s unique legislative history. Among these is a law that forbids hunting on Sundays, a rule that still holds in many Vermont towns to preserve quiet and respect for rest days. Winters here bring a different rhythm, with Middlebury College’s snow-covered campus and nearby tennis courts standing quiet under a soft blanket of snow. This blend of academic life and adherence to tradition makes Middlebury a compelling stop for those curious about Vermont’s intersection of law and local culture.
Near Stowe, roughly 40 minutes northeast of Burlington, the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum offers a distinctive lens on the state’s outdoor culture and the laws that have shaped it. Stowe’s rugged terrain, including the famous Mount Mansfield, brings visitors to trails like the Sunset Ridge Trail, a moderate 3.3-mile hike with panoramic views from the summit’s 4,393 feet elevation. One curious law historically made it illegal to ski after sunset without a reflector, underscoring safety efforts in a state where winter sports are a way of life. Visiting the museum during the snowy months enhances understanding of how regulations evolved alongside outdoor recreation in this snowy haven.
In Burlington itself, along the vibrant Church Street Marketplace, one finds a lively example of local ordinances that have helped shape the city’s public spaces. Burlington’s unique pedestrian mall was created in part due to laws regulating traffic and commerce in the downtown area. One old law once prohibited whistling on the streets, a rule meant to reduce noise but now mostly forgotten. The marketplace bustles with food vendors, street musicians, and shoppers, especially lively during the warm summer months or the festive winter holiday season, illustrating how laws adapt to support community life and economic vitality.
Finally, the Green Mountain National Forest, sprawling over much of southern Vermont and about a two-hour drive from Burlington, offers a natural setting where laws protecting the environment intersect with recreation. The forest’s Long Trail, the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the country, stretches 273 miles along the ridge of the Green Mountains. Vermont laws regulate camping and fire use here tightly, some dating back decades, to preserve the delicate ecosystem. Experiencing the trail in autumn, when the foliage explodes in fiery reds and golds, reveals how environmental laws safeguard this iconic landscape for generations of hikers and nature lovers.
Each of these destinations offers an invitation to explore Vermont’s rich tapestry of place, culture, and law. By walking through historic halls, wandering vibrant streets, or hiking mountain trails, visitors not only encounter natural beauty and community warmth but also glimpse the sometimes peculiar legal traditions that have shaped this unique and welcoming state.