There are many different abandoned places in Vermont that are well worth seeking out. In this blog post, we covered 7 of the best-abandoned spots in Vermont. This list includes everything from an old asbestos mine to a mountain-top air force base. Abandoned spots vary in accessibility, danger, and condition. Please research these spots further before seeking them out and be safe. If you know of any other great abandoned spots in Vermont, please let me know in the comments!
#1 – The Walloomsac Inn
- Year Built: 1771
- Year Abandoned: 1996
- Address: 67 Monument Ave, Bennington, VT 05201
- Directions: Here
The Walloomsac Inn in Bennington is one of the most interesting abandoned spots in Vermont. The inn was built in 1771 by Elijah Dewey and first severed the legislature of the independent Republic of Vermont. The inn is so old that it existed before statehood was even established. It was reported that both Thomas Jefferson and James Madison stayed at the inn in the summer of 1791.
The inn thrived during the stagecoach era from the early 1800s to the 1850s. After the stagecoach era, the inn went through some renovations and new owners, but it ultimately struggled to produce a profit and attract visitors. The once prosperous hotel continued to operate until 1996. Today, the hotel sits completely abandoned and is owned by the Berry family. It is a very unique abandoned Vermont spot and can be seen right from the road.
#2 – Lyndonville Air Force Station (aka East Haven Radar Base)
- Year Built: 1956
- Year Abandoned: 1963
- Address: 8366 Radar Rd, East Haven, VT 05837
- Directions: Here
The Lyndonville Air Force Station (aka East Haven Radar Base) was established in 1956 on East Mountain in Essex County, Vermont. The site served as a Cold War Air Force Radar Station. The station was used to identify all of the aircraft entering the nearby airspace. The station also provided directions to Air Force intercepting planes when action was necessary. Two radars were added to the station in 1958 and 1959. After the Cold War and new technologies were released, the Lyndonville Air Force Station was abandoned. Since 1963, the station has sat empty on East Mountain.
#3 – Brattleboro Retreat
- Year Built: 1834
- Year Abandoned: Not completely abandoned
- Address: 1 Anna Marsh Ln, Brattleboro, VT 05302
- Directions: Here
The Brattleboro Retreat was founded in 1834 as a not-for-profit hospital to provide mental health and addiction services. The retreat sits on hundreds of acres and today many of the buildings and structures are abandoned. The land owned by the hospital is open to the public and can be used for walks, hikes, and even cross-country skiing. One must-see structure on the hospital grounds is the stone Retreat Tower which was built in 1887 by patients. The staff believed the physical work and fresh air would help the patients. Sadly, it is said that many patients would leap off the tower and commit suicide. Many visitors claim that the retreat is haunted, especially the tower and the cemetery on the campus.
#4 – Belvidere Mountain Asbestos Mine
- Year Built: 1902
- Year Abandoned: 1993
- Address: Vag Rd, Lowell, VT 05847
- Directions: Here
The Belvidere Mountain Asbestos Mine in Lowell is a unique abandoned spot in Vermont with a deep history. Asbestos was first found in the area of Eden, VT, and Lowell, VT in the early 1800s. After asbestos was found, the area became popular for miners. The Belvidere Mountain Mine was established in 1902 and quickly became the largest producer of chrysotile asbestos in the U.S. Production peaked during the 1950s and 1960s. One report said that 3500 tons were being mined daily from Belvidere Mountain. The asbestos mined in Lowell would be used in brake linings, roofing, shingles, pipelining, and more. Asbestos was later proved to have severe health implications and this caused the mine to close in 1993. Since 1993, the mine has been essentially abandoned, but it continues to cause negative environmental impacts with toxic waste entering nearby rivers, air, and land. The estimated cost to clean up the site is about $200 million and the state of Vermont is still debating about the future of the Belvidere Mountain Asbestos Mine.
#5 – East Barnet Inwood Train Station
- Year Built: N/A
- Year Abandoned: N/A
- Address: US-5, St Johnsbury, VT 05819
- Directions: Here
The East Barnet Inwood Train Station can be found along US Route 5 in St Johnsbury, Vermont. The train station was abandoned when new tracks were placed a few hundred feet away. Today, the station sits abandoned and is complete with boxcars, trains, tracks, and more. It truly is a must-see abandoned Vermont spot!
#6 – Hyde’s Hotel (aka Hyde Manor)
- Year Built: 1865
- Year Abandoned: 1973
- Address: VT-30, Sudbury, VT 05733
- Directions: Here
Hyde’s Hotel, also known as Hyde Manor, was an iconic summer resort in Sudbury, Vermont. The hotel’s main house was built in 1865 and it sits on 100 acres of land. During the 19th century, the hotel was a popular stop for travelers along the stage route between Albany, NY, and Montreal. The hotel boasted a tavern, bowling alley, dance hall, deluxe golf course, and more. The hotel changed its owners in 1962 and closed down in 1973. Hyde’s Hotel is now abandoned and is slowly being claimed back by nature. It is crazy to see this abandoned hotel in Vermont now so rundown.
#7 – Maple Valley Ski Resort
- Year Built: 1963
- Year Abandoned: 2000
- Address: 3219 W River Rd, Dummerston, VT 05301
- Directions: Here
Maple Valley was a mid-sized ski area that operated for nearly 40 years. It is located just northwest of Brattleboro. The ski area features a 1000-foot vertical drop and was first opened in 1963. The last season was in 2000 and since then the ski area has sat vacant. There are many abandoned structures on the site, including the ski lifts, ski lodge, signs, and more. Maple Valley Ski Resort is one of the coolest abandoned places in the Green Mountain State!
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