Your Essential Guide To Exploring the Vermont African American Heritage Trail – Episode 185
What to expect, helpful tips, and insights for an enriching visit. Vermont might not be the first place you think of when considering African American history, but this small state has made big contributions to shaping our nation. The Vermont African American Heritage Trail offers a unique opportunity to explore the Green Mountain State’s rich, yet often overlooked, heritage.
The trail runs all across the state and features different spots that illuminate the lives, experiences, and stories of Black Vermonters—many of whom you might not have heard about.
You’ll find museums, historical societies, sculptures, and roadside markers offering an interesting perspective on Vermont’s Black history.
Whether you visit all the sites or just a few on your next trip, learn how Vermonters faced adversity and improved their local communities.
Here’s a handy guide to help you plan your visit, including what to expect and tips to make the most of this enriching experience. Let’s get started!
Continue reading or listen to the podcast episode for my experience on the trail and detailed recommendations for the best sites to visit.
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I guide you through the most impactful attractions that tell stories of resilience and activism, notably from the abolition and civil rights movements.
This blog post was made possible by the Vermont Department of Tourism & Marketing, which provided valuable insights and resources for exploring the Vermont African American Heritage Trail. All opinions expressed are my own.
What to Expect
Exploring the Vermont African American Heritage Trail is a great way to learn about the important contributions and experiences of African Americans in Vermont’s history.
Initially consisting of 16 locations, the historic route, which now features 30 sites statewide, acknowledges contributions from the Underground Railroad and Civil War to the present day.
On the trail, you will learn that Black people were among the early settlers who built homes and established communities in Vermont. Between 25 and 50 Black people lived in Vermont in 1777. While the population grew over time, living in Vermont offered opportunities that were not readily available throughout the country.
Between the fights for emancipation, desegregation, and civil rights, the Vermont African American Heritage Trial documents and acknowledges the struggles and triumphs of African Americans, some of which persist today.
My favorite immersive sites on the trail include Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home, the Rokeby Museum, and the Rutland Sculpture Trail.
Each location highlights stories of resilience, freedom, and activism. Whether you’re interested in American history or want to connect more deeply with Vermont’s diverse heritage, the trail promotes understanding.
There are many reasons to visit Vermont. From the covered bridges, maple syrup, cheese, stunning fall foliage, and breathtaking mountain views, the Vermont African American Heritage Trail provides something different: an eye-opening experience that will change how you see the world around you.
When to Visit
Many sites on the heritage trail are open to the public in the summer months, so plan to visit from June to August.
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy Vermont’s natural landscapes, especially if you’re interested in outdoor activities.
Check each attraction’s website to confirm operating hours.
Planning Your Itinerary
1. Start with the Vermont Tourism Website
The Vermont Department of Tourism & Marketing website is our go-to resource for planning any trip to the Green Mountain State.
Specifically for the trail, it offers a wealth of information about Vermont’s rich history, including detailed descriptions of each trail site and resources for booking accommodations and activities.
More generally, if you want to visit state parks and farms, attend seasonal events and festivals, or see all the covered bridges (on our wish list), you can find maps, itineraries, and guides specifically designed for any vacation here.
2. Map Out Your Stops
Before hitting the road, familiarize yourself with the trail’s 30 sites, including museums, sculptures, roadside markers, and more. Pick the ones that resonate with your interests.
During our road trip, we prioritized driving convenience and immersive experiences. Since there are many ways to experience the Vermont African American Heritage Trail, do what works best for you.
Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home is the Southernmost stop on the trail, and the Old Stone House Museum is the Northernmost.
Coming from Southern New England, we drove along the East Coast and ended in Western Vermont before returning home.
3. Choose Your Accommodations
Given Vermont’s quaint towns and villages, you’ll find many lodging options, from budget-friendly motels to luxurious resorts and vacation rentals.
Consider hotels in Manchester, Burlington, or Rutland.
4. Getting To Vermont
When traveling to Vermont, you have several options: flying, taking the train, or driving. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, so let’s break them down.
Flying: Flying is the fastest way to get to Vermont.
Burlington International Airport and Rutland Southern Vermont Regional Airport have flights from various cities, making it an easy starting point.
But as we know, airfare can be expensive, especially during busy times of the year. Plus, once you land, you’ll still need a rental car or a ride to get around.
Train: Taking the train can be a convenient, comfortable, and beautiful experience, showcasing Vermont’s scenic countryside views.
Trains offer plenty of space to move around, stretch your legs, and (hopefully) grab a snack when you want. But with a set route, you miss out on many attractions along the way.
Vermont has two main train routes: Amtrak Ethan Allen Express connects major spots like Rutland and Burlington, and Vermonter travels from Washington, D.C., through New York and into Vermont, stopping at towns such as Bellows Falls, Brattleboro, and St. Albans.
Driving: As avid road trippers, driving is the best way to see Vermont because you can travel at your own pace.
Want to take a detour to check out a cool roadside attraction? Go for it!
With a car, you can easily hop from town to town, hitting up all those scenic byways and hidden gems along the way.
As for cons, long drives can get tiring, especially if you’re not used to it.
5. Plan For Flexibility
As you drive from one location to another, leave room for spontaneity.
You might discover a quaint café, a local event, or a scenic overlook that begs for a stop.
For example, we visited several BIPOC-owned Vermont restaurants during our Vermont road trip, which was so much fun!
Add this to your Vermont Pinterest board for later!
6. Join Guided Tours
Some Vermont African American Heritage Trail sites, like Rokeby Museum, offer guided tours providing in-depth knowledge and context. If given the chance, join one!
Touring Rokeby Museum with a knowledgeable guide allowed us to ask questions and gain exclusive access to the main house, where we could see how the Robinson family lived along with all their belongings. I highly recommend touring with Colleen!
Exploring the Vermont African American Heritage Trail offers a wonderful way to connect with lesser-known history, celebrate pioneers and visionaries, and engage with this beautiful state’s rich African American heritage.
Whether you’re a local resident or just visiting, we highly recommend visiting stops on the trail. You will not only learn something new but also appreciate our nation’s past and future with an even greater historical and cultural context.
For travelers of Color considering visiting Vermont but want more depth, the heritage trail offers a strong sense of place honoring Black culture all year round, not just for Black History Month or Juneteenth celebrations.
Tired of reading? Listen to this podcast episode on Spotify.
Black history and culture surround us. I’m grateful the trail exists to show us the way.
With plans to expand in the future, we cannot wait to see what people and places the trail highlights next.
Read Next: Best Things to Do in Manchester, VT
Read/Watch: Thrilling Driving Experiences in Manchester, Vermont
Danielle Desir Corbett is an award-winning and 6x grant-funded travel writer and podcast host who went from financial struggle to visiting 27+ countries all without waiting until retirement. Her story is proof that budget doesn’t limit adventure. Tune into The Thought Card Podcast for practical strategies to travel smarter and live on your terms. Say hello: thethoughtcard (at) gmail (dot) com.
