11 Abandoned Places In Vermont [MAP]
Last Updated on March 20, 2022 by Urbex Underground
Hunting for abandoned places in Vermont? You’re in the right place. Below are 11 of my favorite abandoned places across the state.
Last Updated on March 20, 2022 by Urbex Underground
Abandoned Places In Vermont
1. Diamond Run Mall Place
43.58084, -72.96449
History:
Diamond Run Mall is just one of many dead malls you can find scattered across the United States. Diamond Run Mall was opened in 1995 host many big name brands like Gap, Regis, and Claire’s. Even in its early days that mall ran into trouble.
By 1997 the mall had not been completely leased and the city fined the parent company of the mall $100,000 for not paying its first installment of impact fees. The mall had also failed to pay its taxes on time on multiple occasions. Despite this Diamond Run remained open.
The mall hit a 90% occupancy rate in 2005, but just as things were looking up, success slow tapered. The mall changed hands during the 2007 financial crisis and occupancy rates began to slip. This paired with the boom in eCommerce stifled the mall’s revenue.
By 2018 the last anchor store had left. The last businesses moved out in October of 2019. The mall’s assets were auctioned off and the building remains abandoned.
What’s left?
The mall remains in fairly good shape even after abandonment. The iconic mall skylights provide nice lighting for photographers despite the lack of electricity. Diamond Run is one of the largest abandoned places in Vermont, and is truly a symbol of a bygone era.
2. The Walloomsac Inn
42.88332, -73.21357
History:
It almost looks like something out of a Skooby Doo episode. The Walloomsac Inn was originally a tavern built in the 1770s, making this possible one of the oldest abandoned places in Vermont. The tavern was built by Captain Elijah Dewey who would go on to serve in the Revolutionary War and fight in the Battle of Bennington.
Over the years the inn was a staple of the community and served some famous guests. President Rutherford B. Hayes stayed at the inn in 1877 when dedicating the Battle Monument in 1877.
In the early 90s, the Berry sisters who last owned the inn died, leaving the building’s fate uncertain.
What’s left?
Today the building towers ominously over the country highway. Although it’s over 200 years the building is safer than other abandoned places I’ve visited.
3. Freedley Quarry
43.25932, -73.02727
History:
Freedley Quarry is an abandoned marble mine that was first staked in the 1700s. Back in the day, the mine produced rare and beautifully colored marble that surrounded the bedrock. The quarry operated until shutting down in the 1920s.
Marble taken from the mine was used in ornate art pieces and architecture in cities like Washington D.C and New York. When the cheaper and more efficient Portland cement was invented, the demand for genuine marble dropped.
What’s left?
The quarry can be explored during summer and winter. In winter, the water freezes inside allowing some people to practice their ice skating skills. In the summer months, the quarry is a cool and relaxing place to explore.
Freedley Quarry is one of the few abandoned places in Vermont that are legal to explore, making it a great place for novice urban explorers.
4. Randolph Railroad Buildings
43.922493, -72.666155
History:
Randolph was settled in 1778 by mostly farmers who took advantage of the area’s fertile soil. By 1830 just under 3000 people would call Randolph home. Despite the town’s early success, the population has been on the decline ever since 2000.
What’s left?
The railroad town of Randolph has lots of hidden gems, especially along its railing. While the town isn’t technically a ghost town, its population has dwindled over the years. While they’re lots of abandoned buildings to find, some notable buildings are the Randolph Depot, and vacant train cars not far from the center of town.
5. Green Mountain Racetrack
42.75519, -73.23425
History:
Green Mountain Race Track didn’t race cars, but featured horse and greyhound racing. The track opened in 1963 but faced scrutiny by animal rights activists in the 1990s. Eventually, pressure from activists forced the track to stop greyhound racing, with the practice outlawed in 1995.
The race track shifted to hosting events like concerts and car shows until 2008. A legal dispute broke out between the mortgage holder and the race track, which left the businesses in a state of suspension. The track was abandoned and was heavily damaged by a fire in 2020.
What’s left?
The track is a fascinating abandoned place, but might not impress more seasoned explorers. If you’re in the area it’s cool to check out. The property is considered private, and some of the land is in use as a solar farm.
6. Maple Valley Ski Resort
42.94464, -72.61802
History:
The Maple Valley Ski Resort operated for close to 40 years from the 1960s until the late 90s. During the 60s the North Haven Construction Company developed the area into a ski resort with multiple trails, a 3,000-foot lift, and numerous jumps.
Unfortunately, the resort struggled to gain the attraction it wanted and was cursed with many warm winter seasons. The 70s were particularly hard where little snowfall left the slopes mostly muddy and wet.
During the 80s the company tried to gain more visitors by operating snowmaking machines during the warm winters, but complications and malfunctions slowed the season once again. The resort was officially closed in 2000.
What’s left?
The chairlifts have been removed but the old lodge buildings and some slops are still able to be explored. It’s an interesting piece of local history, but isn’t worth a road trip just to check out this one spot in my opinion.
7. Hyde’s Hotel
43.784167, -73.202361
History:
Hyde’s hotel was a summer resort hotel built in all the way back in 1865. In its early years the building served as a tarvern and stagecoach for travelers heading towards New York and Montreal.
Pitt Hyde bought the tavern in 1801 to expand his existing tavern. Like many resorts at this time, Hyde’s hotel offered mineral spring water that could supposedly cure many ailments and restore youthful features.
The businesses added more attractions over time, including a bowling alley, dance hall, and even a nine-hole golf course. After a decline in tourism, the property eventually was shuttered in 1973.
What’s left?
Today Hyde’s hotel is dilapidated and eroding away with time. It’s true one of the more unique abandoned places in Vermont. I’d recommend any explorer traveling this way to check it out.
8. East Barnet Inwood Train Station
44.324506, -72.037255
History:
East Barnett Inwood Station is a small abandoned depot and collection of rusty train cars than sit ideally on the tracks. I personally couldn’t find much information about the location other than the trains are on private property as of today.
If you have any information about the history of this area I’d love to hear about it.
What’s left?
New explorers who are looking to get their feet wet can enjoy photographing and checking out these trains. While there are certainly more impressive abandoned train cars across the United States, this is a nice little gem that Vermont has tucked away.
9. Brattleboro Retreat Tower
42.857527, -72.565979
History:
This oddly placed tower was once part of a sprawling mental care facility known as Vermont Asylum for the Insane. First constructed in 1834, doctors thought fresh air and nature could naturally heal the mind over time. The tower’s purpose was twofold; it helped patients feel closer to nature and provided physical therapy for the residents.
At the turn of the century, the site was renamed Brattleboro Retreat with the owners putting an effort to humanely rehabilitate their patients. Instead of lobotomies and electroshock therapy, patients could enjoy the outdoors as well as numerous amenities such as bowling, chorus, and swimming in the first pool operated at a U.S psychiatric hospital.
It’s rumored that some of the more ill patients took their life by leaping from the tower, but this has never been proven.
What’s left?
Today the tower is all that’s left of the asylum. The area is open to the public as part of a park, but visitors technically aren’t allowed to climb the tower. There are also a few unmarked graves nearby, likely unclaimed bodies of those who died inside the hospital.
10. Belvidere Mountain Asbestos Mine
44.766535, -72.523037
History:
Asbestos was once deemed a miracle material, found in everything from insulation to concrete brick. The material was durable, cheap, insulating, and practically fire-proof. The Belvidere Mountain Asbestos Mine was discovered in the early 1800s and mining officially began in 1902.
As the dangers of asbestos became clear, mining slowed and finally ceased in 1993. The buildings, mines, and tons of mining waste now scar the landscape.
What’s left?
The mine is abandoned and for good reason. Asbestos spreads microscopic fibers when disturbed that enter your lungs and cannot be removed. These fibers cause lung cancer and a host of other painful breathing issues. Today over 30 million tons of asbestos tailings litter the property.
Of all the abandoned places in Vermont, the Belvidere Mountain Asbestos Mine is the most dangerous. Seasoned explorers should wear proper asbestos-rated masks and abatement clothing and be versed in mine exploration. We do not recommend you visit this location.
11. Lyndonville Airforce Station
44.66526, -71.77094
History:
Lyndonville Airforce Station was part of a network of radar defense stations used by the Air Defense Command during the Cold War in 1952. The purpose of the radar was to detect airborne threats including missiles armed with nuclear warheads.
The site was also used to help guide interceptor aircraft and track aerial objects entering U.S airspace. In the spring of 1963, the Air Force ordered the site to close. By summer of 63′ the base was shuttered.
What’s left?
Today the site is abandoned with all of the radar towers still standing. It’s one of the best examples of Cold War air defense and is one of my favorite abandoned places in Vermont. This site is worth a trip to, especially if you love Cold War history.
Go out and explore!
That concludes our list of abandoned places in Vermont, but that doesn’t mean that’s all there is to find. Take the back roads, follow train tracks, and find some places for yourself. There are plenty of places I kept off this list so get out there and explore.
If you’re having trouble finding abandoned places, be sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to Finding Abandoned Places, or explore abandoned places near you.
