Vermont Attractions
Covered Bridges of Windsor County
One of Vermont's most unique and beloved sights are its many wooden covered bridges. Windsor County alone is home to fifteen. Find out about their style, history, and more below. This list is under active construction.
Quechee Covered Bridge
Town: Quechee
River: Ottauqueechee
Address: Waterman Hill Rd #4, Quechee, VT 05059 (Google Maps)
A modern, steel bridge with a traditional wood covering, the Quechee Covered Bridge was originally constructed in the 1970s, and rebuilt after Hurricane Irene in 2013. It passes over the Ottauqueechee River waterfall, and is popular among Hot-Air Balloon Watchers of the Quechee Balloon Festival, visitors to the nearby Simon Pierce Resteraunt, and sightseers.
Taftsville Covered Bridge
Town: Woodstock
River: Ottauqueechee
Address: 403 E Woodstock Rd, Woodstock, VT 05091 (Google Maps)
Originally build in 1836, the Taftsville Covered Bridge measures 186 feet, and reflects an earlier, "craftsman" bridge-bilding style, with wood-and-steel construction. It is among the longest of Vermont's covered bridges, and popular among sightseers along the Ottauquechee River.
Lincoln Covered Bridge
Town: Woodstock
River: Ottauqueechee
Address: 530 US-4, Woodstock, VT 05091 (Google Maps)
Originally built in 1877, the Lincoln Covered bridge is a registered US Historic site, as one of the only remaining examples of its style. It stands 136 feet in length, with a wood-and-steel construction, popular with locals and visitors alike.
Middle Covered Bridge
Town: Woodstock
River: Ottauqueechee
Address: Mountain Ave, Woodstock, VT 05091 (Google Maps)
Build in 1877 originally as an iron bridge, and replaced in 1969 in the form you build today, the Middle Covered Bridge (sometimes called the "Union Street Bridge") is constructed in a beautiful, wood-only latice-and-peg method. It caught fire in the 1974 (on the night of the Fireman's Ball, no less!), but suffered only minimal damage, and was refurbushed.
History of Vermont's Covered Bridges
Vermont is nationally famous for its over 100 authentic covered bridges, the third most in the United States, and most in New England. Vermont's covered bridges are popular with locals and visitors alike, part of the Vermont's unique history and culture.
The rugged, wooded hills of Vermont provided ithe perfect mix of terrain and natural resources for wooden bridge-making to become a prized art. From the early days of European settlement, Vermont was filled with temporary covered bridges so farmers could bring their sheep and cattle to market The awnings kept them dry and sheltered, which was very important during Vermont's snowy winters.
Today, Vermont's covered bridges are both functional, often capable of carrying vehicles across in single-lane traffic, and favorite destinations of sightseers locally and from afar. Organizations like the Vermont Covered Bridge Society provide maps, tours, and contests to help visitors appreciate them and keep them in good condition.