Manchester
Charming. Historic. Classic.
MANCHESTER, Vermont
Nestled between the Green Mountain and Taconic ranges, Manchester is the North Shire town of Bennington County. Rich history runs through the region, with such luminaries as Norman Rockwell and Rudyard Kipling making their homes in the area. The Battenkill River wraps around Manchester, lending credence to the fly-fishing culture apparent throughout the town. Mount Equinox, the Taconics’ highest point at 3,850 feet, elevates the town’s skyline.
Top Attractions
Manchester’s rich history makes for a wide range of things to do. Explore a 1900s mansion built by the Lincoln family, play pinball on more than 60 vintage machines, learn to drive a four-wheel drive car through a forest, explore the art of falconry, and more in southern Vermont.
Mount Equinox Skyline Drive
The longest privately owned, paved toll road in the United States ascends Mount Equinox to stunning views.
Read More about Mount Equinox Skyline DriveRead MoreManchester Designer Outlets
Big-name and designer outlets draw shoppers to this outdoor mall nestled in the heart of downtown Manchester.
Read More about Manchester Designer OutletsRead MoreSouthern Vermont Arts Center
Internationally known artists and more local creators find exhibition space at this southern Vermont gallery.
Read More about Southern Vermont Arts CenterRead MoreHildene, the Lincoln Family Home
Built in 1905, the historic home and grounds of Robert and Mary Lincoln is a stronghold of American history, including an original Pullman train car and Pres. Lincoln’s stovepipe hat.
Read More about Hildene, the Lincoln Family HomeRead MorePastime Pinball
Play on more than 60 vintage pinball machines at this arcade in Manchester.
Read More about Pastime PinballRead MoreAmerican Museum of Fly Fishing
Fly fishing is part of Manchester’s culture. This museum promotes water conservation and shares the sport’s history through exhibits and events.
Read More about American Museum of Fly FishingRead MoreMerck Forest and Farmland Center
Explore a working farm and forest, meet farm animals, and learn about sustainable forest management on 60 public acres in Rupert.
Read More about Merck Forest and Farmland CenterRead MoreTaconic Music
Year-round classical music concerts, lessons, demonstrations, and educational experiences in southwestern Vermont.
Read More about Taconic MusicRead MoreHemholz Fine Art
Named among the top 20 galleries in the USA and best in Vermont, this fine art gallery houses sculpture, mixed-media, and fine art with a global reach.
Read More about Hemholz Fine ArtRead MoreLand Rover Experience
Roam the Green Mountains and hone your driving skills on icy hill climbs, side tilts, and rocky terrain on a closed course under expert supervision.
Read More about Land Rover ExperienceRead MoreEllenbogen Gallery
This artist-owned gallery showcases and sells fine art as well as chocolate, wine, and cocktail components from around the world.
Read More about Ellenbogen GalleryRead MoreDorset Trails
Two trails for hiking or mountain biking wrap around nearby Dorset.
Read More about Dorset TrailsRead MoreBromley Mountain Resort
Known as Vermont’s Sun Mountain, this family-friendly resort offers almost 200 acres of skiable terrain, including a mountain adventure park.
Read More about Bromley Mountain Resort Read MoreEmerald Lake State Park
A wooded hillside campground, nature programs, and a beach and swimming area make this a popular park for families.
Read More about Emerald Lake State ParkRead MoreManchester in the Summer
In the summer, Manchester comes alive with golf, hiking, swimming, and a beautiful scenic drive to the top of the Taconic Range.
Winter in Manchester
In the winter, snowflakes swirl around Manchester’s beautiful historic downtown. Ice skating, skiing and riding, shopping downtown, and heading inside to take in the town’s art galleries and museums are all great ways to enjoy the season.
Attraction Spotlight
Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home
Built in 1907 by Robert and Mary Lincoln, son of the 16th U.S. President Abraham Lincoln, Hildene served as a summer home for the Lincoln descendants through 1975, when it became a historic museum. The 412-acre estate features a Georgian revival mansion, a 1912 restored Pullman train car, a working goat dairy, and fabled peony gardens.
Event Spotlight
Manchester Music Festival
July-August; check for specific performances
Chamber music lights up Southern Vermont Arts Center at this annual music festival, featuring string quartets, rising young artists, and performances that make classical music feel accessible, eliminating barriers between artists and audiences.
Transportation Options
For Manchester
Local Transportation
- Taxi Service and/or Rideshare: Mountain Drivers, Equinox Transportation Agency
- Manchester Taxi
- Bus services: Marble Valley Regional Transit District
Discover More
Trip planning resources with Manchester’s local downtown organization.
Manchester Chamber about Discover More