20 Fun and Obscure Facts About Vermont That You Probably Didn’t Know

At Magnify Rentals, we’re all about celebrating what makes Vermont one-of-a-kind. It’s quirky, charming, and just a little bit weird—in all the best ways. So, buckle up for a tour of some obscure gems that showcase Vermont’s wit, character, and downright delightful uniqueness.

1. Vermont Invented Snowboarding

Thank Jake Burton Carpenter, the visionary behind Burton Snowboards, for turning wooden planks into an Olympic sport. Burlington is still home to Burton’s HQ, proving once and for all that Vermont is where snowboarding found its soul (and its powder).

2. First State to Abolish Slavery

Vermont wasn’t just ahead of the curve; it was writing its own. In 1777, the Green Mountain State banned slavery outright—decades before most of the country could catch up.

3. Vermont’s Capital Has No McDonald’s

Montpelier has no time for drive-thru mediocrity. As the only U.S. capital without a McDonald’s, it’s a bold statement: Vermonters prefer their food local, fresh, and probably served at a charming café you’ll want to Instagram.

4. Birthplace of the Morgan Horse

Strong, versatile, and a little bit stubborn (sound familiar?), the Morgan horse was born in Vermont. It’s the state’s official horse and a living embodiment of Vermont’s hardworking spirit.

5. Vermont Loves a Quirky Festival

Strolling cows in Brattleboro? Check. Maple syrup celebrations in St. Albans? Double check. Vermonters love their festivals as much as they love finding new ways to show off their local charm.

6. Rudyard Kipling Wrote The Jungle Book Here

Kipling penned his beloved classic in Dummerston, proving that Vermont’s serene countryside is basically a muse for literary greatness. Add it to the list of reasons Vermont inspires!

7. Home to a UFO Abduction Claim

Vermont has a cosmic claim to fame: the Betty and Barney Hill UFO story of 1969. True or not, it’s a reminder that Vermont has always been out of this world.

8. The Lake Champlain Monster

Loch Ness who? Lake Champlain has its very own monster, “Champ,” with sightings dating back to the 1600s. Is it a giant eel, a playful dinosaur, or just local folklore? We’re not telling.

9. Vermonters Almost Joined Canada

In a plot twist worthy of a Netflix series, Vermonters debated joining Canada before officially becoming the 14th U.S. state in 1791. Imagine the free healthcare!

10. First State to Legalize Same-Sex Civil Unions

Trailblazing comes naturally to Vermont. In 2000, it became the first U.S. state to legalize same-sex civil unions, showing the rest of the country what progress looks like.

11. The World’s Tallest Filing Cabinet

Nothing says “bureaucracy” like a 38-foot-tall filing cabinet. This Burlington art installation is weird, wonderful, and surprisingly photogenic.

12. Vermont Has No Billboards

Say goodbye to eyesores. Vermont banned billboards in 1968 to keep its landscapes pristine and its scenic roads, well, scenic.

13. Smallest Largest City

Burlington may be Vermont’s largest city, but with just 45,000 residents, it’s the smallest “largest city” of any U.S. state. Size doesn’t matter when you’ve got charm to spare.

14. Famous for “Vermonting”

Unplug, unwind, and soak up the nature. “Vermonting” is a state of mind, and no one does it better than the locals who’ve mastered the art of chill.

15. Vermont’s Unique Accent

You’ll hear “Vahmont” more than “Vermont” here. The accent is a delightful blend of Canadian, New England, and rural twang. Bonus points if you can decode all the local slang!

16. Vermont’s Cow Population Once Rivaled Its People

In the early 1900s, cows outnumbered people 2-to-1. The dairy legacy lives on in Vermont’s world-class cheeses and (yes!) ice cream.

17. Vermonters Embrace Mud Season

Mud season isn’t a nuisance—it’s a badge of honor. When the spring thaw turns roads into rivers of muck, Vermonters make the most of it with muddy boots and big smiles.

18. Taps Into Its Own Water Supply

If maple syrup wasn’t enough, Vermont also bottles some of the purest spring water you’ll ever taste. It’s like sipping straight from the Green Mountains.

19. First U.S. Ski Lift

In 1934, Vermont brought skiing to the masses with America’s first ski lift in Woodstock. Winter hasn’t been the same since.

20. Vermont Was an Independent Republic

Before becoming a state, Vermont was an independent republic from 1777 to 1791, complete with its own currency. Always independent, always iconic.

Vermont isn’t just a place—it’s a feeling, a story, and a lifestyle all rolled into one.

From quirky festivals and covered bridges to groundbreaking firsts and mythical lake monsters, the Green Mountain State is full of surprises.

Every corner of Vermont has its own charm, its own tale to tell, and its own reason to make you smile.

At Magnify Rentals, we take pride in sharing this magic with every guest who steps through the door. Because Vermont isn’t just a destination—it’s an experience worth celebrating, one fun fact at a time. 🧡