This Vermont Destination Is the Perfect Washington Monument Lookalike Closer to Home

My grandparents were born and raised in Washington, DC, and spent the majority of their lives in the city. Every April vacation, my family and I would make the nine-hour road trip from New Hampshire to the nation's capital to visit them and play tourist for a week. During these trips, we toured everything from the U.S. Mint to the National Zoo, but one of my all-time favorite destinations was always the Washington Monument.

To this day, this iconic landmark always reminds me of my childhood trips. Two years ago, my family and I returned to DC for a weekend trip and, sadly, missed the window to reserve tickets to visit the monument (yes, even travel experts make mistakes). While a return journey is still on my radar, I am also planning a trip to see the next best thing. The Bennington Battle Monument in Bennington, Vermont, is the perfect dupe for the Washington Monument, and even better, it won’t take all day to drive there. 

Standing at just over 306 feet tall, the Bennington Battle Memorial is Vermont’s tallest landmark and the country's sixth-tallest monument. While the Washington Monument is over 200 feet taller, this Green Mountain state monument follows as the second-tallest unreinforced masonry building in the United States. Both share a distinctive obelisk shape and have interesting stories to tell. 

The blue-grey magnesian limestone monument is set on a former Revolutionary War military storage supply site and commemorates the Battle of Bennington, which took place on August 16, 1777. This battle proved victorious and ultimately led up to the Battle of Saratoga, a pivotal point in the war. The monument was dedicated in 1891 and is one of Vermont’s many fascinating State Historic Sites.

While you are certain to gain some historical knowledge during your visit to this bucket-list-worthy destination, you will also be treated to some amazing views. Travel by elevator to the top of the monument and gaze out from the observation deck. You will be able to see parts of Vermont, New York, and Massachusetts. 

When you venture back down to land, take time to stroll the grounds. Check out the plaques commemorating the battle, and the statues of Seth Warner, commander of the Green Mountain Boys, and New Hampshire General John Stark, who helped lead the battle. The property also contains a gift shop with some cool memorabilia.

The Bennington Battle Monument is typically open daily from mid-May to late October, but operating dates vary year to year. The historic site also hosts several special events throughout the season, including military reenactments, a free Battle Day Weekend, and an annual reading of the Declaration of Independence on the Fourth of July.

For more information on hours of operation and special events, please visit the Bennington Battle Monument website. For even more Washington Monument dupes, consider visiting the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown, Massachusetts, and the High Point Monument in Montague, New Jersey.

Please note that the elevator to the monument's observation tower is temporarily out of service, but set to reopen in May 2026. Although the tower cannot currently be accessed, the grounds of the historic site remain open. Guests who visit during this time will receive reduced admission and are invited to bring their tickets back for a complimentary trip up the tower. Please check the Vermont State Historic Sites website for further details.