If you’re looking for a historic town in VT that is a feast for the senses, look no further than Bellows Falls. This incorporated village in the town of Rockingham has some interesting firsts, incredible architecture and wonderful restaurants that offer fresh and delicious meals. Enjoy the many unique shops, walking tours, artisan open studios and even a farmers market that is indoors in the winter and outside during the warmer months. Let’s take a look at this lovely town that’s bursting with history!

Welcome to Bellows Falls - A friendly place to hang your hat.
Flickr/Doug Kerr
You'll love checking out the commercial town center.
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Pictured is the Centennial Block which was built by the National Bank of Bellows Falls in 1875.
The Square has been the commercial center of Bellows Falls practically since the first residents settled there.
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There are many other historical spots such as the canal, bridges and spectacular neighborhoods that are listed as historic districts on the National Register of Historic Places.
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You'll find loads of "painted ladies" in the Victorian neighborhoods.
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There is wonderful architecture throughout the town, such as the Post Office.
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This gorgeous Georgian Revival style with Spanish Colonial Revival style elements was built in 1930.
There are also individual landmarks such as the historic railroad station and the Adams Gristmill Warehouse to be explored.
Flickr/Putneypics
The railroad was a big part of the development of of the village.
Flickr/Hugh Llewelyn
Amtrak still goes through Bellows Falls today.
The Bellows Falls Railroad Tunnel under Bridge Street and The Square dates from the 1840s.
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The bottom was excavated in the 1970s and again in 2007 to allow taller trains to pass through.
Did you know that the Bellows Falls Canal, the first canal built in the United States?
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The canal was dug by a British-owned company from 1791-1802. The original canal was 22 feet wide and four feet deep. It had 9 locks (a device used for raising and lowering boats over stretches of water) each 75 feet long and 20 feet wide. This allowed shipping to go around the Great Falls in the Connecticut River by being lifted 52 feet around the gorge. However, river traffic declined after railroads were built to the Connecticut Valley in 1849.
By 1858 the canal had become used almost exclusively for water power to run the paper mills which became established there.
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What a great picture of the Bellows Falls Fair in 1912!
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Don't miss seeking out the Bellows Falls Petroglyph Site.
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These Petroglyphs by the Native Americans are beyond fascinating!
No stop here would be complete without a trip to Miss Bellows Falls Diner!
Flickr/Vilseskogen
You'll simply love a trip to this charming historical town that is full of wonderful spots to explore.
Flickr/Putneypics

If you’ve enjoyed this historic town in VT, here are more historic towns (including Bellows Falls!) that you’ll also love to explore.

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