National Vermont Day

National Vermont Day is observed on October 12 each year, and this day is dedicated to celebrating the culture, heritage, landscapes, and spirit of the state of Vermont in the United States.

History of National Vermont Day

The precise origins of National Vermont Day are not well documented, and no single founder is universally credited. The observance appears to have developed as a grassroots effort to highlight each U.S. state’s distinct identity and attract attention to Vermont’s particular charms and stories. According to descriptions of the holiday, it aims to recognize Vermont’s role in American history, its natural beauty, and its ongoing cultural contributions.

Over time, Vermont enthusiasts, local media, and tourism advocates have embraced October 12 as a moment for reflection and promotion. On websites celebrating national days, National Vermont Day is portrayed as a chance to spotlight the state’s traditions, culinary heritage (especially maple syrup), rural landscapes, and commitment to nature.

Why is National Vermont Day important?

Vermont is unique among U.S. states for the way its identity is strongly tied to its natural environment, small towns, sustainable agriculture, and independent spirit. Celebrating National Vermont Day helps remind people that states are not just administrative divisions but living communities, histories, and ecosystems. This day invites both Vermonters and outsiders to look more deeply at Vermont’s values—local food, conservation, artisanal craft, and balance between human life and wilderness.

Also, National Vermont Day is a tool for connection and education. For those far from Vermont, it’s an invitation to learn about its landscapes, social experiments, political choices, or cultural traditions. For those in Vermont, it’s a chance to renew pride, to support local artisans, farmers, businesses, and to engage in storytelling about what makes Vermont distinct. The day fosters conversations about place, belonging, and how communities shape and are shaped by their environment.

Here are some of the meaningful purposes this day can serve

• Elevate public awareness of Vermont’s natural and cultural heritage
• Encourage support for local farmers, artisans, and small businesses
• Promote tourism and visitor interest to Vermont’s scenic areas
• Inspire educational exploration of Vermont’s history, ecology, and communities
• Strengthen pride and connection among Vermonters

How to Celebrate National Vermont Day

You can join in by immersing yourself in Vermont’s flavors and traditions. Try maple syrup (on pancakes, in recipes) or sample Vermont cheeses or craft beverages. Cooking or baking using Vermont ingredients helps ground a celebration in sensory experience. Share what you make with friends and tell the story of why Vermont produces such distinct food products.

If possible, explore nature in its spirit: go on a hike, visit wooded areas, admire landscapes, or support conservation efforts. If you’re near Vermont, take a trip to a local town, a state park, or a craft fair that features Vermont makers. Online, you can highlight Vermont photography, stories, and artisans. Use the day to post a “Why I love Vermont” message, share a photo, or engage others with questions about what Vermont means to them.

Here are some ideas you might try

• Cook or bake using Vermont maple or dairy products
• Visit or support Vermont artisans, craft sellers, or local businesses
• Take a nature walk or enjoy a scenic view in Vermont‑style
• Share a photo, memory, or story about Vermont with others
• Learn and share a historical or cultural Vermont fact

National Vermont Day Dates Table