Celebrate Flag Day at the Monument During ‘Vermont Days’ Free Admission Weekend

BENNINGTON, Vt. NewsWK — The state has officially announced the return of the annual Vermont Days weekend on June 13–14, kicking off the summer season by waiving all day-use fees at state parks and state-run historic sites.

For local residents, the weekend’s marquee event will take place right in our backyard. The Bennington Battle Monument will host a public Flag Day Celebration on Sunday, June 14, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Led by historic interpreter Phyllis Chapman, the local celebration is designed for families and history enthusiasts alike. The event features interactive activities for children, a supply of free flags and bubbles, and educational sessions detailing official U.S. flag protocol. Attendees will also be treated to practical demonstrations on how to properly fold the American flag.

Governor Phil Scott highlighted the broader community impact of the state’s annual open-door weekend. “We’re fortunate to live in such a beautiful state with impressive landmarks and tight-knit communities,” Scott said in a press statement. “Vermont Days is a good way to welcome more Vermonters and visitors to these sites.”

Free Access to 55 State Parks

The state’s waiver covers day-use admission from 10:00 AM until sunset on both Saturday and Sunday across all 55 Vermont State Parks. Whether you are looking for a lakeside beach or a mountain trail, the promotion makes it easier to explore new destinations or revisit old favorites without worrying about vehicle entry fees.

Examples of popular parks included in the free day-use weekend:

• Emerald Lake State Park (East Dorset): Just a short drive north of Bennington, this local favorite is nestled in the Taconic Mountains and features a 20-acre lake popular for swimming, paddling, and wooded hiking trails.
• Woodford State Park (Woodford): Located on a mountain plateau just east of Bennington, this park boasts the highest elevation campground in the state and encircles the quiet, scenic Adams Reservoir.
• Little River State Park (Waterbury): For those looking to take a day trip up north, this massive destination offers extensive hiking and mountain biking networks, alongside access to the Waterbury Reservoir for boating and fishing.
• Lake Shaftsbury State Park (Shaftsbury): Known for its family-friendly sandy beach, nature trail, and calm waters, it provides an easy outdoor escape right next door.

Historic Sites and Free Fishing

In addition to the parks, six Vermont State Historic Sites—including the Bennington Battle Monument—will offer completely free admission from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM throughout the weekend. Other notable participating historic locations include the President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site in Plymouth Notch and Mount Independence in Orwell.

Coinciding with the weekend, Saturday, June 13 is also Vermont’s Free Fishing Day. For that day only, both resident and non-resident anglers can cast a line in any public body of water statewide without purchasing a fishing license, provided they follow standard state fishing regulations and catch limits.

For more information on local Flag Day schedules, visit historicsites.vermont.gov. To browse a complete map of open outdoor spaces for the weekend, visit vtstateparks.com/day-use.