Need a peaceful day trip or a unique small-town escape in Central Vermont? Head to Proctor! Known as the birthplace of Vermont marble, Proctor blends natural beauty, fascinating history, and hidden-gem attractions. From scenic trails and museum tours to charming rural vibes, Proctor offers a quiet but captivating getaway.
Proctor, VT Highlights:
- For Families: Explore the Vermont Marble Museum – Discover stunning exhibits, stone carving demos, and the story of Vermont’s marble legacy.
- For Outdoor Enthusiasts: Hike and admire views at Proctor Piper State Forest – Stroll wooded trails, spot wildlife, and enjoy peaceful nature escapes.
- For Kids: Picnic and play at Beaver Pond – Let little ones explore nature trails, splash in the water, or watch frogs and ducks.
- For an Adventure: Walk the Marble Bridge – Marvel at this historic bridge built entirely from local marble, a unique and photo-worthy experience.
- For History Buffs: Visit Wilson Castle – Tour this European-style mansion with stained glass windows, antiques, and fascinating local lore.
Best Time to Visit Proctor, VT
The best time to visit Proctor is from late spring through fall (May to October). These months offer mild weather, vibrant foliage in autumn, and access to outdoor activities like hiking, sightseeing, and festivals.
How to Get to Proctor, VT
- If you are traveling by car: Proctor is off U.S. Route 7, about 10 minutes from Rutland, 1 hour from Middlebury, and 2 hours from Burlington or Albany, NY.
- By Train: The nearest Amtrak stop is in Rutland, VT (Ethan Allen Express), with taxi or rideshare options to Proctor.
- By Air: Fly into Rutland–Southern Vermont Regional Airport (RUT) or Burlington International Airport (BTV) for regional and domestic access.
Where to Stay in Proctor, VT
- Wilson Castle Bed & Breakfast – If you want to stay in a historic Victorian estate with dramatic architecture and cozy rooms.
- Marble Mansion Inn (Fair Haven) – A luxurious B&B in a former marble mansion about 25 minutes away.
- Hampton Inn Rutland – A modern hotel just a 10-minute drive from Proctor, with pool, gym, and breakfast included.
Best Things to Do in Proctor, VT
1. Step Into Storybook Elegance at Wilson Castle
Wilson Castle is a 115-acre estate near Proctor, Vermont, with a magnificent house built in 1867 in a mix of architectural styles including Dutch neo-renaissance, Queen Anne, Scottish baronial and Romanesque Revival. The house was built for a Vermont physician John Johnson and his English wife. The house contains 32 rooms on three stories. Its facade is constructed of English brick and French marble, with 19 arches, 84 stained glass windows, two turrets, a parapet, and balcony. Inside, the house has 13 fireplaces and luxury furnishings that include Asian and European antiques, Chinese scrolls, statuary and oriental rugs. Since1939, after changing hands several times, the estate was purchased by Herbert Lee Wilson. Five generations of the Wilson family lived in the house. Since 1962, the house has been open for tours and is now operated as a house museum.
2970 W Proctor Rd, Proctor, VT 05765
2. Marvel at Craftsmanship at the Marble Bridge
The Marble Bridge or the Fletcher D. Proctor Memorial Bridge, runs over Otter Creek in the center of Proctor, Vermont. The bridge was built in 1915 and widened in 1935. The bridge is faced in local marble and is a good example of early concrete bridge construction. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Marble Bridge is one of several bridges over Otter Creek in Proctor. It links the village center with mostly residential areas to the east. It also provides access to United States Route 7. The bridge consists of three arch spans made of concrete, each 42 feet long. The total length of the bridge is 170 feet, it is 38 feet wide, carrying a two-lane road 36 feet above the creek.
Otter Creek, Proctor, VT 05765
3. If You Love Historic Strolls, Wander Across the Gorham Covered Bridge
The Gorham Covered Bridge continues Gorham Bridge Road across Otter Creek in Proctor, Vermont. Built in 1841 by Abraham Owen and Nicholas M. Powers, it is a town lattice truss type of bridge and it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Gorham Covered Bridge links northern Proctor and southern Pittsford, two rural communities in central-northern Rutland County, Vermont. The bridge is 114-foot long, sitting on stone abutments faced in concrete. It has been strengthened by laminated beams below the 18-foot wide road deck. On the outside, the bridge is sheathed in vertical wooden siding, topped by a gabled roof covered in corrugated metal.
Gorham Bridge Rd, Proctor, VT
Plan Your Trip