Rock of Ages Granite Quarry
Explore the world's largest monumental granite quarry, a historic site shaping America's skyline with its exceptional stone.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer tour groups
Rock of Ages Granite Quarry
Best Time
Fewer tour groups
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the world's largest monumental granite quarry, a historic site shaping America's skyline with its exceptional stone.
"An awesome tour from start to finish, a fascinating glimpse into Vermont's industrial heritage and stonework artistry."
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around the quarry and factory. Sturdy footwear is a must for a good experience. :athletic_shoe:
Check Tour Availability
Tours are popular and may not run daily, especially outside peak season. Book in advance if possible. :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The E.L. Smith Quarry
Graniteville, Vermont
Witness the world's largest monumental granite quarry, plunging nearly 600 feet deep. A true marvel of nature and industry.
+1Monument Manufacturing Factory
Rock of Ages Visitor Centre
See skilled artisans carve and chisel granite into timeless memorials and custom designs. A fascinating look at stonework artistry.
Visitor Center Exhibits
Rock of Ages Visitor Centre
Explore informative displays and an 8-minute video detailing the quarry's history and the process of granite extraction.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Avoid Crowds
What to Expect on Your Quarry Tour
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around the quarry and factory. Sturdy footwear is a must for a good experience. :athletic_shoe:
Check Tour Availability
Tours are popular and may not run daily, especially outside peak season. Book in advance if possible. :ticket:
Don't Miss the Video
The visitor center's 8-minute video offers great context before your tour. :movie_camera:
Souvenir Shopping
Great prices on souvenirs, including unique granite earrings. :gift:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around the quarry and factory. Sturdy footwear is a must for a good experience. :athletic_shoe:
Check Tour Availability
Tours are popular and may not run daily, especially outside peak season. Book in advance if possible. :ticket:
Don't Miss the Video
The visitor center's 8-minute video offers great context before your tour. :movie_camera:
Souvenir Shopping
Great prices on souvenirs, including unique granite earrings. :gift:
Explosives are Awesome!
If you're lucky, you might witness controlled explosives being set off. It's quite a sight! :boom:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Rock of Ages Granite Quarry for its fascinating tours, knowledgeable staff, and the impressive scale of the E.L. Smith Quarry. The monument manufacturing process is a highlight, showcasing incredible craftsmanship. While most experiences are highly positive, some guests noted that certain facilities, like the bowling alley, could use updates.
"The rock of ages is a beautiful facility. It was an awesome tour from start to finish. The Handcrafted monuments were amazing. It was great to see the process used to extract granite. The children loved the tour of the indoor facility and the views of the outdoor tour. We definitely recommend this tour for anyone visiting Vermont. I also bought some beautiful earrings in the gift shop which I still have several years later."
SMC LLC
"Fascinating place. The quarry tour was really interesting. It’s amazing how huge it is. Then we toured where the monuments were made. That was also really interesting to watch. Don’t miss the 8 minute video and displays in the visitor center too."
Karen Landon
"They set off explosives while we were on top. IT WAS AWESOME! Very knowledgeable staff on the tour.
The bowling alley could use some upkeep. It's like they installed it and never thought about it again. For a paid tourist destination. The place should spuce things up."
James Smith
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Rock of Ages Granite Quarry is located in Graniteville, Vermont, just outside Barre. It's accessible by car. Many visitors use GPS navigation to find the visitor center.
Yes, there is ample parking available at the Rock of Ages Visitor Centre for visitors.
While you can see some of the exterior, a guided tour is highly recommended to fully experience the quarry, factory, and visitor center exhibits.
The visitor center and factory tours are generally accessible. However, some outdoor quarry viewing areas might have uneven terrain. It's best to contact them directly for specific accessibility concerns.
Using GPS with the address 'Graniteville, Vermont' or 'Rock of Ages Visitor Centre' should guide you directly. Look for signage as you approach the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees apply for guided tours. Prices can vary, so it's best to check their official website or contact them for the most current pricing information.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. They typically resume tours on specific dates, like Friday, November 10th, as mentioned by visitors. Always check their official schedule before visiting.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your spot on a guided tour.
The quarry offers great prices on souvenirs, and sometimes group rates or special promotions might be available. Inquire directly for details.
A tour ticket typically includes access to the guided quarry tour, the monument manufacturing factory, and the visitor center exhibits.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can tour the massive E.L. Smith Quarry, watch artisans at work in the factory, explore visitor center exhibits, and learn about Vermont's granite industry. +1
The quarry is an active industrial site, but guided tours ensure safety. Follow your guide's instructions carefully.
While some visitors mention the beautiful blue-green water, swimming in the quarry is generally not permitted due to safety reasons.
Absolutely! The sheer scale of the quarry and the intricate monument designs offer incredible photo opportunities.
It's known for its high-quality gray granite, used in iconic American buildings and monuments like the National Monument and WWII Memorial.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there isn't extensive dining on-site, there might be a gift shop with snacks or nearby eateries in Barre. Visitors have mentioned enjoying lunch at the Wayside Dinner.
Picnicking might be possible in designated areas, but it's best to check their policy. Bringing water is always a good idea.
Barre, Vermont, offers several dining options, from casual cafes to local restaurants. The Wayside Dinner is a recommended spot.
📸 📸 Photography
The overlook of the E.L. Smith Quarry offers breathtaking panoramic views. The factory floor with artisans at work also provides unique shots.
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged during the tours. Capture the immense scale of the quarry and the detailed craftsmanship.
Drones are typically not permitted at active industrial sites like quarries due to safety and operational regulations. Always check specific site rules.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the quarry. A telephoto lens can be useful for details in the factory.
Yes, cloudy days can provide diffused light, which is excellent for photographing the textures of the granite and the details of the monuments without harsh shadows.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look out for opportunities for kids to take home a small piece of granite, a memorable souvenir.
🏛️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
The tour provides a deep dive into the extraction techniques and the evolution of stonework craftsmanship. Explore the visitor center's displays to understand the geological significance of the granite and its impact on American construction. The factory tour showcases the artistry and precision required to transform raw stone into enduring monuments, offering a tangible connection to the past.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Scale of Rock of Ages
This immense scale is a result of decades of meticulous extraction, using powerful cables and saws to cut the stone with near-vertical precision. The granite quarried here, particularly the E.L. Smith gray granite, is of exceptional quality and has been used to construct some of America's most significant buildings and monuments. Notable examples include the granite for the National Monument and the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C.
The quarry's longevity and continued operation highlight its importance to Vermont's heritage and the nation's architectural landscape. Visitors can gain a deeper appreciation for this history through the informative displays and an 8-minute video at the visitor center.
Experiencing the Quarry Tour
The tour then moves to the quarry floor, allowing visitors to stand at the edge of the immense E.L. Smith Quarry and marvel at its depth and scale.
You'll learn about the techniques used to extract the granite, the geological formations, and the history of the quarry. Following the quarry viewing, the tour proceeds to the manufacturing facility. Here, you can observe skilled artisans at work, using specialized tools and machinery to carve and shape the granite into intricate monuments, memorials, and other custom pieces. +1Many visitors find the combination of the quarry's natural grandeur and the human artistry in the factory to be incredibly compelling. The experience is both educational and awe-inspiring, providing a unique insight into a vital part of Vermont's industrial heritage.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit