Setting aside jokes, anyone who needs a haven for dogs and humans alike, and wants to lift their mood by watching dogs frolic without any restrictions, would likely come up with something like a Vermont Mountain Dog.
Let’s get into why this place is so special, its history, and how to make a trip there happen with your pooch.
Please note that the below post contains affiliate links, including links through which I may earn a commission if you make a purchase. I have not used any earned income from the upkeep of this site myself, and I would not recommend something that would cost you any additional expenses.
In the latter years of his life, Stephen Huneck gained recognition for his wooden sculptures of canines. Huneck, who was both a writer of children’s books and a folk artist, cannot be discussed without mentioning Dog Mountain in Vermont.
In his workshop, following an incident, a coma jolted him out of assisting with his recovery, acknowledging the faithful creatures for their profound bond with canines and an activity he found pleasure in, the sculptures were more than just ordinary.
If you are lucky enough to visit in the fall, you can experience Huneck’s creation of the Chapel of Dog, which took him 3 years to complete. On top of that, the carvings of those near-death experiences seamlessly fit into the landscape, as the church is built in the style of a 1820s-style village in Vermont.
Throughout the years and after the loss of their beloved puppies, both in the current time and while searching for a location that expressed their sentiments towards their own furry friends, the chapel unexpectedly turned into a popular spot for canine enthusiasts.
This led to Huneck’s final project, as he took on an endeavor with his wife Gwen, turning their mountain retreat into a place for dogs and their human companions. Visitors along the way marveled at the art supported by sales from the playland doggie, at Huneck’s art. They even hosted an annual Party Dog, spreading the word about the magic of this place.
The enjoyment persisted until 2010.
What occurred to Stephen Huneck? Just 3 years subsequently, his spouse passed away by suicide too. She faced difficulties in upholding the estate. He was only 61 years of age. Stephen Huneck passed away by suicide in 2010 after a prolonged struggle with depression.
In 2015, the nonprofit status was awarded to the Friends of Dog Mountain (FODM), a group that has worked diligently for years to maintain the 150-acre property and raise funds to keep it open. Jonathan Ide, with the help of Gwen’s brother, continued to operate it. It shouldn’t be seen as a tragedy, but rather as the lasting legacy of this special place.
The emphasis stays unchanged. However, art has consistently been Huneck’s secondary ardor, as the team aspires to generate additional artistic prospects on the location.
Dog Mountain will always be a place for visitors to celebrate the unique connection between humans and dogs, where canines can freely roam.
Things to Do at Dog Mountain
They should be kept on a leash, but they are still permitted to enter. You can allow them to freely roam everywhere except the gift shop if they behave well without a leash. You can bring your dog along for anything I mention here, so all activities at Dog Mountain are suitable for dogs.
Clearly, if your canine companion doesn’t handle being in the company of multiple dogs, this isn’t the ideal location for you.
Hit the trails.
You have 150 acres to explore on Mountain Dog. The grounds are open from daily dawn to dusk, allowing you to roam around the trails without the need for a detailed plan. The trails offer color-coded maps, as well as large resting spots and various types of little nooks and totems to investigate.
Fun fact: If you visit in the winter, bring your snowshoes. Vermont is known for its epic snowfalls!
Check out my guide if you’re traveling that way! If you’re on a road trip in New England, Park National Acadia is one of the most dog-friendly parks in the country.
Activities that are suitable for dogs to engage in at Acadia.
Take your pup for a swim.
In the swimming area on the premises with other like-minded dogs, new and urgent situations may arise, where they can take a plunge if your furry friend enjoys water activities, but our canine companion solely prefers swimming. The autumn day was also chilly during our visit, and we did not observe any canines engaging in swimming. During the scorching summer months, I envision it being a favored method for dogs to beat the heat.
Test your dog’s agility.
The barriers are located south of the Angel Dog Overlook if you’re examining the layout of Dog Mountain. To reach that spot, you simply have to move in a western direction from the primary exhibition structure towards a spacious field. If your canine companion is intelligent and requires additional mental stimulation instead of simply running freely, a compact agility course on the premises can provide them with an opportunity to display their skills.
Celebrate the spirit of dogs at the Dog Chapel.
When was the Dog Chapel built? The Dog Chapel was built in 2000, opening its doors on Memorial Day of that year.
I have already mentioned a little bit about this special place, but let’s delve into the details of this celebration of dogs that took Huneck 3 years to build. As you walk around, pay attention to everything, from the stained glass windows featuring dogs to the wooden dogs standing at the doggie door.
This is also a place where dog owners who have experienced the loss of a pet can come to grieve and feel a sense of belonging from others. You will be able to see notes and photos from previous visitors mourning their pets. I’m not crying, you’re crying. I’m probably fine, OK.
Visit the Stephen Huneck Gallery.
The dog art studio is a must-visit destination, offering a wide array of amusing and one-of-a-kind items. Whether you are looking to expand your home collection or not, this place is definitely worth exploring. The Stephen Huneck Gallery showcases Huneck’s devotion to art and his deep affection for dogs, while the chapel gallery holds the cherished moments of its visitors.
Once more, Sally does all kinds of things she likes to do, such as bringing tissues out, going to heaven eventually, and going to the mountains. Huneck was the author behind the best-selling Sally series. You will also notice a few children’s books by him.
Fun fact: Sally was Huneck’s beloved black lab on top of her starring roles in his book series.
Attend a Dog Party.
During a Canine Gathering, when you make a visit, take a look at their events schedule for further information, but they usually organize a major occasion in the summer and then once more in the autumn. Dog Mountain has upheld the Hunecks’ custom of hosting Canine Gatherings multiple times annually to enable local and visiting dog enthusiasts to assemble and interact.
If you attend, you can bring some cash for raffle tickets and enjoy other available fun things like food trucks, sweet treats, and games. We are grateful to the generosity of strangers, as this entire place is usually free, but you can send a little goodness their way.
Listen to some live music.
The Summer at Mountain Dog is a non-stop party. It is also the home to the Levitt AMP Music Series, an event with a long-months live music lineup and a diverse array of entertainers. The event is brought to you by Mountain Dog, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the arts in both New Hampshire and Vermont, courtesy of Catamount Arts.
Note: Events are obviously dog-friendly. Just make sure our pup enjoys loud live music before you arrive. Ours most certainly does not!
Take in some leaf-peeping.
Exploring on a balmy, sunlit October day, we meticulously coordinated our excursion. Vermont is renowned as one of the prime locations to witness the vibrant transformation of foliage during autumn, hence if you’re intending to visit Dog Mountain, you’re already situated in Vermont.
If you don’t have a dog to bring with you, the region surrounding the Mountain Dog is still a great place to take in the fall vibes. It’s a pretty special thing, watching your pup frolic in the vivid colors of the background.
Support Dog Mountain.
Suggesting a donation of a larger amount or purchasing dog-themed illustrations or large dog prints by Stephen Huneck can be a simple way to spread the word about this magical place. If you are a dog lover, visiting Mountain Dog and supporting them for years to come is a great way to ensure that other dog lovers can enjoy it too.
Note: Visiting Dog Mountain is free, but they do suggest a donation of $5 per person on each visit. It’s a tiny price to pay to see your pup at its happiest.
Dog Mountain Vermont: Logistics
In order to reach the small town of St. Johnsbury, which is located in the northeastern region of the state, you will need to go to Northeast Kingdom. Additionally, if you want to reach Mountain Dog, you will also need to go there.
St. Johnsbury, Vermont, is renowned for its famous attraction, Dog Mountain, as well as its flourishing artistic and natural heritage, which beautifully intertwine. What is St. Johnsbury, Vermont, recognized for?
If you’re in Vermont, especially during the fall, be warned that it can be aggressively scenic.
We were trying to visit places that didn’t have a large population, and it would be even better if they didn’t have bonus points. We were just starting our nomadic journey after the pandemic, so we were trying to explore new places. It sounds interesting because it’s off the beaten path. We visited Dog Mountain in Lyndon, another small town about 20 minutes north of St. Johnsbury, as a day trip from our base.
Your itinerary can be enhanced with additional driving periods from other renowned locations in Vermont that are close by. You might not be as fortunate.
If you’re planning on visiting Stowe, I have a guide for you that covers all of my favorite things to do while you’re there.
An In-depth Manual to Stowe, Vermont.
When should you visit Dog Mountain?
During the fall season, I would highly recommend taking a trip to St. Johnsbury and Dog Mountain if you have the opportunity. Vermont is renowned for its vibrant autumn foliage, so I have a strong suggestion regarding the optimal time to visit. It’s worth noting that Dog Mountain is open throughout the year.
The colors were vibrant and we visited during the first week of October. Late September through early October would be perfect for enjoying the spectacle of autumn foliage.
Open is Mountain Dog? Winter the in open is Mountain Dog. Gear winter your of all with snow for prepared be Just.
Hotels Near Dog Mountain, VT
Explore these selections from my favored reservation website, Booking.Com, for your upcoming stay at a Dog Mountain lodge or hotel. In and around St. Johnsbury, you will find a range of accommodations and hotels available for an overnight stay.
We stayed at Lyndon’s property just 20 minutes from Dog Mountain. We preferred Airbnb as an alternative, but there are also some options available on Vrbo. Are you interested in something a little different?
Have you been to Dog Mountain? What did you think of this enchanting place? Share your thoughts with me in the comments!
Ready to Visit Dog Mountain in Vermont?
Your flight: Use a variety of tools to find cheap airfare, especially during busy times such as autumn in New England. Skyscanner is a great tool that allows you to compare travel dates and departure lengths, giving you more flexibility. It’s a great tool when you’re looking to book during a specific period, but it’s especially useful if you’re looking for cheaper airfare.
If you’re looking for overnight accommodations near Mountain Dog, which is great, there are more listings now that offer a variety of rental condos or homes. Additionally, both Hotels.Com and Booking.Com, which I usually use for our hotel needs, offer loyalty programs.
Hostelworld, try accommodations wallet-friendly more even seeking? Budget a on experience safe you offer to reviewed and vetted heavily are picks their.
Etc.: For general travel goodies, visit my Favorite Things page. For more information on planning your travel, visit my Travel Tools page.
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