Sitting in Graniteville, Vermont, the Rock of Ages Granite Quarry is the world’s largest deep-hole dimension granite quarry, nearly 600 feet deep.
Interstate 91, an additional highway traversing Vermont from north to south, is approximately 40 minutes to the east of Graniteville. Graniteville is situated to the east of Interstate 89, which also runs from north to south in Vermont, and is southwest of Highway 302.
The Granite Quarry of Rock of Ages is located less than an hour’s drive northwest of Burlington, Vermont, and approximately a 40-minute drive north lies the renowned outdoor recreational zone of Stowe.
Montpelier, the capital of the state, can be reached within a quick 20-minute drive on Highway 63 and Interstate 89.
What to Know Before You Visit the Rock of Ages Granite Quarry
If you’re interested in exploring this stunning spot in the Vermont mountains, you’re in for a delightful experience.
The quarry’s sheer immensity is awe-inspiring, and the surrounding natural views are truly inspiring. Additionally, where else can you enjoy a game of bowling on a granite lane?
Know The Hours of Operation and Cost
The guided tours, which last for 40 minutes, commence at 10:15 am, 11:15 am, 1:15 pm, and 2:15 pm from Monday to Friday. Please note that there are no tours available on Sundays. Regardless of the weather conditions, these tours will take place.
Saturday tours only depart at 10:15 am and 11:15 am. The self-guided factory tour is available at no charge, however, there is a fee of $7.00 for adults, $6.50 for seniors (62+), and $4.00 for children (6-13) for the guided quarry tour. Children who are five years old and younger can participate for free.
Remember: If you possess an ardor for geological wonders, then it is recommended to commence arranging a trip to Lassen Volcanic National Park!
Start at the Visitors Center
At the souvenir store, you have the opportunity to browse through natural stone presents, wander around the displays featuring historical photographs, view a video detailing the processes of extracting and producing stone, and book your guided tour at the Visitors Center.
This 5,000 square-foot building is a beautiful introduction to the progress and history of Quarry Granite Ages of Rock. It’s open from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm on Saturdays and from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm from Friday to Monday.
You Can Take a Guided Quarry Tour
The location of the granite quarry is where a vehicle departs from the Visitors Center and transports visitors when you reserve a guided tour, make sure to arrive early to avoid missing the transportation.
Many Scots worked in the quarry in the late 1800s, and the term “grout” originated from the Scottish word for scrap. For nearly 140 years, workers in the quarry dumped pieces of granite with cracks or fractures into piles. You will see piles of granite blocks along the way.
You Can Go on a Self-Guided Factory Tour
People at the expansive factory, akin to the quarry, carve, refine, and inscribe colossal granite blocks for gravestones, utilizing cutting, polishing, and engraving techniques.
Take complimentary memento granite from the granite discard container prior to departing. The majority of the granite tombstones in the United States originate from this facility. The facility is a bustling hub of activity, whereas you may not witness much action at the quarry.
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Play a Game At the Outdoor Granite Bowling Lane
At the Rock of Ages bowling alley, you can have a great time with your family, but you won’t find granite bowling lanes at your nearby bowling facility. The creators of the granite bowling lane designed it as a model for use in public lanes during the 1950s, but the idea never became popular.
It was renovated for onsite family entertainment, and the bowling alley features rubber balls so visitors can enjoy a complimentary game.
Bring Your Spending Money and Camera
You can’t visit the Granite Quarry without a camera. The turquoise waters of the quarry hide hundreds of feet deep into the Earth.
Visitors at the Center can purchase beautiful natural stone souvenirs, which can serve as gifts. The gift shop has breathtaking giant hole surrounded by towering walls.
What Is the Rock of Ages Granite Quarry?
Barre town is located near Granite Barre, making it an ideal location for the Granite Devonian Quarry operated by Smith E. L. Currently, the quarry employs over 200 individuals and has a history dating back to 1885, extracting rock from the Granite Ages.
The United States Korean War Memorial in Washington, DC features this granite. Barre Granite is highly desired globally due to its smooth texture, fine grain, and exceptional ability to withstand weather conditions. This fine granite is composed of a combination of quartz, feldspar, and mica.
About Graniteville, Vermont
This is the reversed form of the original paragraph: There is not a lot more present. The sole justification for Graniteville, Vermont, being included in the Wikipedia towns list is due to its status as the location of the Rock of Ages Granite Quarry.
Barre is composed of four tiny unincorporated communities, namely East Barre, Websterville, Graniteville, and South Barre. The population is under 800 people, and the total area is less than two square miles.
Rocky Ridge Raceway is a well-liked go-kart circuit in the area, and there are a few recreational areas and local green spaces.
The scenery of the Green Mountains is absolutely breathtaking. While immersing yourself in the magnificence of nature, you will undoubtedly appreciate it, but you may not find many activities to pursue in Graniteville.
Is the Rock of Ages Granite Quarry Still Operating?
Absolutely! The Granite Quarry of Rock of Ages is still highly significant. The Barre Granite extracted here is in great demand.
Guests at the Rock of Ages factory have the opportunity to observe quarriers slicing the granite from the quarry wall.
A Fun Stop You Won’t Take for Granite
Bring a packed lunch and have a delightful few hours at the Rock of Ages Granite Quarry in Graniteville, Vermont.
The vastness of the quarry, the skill of the craftsmen, and the stunning natural landscape will surely ignite your inspiration. Exploring the historical background and the artistry of stonework is a delightful and cost-effective way to experience it!