We like to travel a lot in Vermont, and passing through the Bennington area, we decided to stop at the Bennington Fish Hatchery this June. The hatchery is the biggest hatchery in Vermont, and only two miles from downtown Bennington.
The hatchery is located just outside Bennington on S Stream Road, which we were able to find using Google Maps.
There is a small visitor center that offers information and history about the fish hatchery, which was built in 1916.
The hatchery is free to visit, and we did not see anyone else there when we went (employees or visitors).
There are some interesting things to learn about in the Visitor Center, from the history of the hatchery to local fishing information.
After checking out the visitor center, we went to check out the fish.
“This culture station uses a combination of spring, artesian well, and stream water for raising brook, brown, and rainbow trout.”
There is also a machine that takes $.05 (yes, nickels!) for fish food to feed the fish.
So bring your nickels! The kids had fun feeding the fish, and it is fun to watch the water churn when you throw the food in.
We went on an overcast day, so it is hard to see the fish in the photos, but the different parts of the hatchery were well-stocked with fish of various sizes. It was neat to check them out and see the fish go crazy when we threw in some food.
(Photo by Mark Stebnicki)
Visit the Vermont Fish Hatcheries page at http://www.voga.org/vermont_fish_hatcheries.htm
Check out my other Things to Do in Vermont.
That looks like a fun little day trip. Can you go fishing for some of the fish to cook? My kid would probably really enjoy this.
That sound like a great adventure. We love traveling throughout New England.
What a fun day trip! I have never been to Vermont but its very high on my bucket list!
I have never been to a fish hatchery. My little guy and I will enjoy this, I’m almost certain.
My mom used to live near a fish hatchery in Missouri. It was cool to see the fishes.
I’m absolutely sure that my kids would love this! We’ve never been to a fish hatchery
Very neat! My DiL’s father had his own little hatchery at some point, I bet he would’ve loved something like this!
My father in law would love to go on a trip like this! I’ll tell him about this!
That must have been an interesting visit. I’m not sure where our closest fish hatchery is. It would be interesting to visit.
I’ve never been to a fish hatchery. I think it would be fun to visit with the whole fam. I will have to check if we have one nearby.
I love discovering new places. And we have so much fun feeding fishes! How cute they are!
What a fun adventure! I would love to see this some day in person.
Can’t say I’ve ever been to a fish hatchery before – but the photos and description have intrigued me. Would be a great time with the kids.
Thank you for sharing your experience visiting the Bennington Fish Hatchery in Vermont. As a wife and mom who loves to travel and explore new places with my family, I appreciate learning about hidden gems like this. It’s great to hear that the hatchery is free to visit and offers a small visitor center with interesting information and history about the hatchery and local fishing. Feeding the fish with nickels sounds like a fun and unique activity for kids (and adults!). I’ll definitely keep this in mind for our future travels to Vermont.
Not one employee was there either? I think it would be nice to have someone there to answer questions, but I’m sure it was peaceful too. 🙂
Oh! My kids would be happy to feed the fish too. Glad you did stop Bennington Fish Hatchery. I wonder why there is no one manning the visitor center. 🙂