Rock Of Ages Granite Quarry, in Graniteville, VT (where else?) has been harvesting granite from Vermont soil since the late 1800’s – and providing tours of their operations since the 1920’s!
Rock Of Ages Granite Quarry has been selling Medium and Dark Barre granite from Graniteville since time out of mind. Granite sourced from these quarries have been used in countless monuments, memorials, construction, and decorative architecture for almost 150 years and show no signs of slowing down any time soon.
One is to be excused if the first thing that comes to mind when hearing “quarry” is not “tourism” but Rock Of Ages Granite Quarry may change your mind about that. Their Barre granite quarries have drawn such steady attention, for so long, that they were first moved to provide amenities for their visitors in 1924, and guides by the 1930’s.
Since those early days of hiring college-aged men in knickers to escort and explain their quarrying operations, Rock Of Ages Granite Quarry has even more fully embraced the pop-side of their business and now provides a number of tour options and attractions. It’s a good thing, too.
As if an active quarry wasn’t enough of a draw, scenes from a car chase scene appearing early on in the 2009 Star Trek movie were filmed here, further amping up Rock Of Ages’ fame.
Visitors to Rock Of Ages Granite Quarry have the option to join in a guided caravan tour of an active quarry pit or a self-guided quarry tour of the Rock Of Ages granite factory.
Guided quarry tours last around 40 minutes and will introduce you to the big-daddy of attractions here at Rock Of Ages: mammoth Smith Quarry. At nearly 600 feet deep, the celebrated Smith Quarry is believed to be the largest operating deep-hole, dimension granite quarry in the world! During the tour, you’ll learn the history of the quarry, hear fascinating anecdotes about the people and the times, and learn how the business has evolved over the interceding decades.
A self-guided tour of Rock Of Ages’ 160,000 square-foot, Vermont factory will fascinate you as you watch artisans transforming solid, rough-hewn chunks of granite into graceful and enduring works of art using both modern tools and techniques that have remained constant since Michelangelo was in the act.
More than just a big hole in the ground, Rock Of Ages Granite Quarry will entertain you with exhibits in their Visitors Center, and gifts of granite and other gemstone gifts from Vermont and around the world. You can also bowl for free on the Rock Of Ages outdoor, granite bowling lane – and be sure to pick out a free souvenir piece of granite from the grout bin!
Visitors should also make some time before leaving to be entranced by the amazing, beautiful, and unusual memorials at nearby Hope Cemetery. Come discover for yourself why this Vermont attraction has steadily drawn excited visitors for nearly 100 years!
Tour Rock Of Ages Granite Quarry
560 Graniteville Road, Graniteville, VT 05654
For more information, tour times, and directions: www.rockofages.com
West Hill House B&B has outlined a fun day-trip you can take to Rock Of Ages Granite Quarry, Hope Cemetery with all of its fascinating and unusual monuments, and Montpelier, the smallest State Capital in the USA.
Rock Of Ages Granite Quarry Lodging
Whatever it is that brings you near Vermont’s Mad River Valley, West Hill House B&B is your home away from home! Stay with us for luxurious-yet-green accommodations, farm-to-table produce in our breakfasts and snacks, when available, and all on a quiet country lane with golf, shopping, exploring, and more right at your fingertips. Come experience the good life at West Hill House B&B.
