Quechee: Vermont's Little Grand Canyon

Quechee, Vermont was settled in the 1970’s. In the 1800’s in Quechee, the mills grew quickly and the population also grew, “And because the water needed to generate power is usually stronger lower down the mountain, this helped to spur what was to become a common Vermont pattern: the movement of industry, and population away from the hilltops and into the valleys” (Albers 156). In the 1950’s, the mills were starting to close. After 200 years the town shut down. In 1962, the mills shut down completely. In the late 1960’s, the investors built a huge hotel in the community. “Today, Quechee Lakes Resort is one of New England’s finest resorts for seasonal and year-round owners” (“Quechee History”). The Vermont Institute of Natural Science is nearby, and attracts over 200,000 visitors per year (“Quechee History”).

There was a glacier covering most of Quechee about 13,000 years ago during the Ice Age. Quechee Gorge is about 165 feet deep and is the deepest gorge in Vermont. There is a Quechee State Park viewed from the U.S. route 4 bridge ("History of Quechee Gorge Bridge, Vermont 's Little Grand Canyon”). There are many activities that tourists can do, such as visiting the waterfalls, and eating at the Shepard’s Pie Restaurant. Visitors can also hike the trails and shop at the gift store. Another popular place for visitors is the Quechee Gorge Visitor Center. It was built in 2005 and Chamber of Commerce and information is there. (“Quechee