Abandoned places in Vermont are fascinating and raise many questions. Why were they abandoned? What is the backstory to these spots being reclaimed by nature? Abandoned Interstate 189 is in part one of those ghostly abandoned highways that became a Vermont road to nowhere. Here is the story behind Interstate 189 in Vermont: the highway that never was…

Interstate 189 is an auxiliary highway in Chittenden County. It spans a mere 1.488 miles from exit 13 of Interstate 89 in South Burlington to Route 7 at the Burlington city limit.
Wikipedia/Royalbroil
Not all of the highway bears traffic. There is an abandoned half-mile stretch beyond the Route 7 interchange.
Flickr/Doug Kerr
Once there was a plan for Interstate 189 to continue north. It would enter the city of Burlington and go to the industrial waterfront area for an easy connection for the freight carriers.
Flickr/Doug Kerr

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Construction on the extension of Interstate 189 was halted due to the presence of a toxic barge canal. As Burlington made the shift from industry to tourism, the continuation of the highway was halted completely.
Flickr/Doug Kerr
In 2012, a new plan was proposed to continue the abandoned stretch of roadway to funnel traffic from Route 7 into the downtown area. Once again the project met resistance and the plan was stopped in its tracks.
Flickr/Doug Kerr
Now what remains is a short stretch of ghostly highway that is being slowly reclaimed by nature. The ruins of the highway that was never finished still have a path through the landscape of Vermont.
Flickr/Doug Kerr

Get an aerial view of abandoned Interstate 189 in Vermont:

Did you know the story behind abandoned Interstate 189? Do you know of any other abandoned highways in the U.S.? Let us know in the comments. We would love to hear about other interesting spots like this one. Continue to explore these remnants of the past by checking out these abandoned places in Vermont. And if you are looking for other unique local adventures to take, then check out Airbnb Experiences.

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More to Explore

The Creepiest Places in Vermont

William Suphan | January 28, 2023

What are the most abandoned places in Vermont?

The most abandoned places in Vermont include:

  • Abandoned Ski Lift in Wilmington. Those who hike deep into the woods can find the rusting remains of the ski lift equipment here.
  • Country Store in St. Johnsbury. This old general store and gas station are now a rotting husk with rusting gas pumps.
  • Auto Repair Shop In Hardwick. It’s unknown what caused this shop to shut down, but it is now boarded up and the wood is showing signs of decay.
  • Hyde Manor. Located in Sudbury, this old hotel is said to be haunted and is certainly creepy with old objects scattered about.

Discover more about the most abandoned places in Vermont. 

What are the most terrifying places in Vermont?

The most terrifying places in Vermont include:

  • The Quechee Inn at Marshland Farm. This was built in 1793 and later bought by John Porter in 1845. His wife Jane is said to haunt the place.
  • Emily’s Bridge. There are several stories about an apparition called Emily who is said to have died at this bridge and haunts the area.
  • Glastonbury Mountain. Many people have disappeared here and it is rumored to be a cursed Native American burial ground.
  • Bowman House. There are reports of angry ghosts who strike people with objects if they misbehave or insult them.

Learn more about the most terrifying places in Vermont. 

What are the most haunted hotels in Vermont?

The most haunted hotels in Vermont include:

  • Equinox Golf Resort & Spa. Mary Todd, the wife of Abraham Lincoln, used to summer here with their children and it is said she and the kids wander this place.
  • The Norwich Inn. Visitors report that Room 20 is haunted by a woman who died there and sometimes appears in the dining room in a dark dress.
  • The Old Stagecoach Inn. A woman named Margaret Spencer died in Room 2 and is reported to haunt it.
  • Golden Stage Inn Bed and Breakfast. The owners say a friendly ghost named George likes to play pranks on them and show up in a cloak and wide hat.

Find out more about the most haunted hotels in Vermont. 

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Interstate 189, I-189, Burlington, VT, USA