An Underrated Vermont Attraction Is A Dog Lover's Dream

Traveling with a beloved pooch can be worrisome for a pet parent. Questions will be raised: Where are they allowed to go? Will they be okay during the trip? Just how long can a dog ride in a car? These inquiries from owners have led to a push for more canine-friendly tourism, highlighted in a study by the University of Surrey in 2024. It showed pet tourism is on the rise, estimated to be worth $50.1 billion by 2030.

Luckily, one pet-friendly tourist location is already here: Dog Mountain, located in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. Founded by artist Stephen Huneck and his wife, Gwen Huneck, the location offers trails to explore, art pieces to admire, canine-themed landmarks, and annual events. The site remains an underrated gem, with visitors giving the location high scores in their reviews. The story behind the location's founding and the many sights on offer make Vermont's Dog Mountain the perfect place for a pet parent to travel.

Artist Stephen Huneck dedicated his life to celebrating the remarkable relationship between humans and canines. Huneck became best known for his woodblock prints with dogs in humorous scenarios, many of which were based on his dog Sally, a black Labrador retriever. His art pieces have been collected in the beautiful compilation "The Art of Stephen Huneck" by Laura Beach. Huneck's artistic passions extended past woodblock, making Sally the star of a series of children's books, including entries like "Sally in the Snow" and "Sally in the Sand."

Huneck's success as an artist and author allowed him and his wife, Gwen, to move into a remote home in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. There, the dog-loving artist allowed his creative spirit to run free, with every corner of the house decorated to express his love for dogs, such as with fence posts shaped like dachshunds.  Using the land he purchased, he opened up a 150-acre dog park, declaring it Dog Mountain. 

At the park's center lies a one-of-a-kind public chapel, where everyone — and their dogs — can come to visit, relax, and share the love together. The location acted as Huneck's workshop and a place to pay homage to the canines that inspired him. After his passing, the influx of support allowed the space to continue to operate after initial financial concerns about being able to maintain Dog Mountain.

Letting your dog run off-leash through the lush foliage, wide open spaces, and tranquil ponds over the 150-acre space is just the start of dog-friendly outdoor activities offered at Dog Mountain. The site also offers an agility course for those looking for a space to help hone their talented pup's skills. Many other events happen at Dog Mountain, from get-togethers with other dog owners to informational events about canines. It's best to check out a complete list of these events on Dog Mountain's official site before you make your visit. 

The site also hosts a gift shop, and its dog-centric theme will make canine pet parents happy to help support the space when getting a keepsake reminding them of their visit. Open to dogs, the chapel is the perfect landmark to walk to and from during a visit, with parking nearby. Dog Mountain also gives art enthusiasts many ways to explore Huneck's work throughout their visit, including a stop at the Stephen Huneck Gallery.

Those planning a trip and needing accommodations will find options in St. Johnsbury. However, the nearby town of Lyndonville, just over 10 minutes away by car, also offers outdoor activities, local businesses, and dog-friendly cabins for rent. Even if you can't visit Dog Mountain in person, the landmark offers many ways to support Huneck's legacy, including having a pet honored in the famous chapel. Whatever you decide, you'll appreciate the love for dogs this unique location offers.