The Old Round Church
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4.5(2)yelp
Historic BuildingHistoryPhoto Spot
Overview
Built in 1813 in Richmond, The Old Round Church is a rare architectural treasure and a National Historic Landmark famed for its unique sixteen-sided polygon design. Originally constructed to serve as a shared house of worship for five separate Protestant denominations, it stands as an early American symbol of religious tolerance and community cooperation. Visitors can explore the beautiful, spartan wood-paneled interior, admire the central structural pillar crafted from a single pine tree trunk, and stroll through the adjacent historic cemetery.
Practical Info
Mon10:00 AM – 4:00PM
Tue10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wed10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thu10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Fri10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sat10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sun10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Suggested Duration30-45 minutes
Best TimeAn architectural wonder of early American design, this unique 1812 sixteen-sided wooden meetinghouse is a national historic landmark. Mid-September to mid-October during peak autumn foliage is peerless; a morning visit between 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM is highly advised as the low angled sun projects gorgeous geometric light accents through the sash windows across the historic box pews.
Getting ThereNestled beautifully within a historic residential river pocket at 25 Round Church Rd in Richmond, VT. Street spaces are highly narrow; drive via I-89 S out of Burlington to exit 11, travel south into downtown Richmond onto US-2 E, turn right across the Winooski River bridge onto Bridge St, and make a quick turn onto Round Church Rd to reach their free visitor gravel lot.
Travel Tips
- This National Historic Landmark lacks interior heating, air conditioning, or modern lighting, limiting public operating hours exclusively to the summer and early autumn months.
- Roadside parking is highly restricted; vehicles must not block local residential drives and should utilize municipal lots in Richmond center before walking via Cochran Road.
Photo Tips
Photo Rules
- Commercial photography is strictly prohibited around the historic cemetery, and no items may be hung or attached to the 16-sided wooden framing or interlocking joinery.
Reviews
Positive
- An extremely rare 16-sided all-wooden historic church; its unique architectural design delivers immense visual impact, serving as a true icon of early New England history.
- It completely lacks the commercial noise of major attractions, preserving a pure, tranquil rural vibe surrounded by rolling meadows and ancient trees.
- It is free to view and photograph from the outside, with only a small symbolic donation suggested for indoor entry and a free parking area, offering incredible value.
- The volunteer docents on duty are mostly warm, elderly locals from the historical society, who patiently recount the construction tales to visitors.
Heads up
- Hidden along country backroads in Richmond, it has zero public transit coverage, and missing the small roadside sign makes it very easy to drive past.
- Opening hours are highly unpredictable and seasonal, typically opening only on select summer and autumn afternoons, leaving you to look through locked doors otherwise.
- As an historic structure preserving its original build, it features no modern restrooms or trash cans, and entirely lacks accessible elevators or ramps.
- The tour depth is relatively singular, functioning as a 5-to-15 minute quick stop; without deep historic interest or a road-trip routing, a dedicated trip can feel thin.