Retreat Tower

Historical landmark · Brattleboro ·

Retreat Tower

Historical landmark · Brattleboro ·

Historic tower built by patients amid scenic trails and cemetery

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Retreat Tower, Reservoir Loop, Brattleboro, VT 05301 Get directions

@atlasobscura

4,908 Postcards · 2,019 Cities

9 Places in Vermont to Go Before You Die—or After

"Brattleboro Retreat was established in 1834 and was designed to provide humane care for patients suffering from mental illnesses. As with many facilities for mental health during that period, doctors believed fresh air and exercise would help treat ailing patients. In 1887, construction began on Retreat Tower. Patients were designated to construct the tower as it was believed the physical activity would help their treatment. Upon completion, it provided patients with breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Although meant to aid their health, the tower proved detrimental. It’s believed several patients ended their lives by leaping from the tower. The site is now home to various paranormal accounts. There is also a cemetery near Retreat Tower. Many of the graves date to the 1800s, and some are marked with numbers or the word “Unknown.”" - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/9-places-in-vermont-to-go-before-you-die-or-after

Kboemig/Public Domain

Retreat Tower

Angela M.

Google

It was a really neat spot to check out and it was a great time walking through the trails. You can still feel cold air coming from part of the building from the outside.

Connor Jaroncyk (CLMJ L.

Google

Getting to the tower is an easy hike on the retreat trails. Parking is located at the base of the ski jump. It’s not possible to climb the tower as that is closed to the public, but it’s definitely worth checking out from the base! A little spooky, but very cool architecture.

William M.

Google

My son and I walked these trails ONLY to get to the Retreat Tower. We parked at the Harris Hill Ski Jump and found the trail head just a bit down the road. This is a decent hill climb for those of us who are old, fat, and out of shape; but it's so worth it. We got there around 6:30am and walked the hill with the sunrise and I've never seen anything quite like what we experienced on that walk. The slight sunlight shimmering through the trees, the soft ground littered with pine needles, rocks and sticks. then all at once there's this tower just boom right in front of you. It's something you should do if you're anywhere near the area. It only took us about 15-20 minutes to get there and back with another 20 minutes or so just admiring the quite area and the beauty.

Peter C.

Google

With it's lore, Retreat Tower has a presence amongst the forest. The hike is brisk and enjoyable. The tower is locked, and for good reason given it's history. Two times a year they host tours to the top so be sure to look out for those. These photos were taken with a drone. Enjoy the handprints on the edge :o! Follow @ThreeRingCreations on instagram if this review helped you!

Steve B.

Google

The tower is cool, but there's no way to enter the tower up to the observation deck, and no view from the ground of the Tower. Also the trailhead was rather confusing to find as it was across the street from the parking lot could use better signs for the trail Network

vance M.

Google

The trails were poorly marked, maps didnt portray trails. The tower is impressive, unfortunately it is also locked. It was a good hike.

Paul D.

Google

Nice little 12 min hike. Wish they still did tours to visit inside. Otherwise, it's a cool place to visit.

Sarah I.

Google

Lovely hike. Beautiful details. I wanted to call out Rapunzel Rapunzel let down your hair. ❤️

Danielle M.

Yelp

I did not take the trail that is to the left of the parking lot, I took the trail that is straight across from the parking lot, so it took me a while to find. There are a few different trails up there for hiking. It was neat to find and you can see the town.

Kristen R.

Yelp

This is a really cool landmark to see in person, while it was locked up it was still amazing to see and we even made the small hike to see the cemetery as well.

Tara S.

Yelp

What a cool walk up to this tower. The story is creepy and interesting. It's an incline the whole way up but manageable and cleared for walking.

Dan R.

Yelp

Since it was a beautiful day out we decided to take a little hike during lunch and thought that the Retreat Tower would be the best spot to go. This was the first time we have hiked up to the tower and we have to say that we were not disappointed. The walk itself was fairly low impact and didn't take very long. Once we got to the top we enjoyed sitting by the tower while taking in the serenity of the wood. Overall it was a great experience and we would totally hike here again.

Laura Lee C.

Yelp

The tower can be seen from the road if you know where to look. One day we decided to take a hike to see it up close and in person and I'm happy we did. The trail is easy to follow & doesn't take very long to reach the tower. When I saw - it took my breath away! Definitely worth the visit and is an eerie kind of beautiful. Shadows of the past - If you're in Brattleboro it is a must see!!

Linda L.

Yelp

Despite a rainy day, my sister and I ventured out to see the Retreat Tower. It was interesting and eerie at the same time. We walked around the cemetery. The tower is incredible and beautiful. It is a peaceful setting and definitely worth a visit. Next time I'm in Brattleboro, I would like to visit the Historical Society and Town Clerk to see if I can learn more about this place. Those visiting this place may want to take some additional time and visit Madame Sherrie's Forest/Castle in Chesterfield, NH. It is only one exit from the Retreat Tower. this is another interesting place to visit. The castle has burned, but the stone structure still remains.

James J.

Yelp

short walk, great too see. interesting story, don't go at night, they say its haunted.

@atlasobscura

4,908 Postcards · 2,019 Cities

9 Places in Vermont to Go Before You Die—or After

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/9-places-in-vermont-to-go-before-you-die-or-after

Kboemig/Public Domain

Retreat Tower

Angela M.

Google

It was a really neat spot to check out and it was a great time walking through the trails. You can still feel cold air coming from part of the building from the outside.

Connor Jaroncyk (CLMJ L.

Google

William M.

Google

Peter C.

Google

Steve B.

Google

vance M.

Google

The trails were poorly marked, maps didnt portray trails. The tower is impressive, unfortunately it is also locked. It was a good hike.

Paul D.

Google

Nice little 12 min hike. Wish they still did tours to visit inside. Otherwise, it's a cool place to visit.

Sarah I.

Google

Lovely hike. Beautiful details. I wanted to call out Rapunzel Rapunzel let down your hair. ❤️

Danielle M.

Yelp

Kristen R.

Yelp

This is a really cool landmark to see in person, while it was locked up it was still amazing to see and we even made the small hike to see the cemetery as well.

Tara S.

Yelp

What a cool walk up to this tower. The story is creepy and interesting. It's an incline the whole way up but manageable and cleared for walking.

Dan R.

Yelp

Laura Lee C.

Yelp

Linda L.

Yelp

James J.

Yelp

short walk, great too see. interesting story, don't go at night, they say its haunted.

Retreat Tower

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9 Places in Vermont to Go Before You Die—or After

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9 Places in Vermont to Go Before You Die—or After