Monument to a Lake Monster
Burlington, Vermont
Since the time of the Iroquois, people along Lake Champlain have reported seeing a monster in it. Modern Americans call it "Champ," and their opinions about it tend to fall into one of two camps: either it's a prehistoric whale, or it's a log. Whatever it is, both the Vermont and New York state legislatures have passed laws protecting it.
In 1984 the state of Vermont put up a monument to Champ. Most locals have heard of the monument, but have never seen it -- and it's easy to understand why. It's a squat granite block, hard to spot on the end of Perkins Pier, and hardly big or flashy enough to do justice to a monster. "Dedicated to Champ, Beula Aquatica Champlainiensis, and those people in Vermont who have seen Champ," is its inscription, along with a goofy rendering of Champ, and the logos of the Rock of Ages granite company and the Vermont state lottery.
Update: There are a few other signs of Champ spirit around town. And Tipster Brian reports the local minor league baseball team is now named the "Vermont Lake Monsters," in honor of the creature.
Also see: Creatures Guide: Champy the Lake Monster
Monument to a Lake Monster
- Address:
- Burlington, VT [Show Map]
- Directions:
- At the far west end of Maple St., at the lake, on the tip of Perkins Pier, to the south of the ferry. landing at King Street.
Nearby Offbeat Places
- Winged Monkeys, Burlington, VT - < 1 mi.
- Ben & Jerry's First Store Plaque, Burlington, VT - < 1 mi.
- World's Tallest File Cabinet, Burlington, VT - 1 mi.
- In the region: Clothespin Grave Marker, Middlesex, VT - 30 mi.
