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Champy Monument.

Monument to a Lake Monster

Field review by the editors.

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:
King St. Dock, Burlington, VT
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.
RA Rates:
Worth a Detour
Save to My Sights

Nearby Offbeat Places

Champ the Lake Monster StatueChamp the Lake Monster Statue, Burlington, VT - < 1 mi.
Winged MonkeysWinged Monkeys, Burlington, VT - < 1 mi.
Rhino House DamageRhino House Damage, Burlington, VT - < 1 mi.
In the region:
Middle Finger on a Pole, Westford, VT - 15 mi.

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