Our first stop in Vermont was a roadside art piece! Just off Interstate 89, near Burlington is a sculpture named Reverence that many people call the ‘Whale Tails’ based on its shape.
It was created by Jim Sardonis in 1989. The 13-foot tails are carved from 36 tons of African black granite. According to the artist it depicts “two tails of whales diving into an imaginary sea of grass.” The title Reverence is meant to represent the fragility of the planet.
In an interview about his work, Sardonis said his “work is inspired by natural forms–human, plant, and animal. I seek opportunities to use my work to emphasize the kinship and interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of the survival of each of them.”
Directions to the Sculpture
The tails were purchased and moved to the Technology Park in 1999. Commuters can see it from the interstate but to really appreciate it, you need to get right up next to the tails. It is free to visit!
Park in the shopping center. The trail is a 1.7-mile loop. We started near the FedEx. There is a narrow dirt path between the FedEx and the pond.
Along the Path
The trail is a mix between dirt, grass, and gravel. You’ll walk along the meadow behind the technology park. We saw so much on the hike including birds, butterflies, damselflies, bees, and wildflowers.
At the lake, a double-crested cormorant searched for food, dipping into and out of the water.
Monarchs and black swallowtails enjoyed the purple blooms.
Dozens of American goldfinches danced in nearby bushes and a Savannah sparrow perched near the fenceposts.
Reverence (Whale Tails)
I love finding ways to enjoy art while out and about traveling. It’s amazing that you can walk up and touch these colossal pieces.
I preferred the view from a little back on the trail – from there the tails looked like they were diving from the clouds into the grass.