Vermont’s Iconic “Whale Tails”

Driving along I-89 near Burlington, you might catch a glimpse of something unexpected: two massive granite whale tails rising from a field.

Created in 1989 by Vermont sculptor Jim Sardonis, Reverence features two 12 to 13-foot-whale tails, carved from 36 tons of African black granite that seem to breach the surface of the earth itself. 

Originally installed in Randolph, Vermont, the sculpture quickly became a beloved landmark before being relocated to South Burlington in 1999. In its place, Sardonis later installed Whale Dance, a bronze reimagining of the original concept. His largest sculpture to date, standing 16 feet tall.

While whimsical and instantly recognizable, Reverence carries a deeper message. The twin tails symbolize the fragility of our planet and the interconnectedness of all life, a theme that resonates powerfully in a state known more for its mountains than its seas.

Long before Vermont was landlocked, however, the region was covered by ancient oceans. Fossil evidence shows that more than 300 million years ago, the area was teeming with marine life. Even more astonishing, in 1849, railroad workers unearthed the skeleton of a beluga whale in Charlotte, Vermont, an incredible reminder that this place, once upon a time, truly was a sea.

Location: I-89, South Burlington, Vermont
Artist: Jim Sardonis
Tip: Pull off at the nearby rest area for the best view, or stop by for photos at sunrise or sunset when the stones glow against the sky.