Snake Alley

This brick street features five half curves and two quarter curves spanning approximately 275 feet (84 meters) with a rise of about 58 feet (18 meters) from Washington Street to Columbia Street.

Constructed in 1894 by German engineers Charles Starker, William Steyh, and George Kriechbaum, the street was designed to improve transportation over Burlington's steep hills using vineyard path concepts from France and Germany.

The street hosts the annual Snake Alley Criterium bicycle race every Memorial Day weekend and the Snake Alley Art Fair around Father's Day, drawing visitors and participants from across the region each year.

Visitors can access the street from Washington Street or Columbia Street with parking available nearby, and the site remains open year-round for walking, cycling, or careful vehicle navigation along the historic brickwork.

The original brick paving laid by George Kriechbaum in 1894 remains intact over a century later, and Ripley's Believe It or Not named it one of the crookedest streets in America.

Location: Burlington

GPS coordinates: 40.81200,-91.10570

Latest update: November 28, 2025 11:22