Fitness and Recreation

Students enjoying a Pilates class at the Meyer Recreation Barn

Bennington College’s fitness center, the Meyer Recreation Barn, has a wide range of fitness equipment, as well as a climbing wall, sauna, and aerobics room, where students and faculty lead classes in yoga, tai chi, and other activities. Outdoor facilities include three tennis courts, a basketball court, and a soccer field. Hiking is available on the College’s Blue Trail, which winds through the wooded parts of campus, as well as on several good trails throughout the region. The Office of Student Life can provide information on racket and health clubs in the area, as well as the Bennington Recreation Center, which has an indoor swimming pool.

During the fall months, Bennington’s co-ed soccer team plays against colleges from Vermont and Massachusetts (though the College does not participate in any formal intercollegiate leagues). All levels are welcome and encouraged to join the team.

Bennington also offers twice weekly pick-up basketball at a local school in North Bennington. The games are co-ed, and all skill levels are welcome to attend. The basketball team also occasionally travels to other colleges in Vermont and Massachusetts for intercollegiate games.

Bennington also has an intramural program, which sponsors activities such as basketball, volleyball, flag football, dodgeball, ice skating, laser tag, and Ultimate Frisbee.

Housed within the Office of Student Life, the Outdoor Recreation Program sponsos a variety of off-campus outdoor activities. Fall term excursions include a range of activities from canoeing and hiking to caving and rock climbing; spring activities include cross-country skiing, white-water rafting, and overnight snowshoeing trips in Merck Forest.