Museums and Gardens
Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Check out our list of the best day trips in western Massachusetts! From hiking and biking trails to historic sites and museums, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So pack up your car and hit the road for a great adventure!
Three Sisters Sanctuary is a unique nature reserve and protected habitat located in Goshen, Massachusetts, covering 8 acres of land. It has been described as a place that is a blend of Willy Wonka, Salvador Dali, and J.R.R. Tolkien, with an eclectic collection of art and other interesting objects scattered throughout the grounds. The sanctuary was created over the course of three decades by environmental artist Richard M. Richardson, and is filled with captivating pieces of folk art and large sculptures by local artists, all set within intricately designed gardens. Walking through the sanctuary is a relaxing and enjoyable experience of discovery, with large monolithic stones and hand-crafted stonework framing an outdoor sculpture gallery and healing gardens. The sanctuary is named as a tribute to Richardson’s three daughters. It is open to the public daily from 8 am to dusk, and admission is $10 for adults and free for children.
Distance: 15 Miles
Website:Â https://threesisterssanctuary.com/
Map & Directions
The Botanic Garden of Smith College is one of the best day trips in Western Massachusetts. The garden is located in Northampton, Massachusetts and is home to a variety of outdoor gardens and the Lyman Conservatory. The botanic garden is a great place to see a variety of plant collections and learn about the different types of plants that are native to Massachusetts.
Distance: 5 Miles
Website: https://garden.smith.edu/
Map & Directions
MASS MoCA is one of the world’s liveliest (and largest) centers for making, displaying, and enjoying today’s most important art, music, dance, film, and video. And, it’s conveniently located … just a couple of hours from Boston and New York City in the heart of the Berkshire Hills of western Massachusetts.
The Museum building is itself a work of art – a vast former factory galvanized by more than 12 miles of glass conduit which supports electrified sculptures and painterly videos. MASS MoCA presents both temporary exhibitions (with an emphasis on new works by living artists) and long-term installations in our ultra-spacious galleries. Our “visible storage” approach keeps more than 250 works by such artists as Joseph Beuys, Louise Bourgeois, John Cage, Christo & Jeanne-Claude, Chuck Close, Dan Flavin, Nancy Graves, Richard Long, Robert Rauschenberg on view all the time – plus allows us to offer visitors an ever-changing menu of individual pieces and special exhibitions.
Distance: 42 Miles
Website: https://massmoca.org/
Map & Directions
The Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden at the Springfield Museums is a must-see for any fan of the late Theodor S. Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss. The garden features larger-than-life sculptures of some of the author’s most beloved characters, set amid beautiful gardens. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely stroll and learn more about Dr. Seuss’s life and work.
The Springfield Museums are also home to a number of other family-friendly activities, including the Connecticut Valley Historical Museum, the Lyman & Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History, and the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum. There’s something for everyone at this world-class museum complex!
Distance: 20 Miles
Website: https://springfieldmuseums.org/about/dr-seuss-sculpture-garden/
Map & Directions
The Emily Dickinson Museum in Amherst, Massachusetts is a historic house museum and cultural center dedicated to preserving the legacy of the famous American poet Emily Dickinson. The museum comprises two properties: the Homestead, where Dickinson was born and lived for most of her life, and the Evergreens, the home of her brother and sister-in-law. Visitors can explore the beautifully preserved homes, which feature original furnishings, artwork, and other personal belongings of the Dickinson family.Â
The museum also offers a variety of educational programs, including guided tours, workshops, lectures, and exhibits that showcase Dickinson’s life and work. The Emily Dickinson Museum is a must-see destination for literature enthusiasts and fans of American history and culture.
Distance: 13 Miles
Website: https://www.emilydickinsonmuseum.org/
Map & Directions
Tanglewood is a music venue and summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) located in Lenox, Massachusetts. Set on a beautiful property in the Berkshire Mountains, Tanglewood is a popular destination for classical music lovers and visitors seeking a unique cultural experience.
The venue is home to a number of outdoor stages and indoor performance spaces, including the iconic Koussevitzky Music Shed, which hosts the majority of the BSO’s summer concerts. In addition to classical music, Tanglewood also hosts a variety of other musical genres, including jazz, rock, pop, and folk.
Tanglewood is more than just a music venue – it is also a place for education and cultural exchange. The venue offers a variety of educational programs and workshops for musicians of all levels, and is home to the Tanglewood Music Center, a prestigious training program for young classical musicians.
Visitors to Tanglewood can enjoy a variety of amenities, including dining options, outdoor picnic areas, and a gift shop. Tanglewood is the perfect destination for music lovers and anyone looking to experience the beauty and culture of the Berkshire Mountains.
Distance: 40 Miles
Website: https://www.bso.org/tanglewood
Map & Directions
The Norman Rockwell Museum is a museum and cultural center dedicated to preserving the legacy of the famous American illustrator and painter Norman Rockwell. Located in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, the museum features a collection of over 5,000 works by Rockwell, including original paintings, prints, and photographs.
The museum’s collection is organized chronologically and thematically, and includes some of Rockwell’s most iconic works, such as the “Four Freedoms” series and the “Saturday Evening Post” covers. Visitors can learn about Rockwell’s life and work through interactive exhibits and educational programs, such as guided tours and lectures.
In addition to its collection of Rockwell’s work, the museum also hosts a variety of special exhibitions and events throughout the year, showcasing the work of other artists and illustrators. The museum is a must-see destination for fans of Rockwell’s work and anyone interested in the history of American illustration and popular culture.
Distance: 41 Miles
Website: https://www.nrm.org/
Map & Directions
Located in the heart of Northampton, Childs Park is a beautiful 40-acre urban park that offers a peaceful retreat for visitors to enjoy. This beautiful park was once part of a grand estate and passed through several hands before being bequeathed as a private park with public access in 1950 by Annie Hill Childs, its last owner. Annie was known to say that the park has the ability to “melt away everyday cares”. It’s a peaceful sanctuary that offers a chance to take in the beauty of nature, relax and forget about the daily stresses of life. Whether you’re looking for a place to picnic, take a walk, or simply sit and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, Childs Park is the perfect spot. It’s a place where visitors can come and feel refreshed and rejuvenated.
Childs Park is the perfect destination if you’re looking for a peaceful escape or a place to take a walk and enjoy nature. The Childs Park Foundation manages and maintains this beautiful park. The park boasts three large lawns, two natural ponds, an Italian-style garden house that presides over the rose garden, and a nearby formal garden. The pine woods and giant ferns offer a wonderful surprise to those who explore the park.
Distance: 5.5 Miles
Website: https://childspark.org/
Map & Directions
The Bridge of Flowers in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts, is truly one-of-a-kind and a must-see for any lover of gardens! Stretching 400 feet long, the bridge is covered in a beautiful array of expertly planted flowers to ensure they bloom continuously from April to October.
You’ll find 500 varieties of flowers, vines, and shrubs on the bridge, many rare or historical. The plants are labeled for visitors who are curious about the different types.
If you’re looking for a unique and picturesque spot, the Bridge of Flowers is worth a visit! Originally built in 1928 for a trolley line, the bridge was transformed into the Bridge of Flowers in 1929 after the railway went out of business. In 1983, it was completely renovated under the guidance of local horticulturalists. Today, it’s maintained by committee members and volunteers from the Shelburne Falls Women’s Club.
Make sure to visit the Glacial Potholes when your here. They are only steps away!
Distance: 28 Miles
Website: https://www.bridgeofflowersmass.org/
Map & Directions
The National Yiddish Book Center in Amherst, Massachusetts, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating the Yiddish language and culture. The center offers a variety of programs and events throughout the year, as well as a wide selection of Yiddish works. Visitors can also explore the center’s museum, which features exhibits on the history of the Yiddish language and culture.
Distance: 12 Miles
Website: https://www.yiddishbookcenter.org/
Map & Directions
The Clark is an art museum and research institution located in Williamstown, Massachusetts. Its collection includes paintings, sculpture, drawings, prints, photographs, and new media by artists from the 14th century to the present. The Clark also offers a variety of academic and research programs and is home to the Research and Academic Program office of the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute.
Distance: 49 Miles
Website: https://www.clarkart.edu/about/the-clark
Map & Directions
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is a must-see for any fan of literature or art. The museum is dedicated to furthering the art of the picture book, and features many of Eric Carle’s own works and rotating exhibitions from other artists. The museum is located in Amherst, Massachusetts, and also offers many educational programs for both children and adults.
Distance: 11 Miles
Website: https://www.carlemuseum.org/
Map & Directions
The Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory & Gardens is one of the best day trips you can take in Western Massachusetts. The conservatory is home to more than 3,000 butterflies of all colors, shapes, sizes and varieties. You can also find moths and tropical vegetation throughout the conservatory.
Distance: 18 Miles
Website: https://magicwings.com/
Map & Directions
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is located in Springfield, Massachusetts, the city where basketball was born. The hall of fame museum is more than 40,000 square feet and includes more than 400 inductees and numerous interactive exhibits, covering amateurs, pros, teams, players, and pioneers from Cousy and Russell to Cash and Lobo. The museum chronicles the history of basketball from its origins to the present day.
Distance: 19 Miles
Website: https://www.hoophall.com/
Map & Directions
The Smith College Museum of Art is a leading academic museum with a nationally recognized collection of art. Located in Northampton, Massachusetts, the museum is open to the public and offers a variety of educational programs.
Distance: 5 Miles
Website: https://scma.smith.edu/
Map & Directions
The Mark Twain House & Museum is located in Hartford, Connecticut. It was Twain’s home from 1874 to 1891, during which time he wrote many of his most famous works, including Pudd’nhead Wilson and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. The house was designed in the Victorian Gothic style by Edward Tuckerman Potter and has been designated a National Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The museum offers guided tours of the house, giving visitors the opportunity to learn about Twain’s life and work. In addition to the tours, the museum also has exhibits about Twain and his writing.
Distance: 46 Miles
Website: https://marktwainhouse.org/
Map & Directions
Historic Deerfield, Massachusetts, is a picturesque New England town known for its rich history and well-preserved colonial-era architecture. Located in the Connecticut River Valley, Deerfield was founded in the early 18th century and was an important center of trade and agriculture in the region. Today, the town is home to the Deerfield Academy, a prestigious prep school, as well as several historic houses and museums that offer visitors a glimpse into the town’s past.
The centerpiece of historic Deerfield is the Deerfield Village Historic District, which includes more than 50 colonial-era houses and other buildings that have been carefully restored and maintained. The district is home to the Deerfield Inn, a charming bed and breakfast, as well as the Deerfield Craft Fair, an annual event that features handmade crafts and artisanal products from local artisans.
Other popular attractions in Deerfield include the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, which operates a number of historic house museums, and the Old Deerfield Village Store, which sells a variety of locally made products and souvenirs. Visitors can also explore the town’s many nature trails, which offer beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
Overall, historic Deerfield is a charming and historic destination that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Distance: 20 Miles
Website: https://www.yankeecandle.com/south-deerfield-village.html
Map & Directions
The Yankee Candle Flagship Store is a must-see destination for candle enthusiasts and shoppers looking for unique gifts and home decor items. Located in South Deerfield, Massachusetts, the store is the largest candle store in the world and features more than 10,000 square feet of shopping space.
The store offers a wide variety of Yankee Candle products, including candles, candle holders, and home fragrances, as well as a wide selection of gifts, accessories, and other home decor items. Visitors can browse through the store’s many sections, which are organized by fragrance and theme, and sample a variety of scents before making their purchase.
In addition to the vast selection of candles and home fragrances, the store also features a number of interactive displays and attractions, including a candle-making station where visitors can create their own custom candles, and a candle-lighting ceremony that takes place every hour on the hour.
The Yankee Candle Flagship Store is a great destination for anyone looking for high-quality candles and home fragrances, and is a great place to find unique gifts and souvenirs.
Distance: 15 Miles
Website: https://www.yankeecandle.com/south-deerfield-village.html
Map & Directions
The Glacial Potholes found on the Deerfield River at the base of Salmon Falls in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts are truly a natural wonder! These otherworldly potholes are one of the largest collections of natural potholes in the world and the site of the largest pothole on record.
These potholes, known as kettles in geological terms, have been formed over hundreds of millions of years, with their current shape taking form at the end of the last “Glacial Age”. As the glaciers receded, 50 separate pools were formed, ranging in size from 6 inches to 39 feet in diameter. These round holes were shaped by a whirlpool effect of water and gyrating stones of varied sizes, resulting in their remarkable symmetrical and round shape. They continue to be formed to this day during the end-of-winter snow melt when water levels rise significantly.
Located just steps away from the Bridge of Flowers, this natural wonder is a must-see when visiting Western Massachusetts. Although, it used to be a popular spot for a cool soak on a hot summer day, swimming is no longer allowed and is considered illegal. However, still, it’s a great spot for a picnic or to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Distance: 28 Miles
Website: https://www.bridgeofflowersmass.org/
Map & DirectionsThe Glacial Potholes found on the Deerfield River at the base of Salmon Falls in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts, are truly a natural wonder! These otherworldly potholes are one of the world’s largest collections of natural potholes and the site of the largest pothole on record.
These potholes, known as kettles in geological terms, have been formed over hundreds of millions of years. Their current shape formed at the end of the last “Glacial Age.” As the glaciers receded, 50 separate pools were created, ranging in size from 6 inches to 39 feet in diameter. These round holes were shaped by a whirlpool effect of water and gyrating stones of varied sizes, resulting in their remarkable symmetrical and round shape. They continue to be formed to this day during the end-of-winter snow melt when water levels rise significantly.
Located just steps away from the Bridge of Flowers, this natural wonder is a must-see when visiting Western Massachusetts. Although it used to be a popular spot for a cool soak on a hot summer day, swimming is no longer allowed and is considered illegal. However, still, it’s an excellent spot for a picnic or to enjoy the area’s natural beauty.
Distance:Â 28 Miles
