Springfield's Museum of Fine Arts includes collections of fine works by some of the world's greatest painters and sculptors. Highlights of the permanent collection include works by Monet, Gauguin, Degas, Pissarro, and Renoir, 19th-and 20th-century Japanese prints, and modern artworks by O'Keefe. The Fine Arts Museum also boasts the only permanent collection of Currier & Ives lithographs.
Come visit the birthplace of one of America's best-loved authors, Emily Dickinson, who was born here in December 1830. The famed poet spent most of her life here composing over 1800 poems. The property consists of two different residences that are open to the public: The Evergreens, home to Emily's brother Austin, and The Homestead, where she lived and where her numerous unpublished poems were found after her death. Visitors can see both houses through special guided and audio tours.
Skinner State Park's natural beauty makes it a great destination for the whole family. The park features over 843 acres (341 hectares) of forest that covers Mount Holyoke and runs along the Connecticut River. There are many hiking trails, some of which reach the summit of Mount Holyoke. It also contains the historic Mount Holyoke Summit House, which was donated to the state with the land for the park by businessman Joseph Allen Skinner in 1940. In the spring and the fall, hawk-watching is a popular attraction in the park. There are several picnic sites that are open to the public as well.
Located in historic downtown Hadley, Massachusetts, the Hadley Farm Museum is housed in a restored barn from the 1780s. Home to some of the most remarkable collections emphasizing the farm life in New England from the late 1700s to the 20th century, the museum is a must-visit for curious souls. Exhibits include a collection of vehicles and equipment, spinning wheels, cobblers’ benches, hay tedders, butter churns, furnishings, toys, and other artifacts. Check the website for more.
Enjoy some of this region's natural beauty by spending some time at Lake Wyola State Park. Located north of Springfield in the town of Shutesbury, this recreation area has been run by the state since being purchased in 1997. The park itself encompasses over 40 acres (16 hectares) that surround Lake Wyola and features numerous trails for hiking, walking, and cross-country skiing in the winter months. The lake itself is a popular location for fishing, swimming, and boating. There are also many picnic areas that have charcoal grills that can be used by the public.
The Smith College Museum of Art features four floors of numerous works in all mediums. Paintings, drawings, photography, and ancient artifacts are all well represented. Don't miss out on the 43-foot mural Nature and the Artist: The Work of Art and the Observer by well-known Mexican painter Rufino Tamayo. The Smith College Museum of Art also hosts special exhibitions as well as special events such as gallery and artists talks. Admission is free on the second Friday of the month.
Quabbin Reservoir Park is a large, scenic, and important water supply reservoir located in central Massachusetts. The reservoir is surrounded by vast wooded areas and rolling hills, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, birdwatching, boating, and picnicking. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the reservoir, the surrounding forests, and the diverse wildlife that inhabits the area. Fishing is also a popular activity at Quabbin Reservoir, with anglers having the chance to catch a variety of fish species, including trout, bass, and salmon.
Erving State Forest is a serene and picturesque state forest that offers a peaceful and natural retreat for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The forest is characterized by its dense woodlands, rolling hills, and tranquil streams, providing a diverse range of ecosystems for visitors to explore. It is a popular destination for hiking, with several miles of well-marked trails winding through the woods and offering opportunities for both leisurely strolls and challenging hikes. Erving State Forest is also known for its abundant wildlife and birdwatching opportunities. Camping and boating are other popular activities in Erving State Forest.
Springfield's Museum of Fine Arts includes collections of fine works by some of the world's greatest painters and sculptors. Highlights of the permanent collection include works by Monet, Gauguin, Degas, Pissarro, and Renoir, 19th-and 20th-century Japanese prints, and modern artworks by O'Keefe. The Fine Arts Museum also boasts the only permanent collection of Currier & Ives lithographs.
Buddhist Peace Pagodas are built in a hope to inspire peace and harmony within the surrounding communities. The Nipponzan-Myōhōji Peace Pagoda in Leverett, MA was built with the help from students of the Franklin County Technical School in 1986. Featuring a lily pond and plenty of space to sit and relax, it is visited by many tourists and locals. True to its purpose, a visit here brings over a serene calm and inspires a sense of respect for all human lives.