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.
Take a break from your hectic schedule and enjoy a few moments of relaxation at Elizabeth Park Conservancy. Operating since 1897, this beautiful park has been a place of interest for the locals as well as the tourists due to its charming gardens. The property spans an area of 102 acres (41 hectares) and is home to a heritage rose garden, horticultural garden, shade garden and four other gardens. Besides the lush greenery, it features four century-old Greenhouses verdant pathways, lawns and many more things to do on a sunny day. It also provides facilities for recreational activities like tennis courts, basket ball courts, picnic groves and many others. All in all you are sure to enjoy your time here.
This home on Farmington Avenue is where Mark Twain lived from 1874 until he moved to Europe (due to bankruptcy) in 1891. It is also the place where Twain wrote some of his most famous works, such as Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court. The estate is in constant renovation and the curating team is always looking to restore it as it was when Twain lived here. Nonetheless, the adjacent Museum offers an exclusive documentary about the writer by director Ken Burns and the home was one of the first 100 architectural sites to be registered as a National Historic Landmark in the United States.
The Harriet Beecher Stowe Center is dedicated to the author of Uncle Tom's Cabin and it offers a profound insight into the life and times of this suffragette. This is the home in which Stowe lived from 1873 until her death in 1893. The house includes authentic, restored furniture pieces as well as souvenirs from her journeys around the world. A library, located on the grounds of the nearby Day House contains books, manuscripts, images and more. Visitors can also view eight Victorian gardens on the grounds of the estate as well as several special events held throughout the year.
Frank Newhall Look Memorial Park, often simply called Look Park, is a beautiful green space, perfect for a family outing. This park offers a wide range of activities. For a small fee, hop on the Steamer Train for a one-mile (1.6 kilometer) ride around the park and scoop out all the fun things to do. During the summer you can go on Bumper Boats, take a ride on a paddle boat, or cool off at the Mill River that runs through this place. Visit the free Christenson Zoo where you can see Fallow Deer, Red-Tailed Hawks, peacocks, and more. There is also a miniature golf course, multiple playgrounds, seasonal tennis courts, and a scenic walking path here. Whether you want to relax or play, this park is a great place to spend an holiday!
Learn about the history of Springfield during the 19th and 20th Centuries at the Lyman & Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History. This 40,000 square-foot (.9 acres) museum shows how the city developed during the Industrial Revolution as well as the city's place in American history. You can walk through interesting exhibits, like the Smith & Wesson Gallery of Firearms History, the John Brown, Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War Exhibit, and the Automobile Gallery. The museum also hosts fun events.
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.
Step into the embrace of nature's tranquility at Bolton Notch State Park, a serene Connecticut haven. This park brings together rich natural beauty, historical significance, and opportunities for outdoor adventure. The park's defining feature is its picturesque gorge, carved by centuries of flowing waters. The rugged terrain is a delight for hikers and nature enthusiasts, offering paths that lead to hidden oases, rocky outcrops with panoramic views, and shaded glens perfect for picnics. Explore this fascinating piece of history as you imagine the locomotives that once passed through, their echoes replaced by the rustling leaves and the gentle murmur of the streams.
Named in honor of the American Legion, a veterans' organization dedicated to supporting veterans and their communities, American Legion State Forest features rolling hills, valleys, and streams that create a diverse and scenic landscape. Hiking is a popular activity here, and the forest offers several well-marked trails that allow visitors to explore the natural beauty of the area. The forest's serene atmosphere and lush surroundings make it an excellent spot for family outings and gatherings. Whether it's hiking the trails, having a picnic amidst the trees, or observing the local wildlife, visitors will find a sense of connection and appreciation for the natural wonders of this forested area.
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.
Tantiusques is an open space reservation and historic site owned and managed by The Trustees of Reservations. This area is known for its old and defunct graphite mines. The word "Tantiusques" means "the place between the two hills" which is a perfect description of this site. This forest area is full of hickory and red maple trees with mountain laurel plants found in some parts. A 19th-century house of a mine worker is also found within its 57-acre (23.06 hectare) stretch. Listed on the National Registrar of Historic Places, it is a great choice for your next outdoor trip in Sturbridge.
The Northwest Park is a popular recreational landmark. It features a nature center as well as soccer fields and walking trails. Comprising of 473 acres (191 hectares) of verdant land and forests, this park plays host to summer camps and several programs for education about the nature and environment. The park also holds a fair that takes place once a year.