Things to do & places to visit in Berkshires, Massachusetts, United States

The Berkshires are home to an impressive collection of cultural and historic sights. Get your fill of music, art and theater at Tanglewood, the Boston Symphony's summer home, MASS MoCA, the country's largest contemporary art center, the Norman Rockwell Museum and the Williamstown Theatre Festival. Recreational opportunities also abound, including snowshoeing, snowboarding, skiing, rafting, kayaking, fishing and golf. The Berkshires are an easy drive, just two and a half hours from Boston and New York.

Berkshires region in Massachusetts, United States. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Wednesday, May 15, 2024, 3:22.

Top things to do (20)

Top places to visit (29 attractions)

5.0 The Clark Art Institute (1.434 reviews)
- So Good, We Had To Visit Again
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Art Museums

The Clark Art Institute is best known for its French Impressionist paintings by Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Camille Pissarro, and especially Pierre-Auguste Renoir, with more than thirty paintings by the artist. The collection is also rich in American paintings by Winslow Homer, John Singer Sargent, George Inness, Frederic Remington, and Mary Cassatt; Italian and Northern Renaissance masterpieces; portraits and landscapes by European masters; and an extraordinary collection of silver, porcelain, and furniture. An active program of special exhibitions brings great works of art from around the world to the museum. Designed by renowned Pritzker Prize-winning architect Tadao Ando, the recently opened Clark Center is the centerpiece of the Clark's campus. The center includes special exhibition galleries as well as retail and dining spaces. It overlooks a dramatic three-tiered reflecting pool, integrating indoor and outdoor spaces and creating a stunning visual connection to the woodland surroundings and other buildings located on the campus. This sweeping new landscape design transforms the Clark's 140-acre campus and underscores new sustainability initiatives. In 1950 the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute was founded as a permanent home for the private art collection of Sterling and Francine Clark. In 1955 Sterling-who was an avid horseman with strong family ties to Williamstown and Cooperstown, New York-and his wife Francine presided at the official opening of the museum, sharing their magnificent yet little-known collection with the world for the first time. Since the founding, the museum has gained international stature for the quality of its collection, innovative special exhibitions, and Research and Academic Program. See more..
5.0 Tanglewood (1.161 reviews)
- The Opening Day at Tanglewood
Symphonies • Theaters

The summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra features performances by world-renowned conductors, soloists and musicians. See more..
5.0 Ashuwillticook Rail Trail (168 reviews)
- Excellent Rail Trail
Hiking Trails

This rail trail has it all. It has ample parking, bathrooms at the trail head, and gorgeous scenery. My phone took me right to the parking lot near the intersection of Berkshire Mall Rd and Cheshire Rd. The trail is beautifully maintained. I biked it for 4 miles before turning back towards the parking lot. It runs straight and flat, an easy ride. As one approaches the three mile mark, a long narrow lake opens up on one’s left with incredible views of the mountain ridge running parallel to the trail. A great trail for biking and other activities. See more..
5.0 Schantz Galleries Contemporary Glass - by appointment (130 reviews)
- world class glass gallery
Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Art Galleries

Open by appointment. Contemporary Glass with works by artists like Dale Chihuly, Lino Tagliapietra and over 40 others. This gallery is a hidden gem in the Berkshires. Visit with advanced appointment. See more..
5.0 Crane Museum of Papermaking (115 reviews)
- Crane Museum of Papermaking
Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Reservations required. Take a tour of the Crane Museum of Papermaking and learn about Crane’s ties to the American Revolution, the development of paper for banknotes, and anti-counterfeiting technologies from the 1800s to the future. Get your hands dirty (don’t worry—it washes off!) with our paper activities in the hands-on art space and take home your handmade souvenir. See more..
5.0 Balderdash Cellars (93 reviews)
- Hidden gem!!
Wednesday: Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards

Reservations neither required nor accepted. Just come on out and enjoy! Bringing food and non-alcoholic beverages to the winery is permitted, however, bringing alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, hard seltzers, spirits, etc, etc) is strictly prohibited. Please contact us if you have a group of 25 . See more..
4.5 The Mount, Edith Wharton's Home (1.013 reviews)
- Wonderful visit to learn about this interesting author.
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • History Museums

The Mount, Edith Wharton's Home is an historic house museum and vibrant cultural center located in the heart of the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts. Take a tour of the mansion Edith Wharton designed and where she wrote The House of Mirth and Ethan Frome. Book online at EdithWharton.org. See more..
4.5 MASS MoCA (959 reviews)
- Exceptional Contemporary Art Mauseum
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Art Museums

Housed on a restored 19th century factory campus, MASS MoCA is the largest center for contemporary visual and performing arts in the country. Open year round with full schedule of live events, changing exhibitions and Sol LeWitt Wall Drawing Retrospective. See more..
4.5 Hancock Shaker Village (788 reviews)
- A Must See!
Wednesday: Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Farms • History Museums

Hancock Shaker Village is a living history museum committed to bringing the Shaker story to life and preserving it for future generations. Called the "City of Peace" by the Shakers who lived here for 179 years until 1960, this community was the third of 19 major Shaker Villages located in New York, New England, Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana. There are 20 historic buildings on this site. The values that the Shakers embraced -- equality, pacifism, community, sustainability, responsible land stewardship, innovation, simplicity and quality in work -- still resonate here. The working farm is the oldest in the Berkshires. Visit the gardens and animals, meet the interpreters, see demonstrations, hike the trails, immerse yourself in unique art exhibitions, and explore. A farm-to-table cafe is on site. See more..
4.5 Naumkeag (393 reviews)
- Go to the Pumpkin Show!!
Gardens

Experience Gilded-Age style and splendor at this marvelous estate, renowned for its elegant gardens and rare Berkshire Cottage. See more..
4.5 Mount Greylock State Reservation (342 reviews)
- Adventure for everyone
State Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas

Acquired by the Commonwealth in 1898, the first state park in Massachusetts also contains the states highest peak at 3,419 feet. See more..
4.5 Mount Greylock (305 reviews)
- Great view even without tower access
Mountains

The views were great. Bring a sweatshirt delta temp 15-20F from bottom. The dedication to our men & women who sacrificed so much is moving. It’s worth the drive. (Or the hike) $20 to park without access to the tower was pricey See more..
4.5 Monument Mountain (292 reviews)
- What a sweet forest walk!
Mountains

Ascend this popular peak, which once drew 19th-century literary giants, and from its summit gaze across the spectacular landscapes of the Housatonic River Valley. See more..
4.5 Barrington Stage Company (275 reviews)
- A Night Out after Quarantine
Theaters

Barrington Stage Company (BSC) is a professional award-winning Equity theatre presenting top-notch musicals, masterful classics, thought-provoking new work, cabarets and youth theater on four stages from May through October as well as a New Play Festival in February. Co-founded in 1995 by Artistic Director Julianne Boyd, BSC is perhaps best known for premiering William Finn and Rachel Sheinkin’s Tony Award-winning musical "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" and was voted Best Theatre by "The Berkshire Eagle" readers in 2011 and 2012. BSC welcomes groups and offers senior and youth discounts. See more..
4.5 Furnace Brook Winery at Hilltop Orchards (265 reviews)
- Yes David (and Sara!) A must do!
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Wineries & Vineyards

Hilltop Orchards -- an historic apple orchard in the Berkshires and home to award-winning Furnace Brook Winery – invites you to visit and explore our 200 acre property in Richmond, Massachusetts.The Vittori family celebrates its 25th year at Hilltop Orchards. Preserving local farming and opening our land to you - for apple picking, hiking and cross country skiing and snowshoeing - is our pleasure and our privilege.You'll be inspired by the vast open space and fantastic views from the hilltop as you explore the orchards and woodland hiking trails.Guests of our Garden Gables Inn in Lenox enjoy free trail fees plus unlimited wine tasting. See more..
4.5 Williams College Museum of Art (257 reviews)
- Great little art museum, just as much fun as the Clark.
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Art Museums

WCMA sparks new ways of thinking about art and the visual world through its innovative exhibitions, programs, publications and projects. At the heart of the Williams College campus the museum draws on the collaborative and multidisciplinary ethos of the surrounding college to enliven the more than 15,000 works in its growing collection. The museum and its collection is a catalyst for student learning and community engagement. Situated in the rich cultural landscape of the Berkshires, WCMA is free and open to all. See more..
4.5 Shakespeare & Company (250 reviews)
- New Spruce Theater
Theaters

Located in The Berkshires of Western Massachusetts, Shakespeare & Company is one of the largest Shakespeare Festivals in the country, founded in 1978 by Tina Packer. The organization attracts more than 60,000 patrons annually, with a core of over 150 artists and more than 30 full-time staff. The Company develops and performs Shakespeare, classics, contemporary, and new plays of social and political significance, generating opportunities for collaboration between actors, directors and designers of all races, nationalities and backgrounds. Shakespeare & Company embraces the core values of Shakespeare's work: collaboration, commitment to language, visceral experience and classical ideals, expressed with physical prowess and an embodied contemporary voice. The Company offers one of the most extensive actor training programs by a regional theatre in the country, where professionals from all over the world come to train with the Organization known for its original, in-depth, classical training and performance methods. Shakespeare & Company is also home to an award-winning and nationally recognized theatre-in-education program, one of the largest the Northeast; it reaches more than 45,000 students annually with innovative performances, workshops and residencies. See more..
4.5 Chesterwood Museum (226 reviews)
- All things French
Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Art Museums

Summer home, studio and gardens of America's foremost sculptor, Daniel Chester French (1850-1931), creator of the "Minuteman" (Concord, MA) and the Abraham Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial (Washington DC). Explore the historic artist's studio and gardens, and stroll through the woodland walks and annual contemporary sculpture show. Open May through October, Thursday - Monday, 10am to 5pm. Check website for details on guided tours and special events. See more..
4.5 National Shrine of the Divine Mercy (223 reviews)
- A wonderful religious visit to a special place
Religious Sites

While visiting the area on a Fall foliage New England trip we stopped by the National Shrine and spent time visiting the chapels, candle offertory and gift shop. The chapels and grounds are both beautiful and tranquil. We enjoyed our visit and worshippedl n the two beutiful chapels and bought several religious gifts for friends in the wonderful and very large giftshop. All staff were helpful and courteous during our visit. The grounds feature multiple statues depicting the crucifixion and full size stations of the cross personified in sculpture. See more..
4.5 Natural Bridge State Park (198 reviews)
- Amazing Place!
State Parks

This is an amazing place. Some steep stairs so proceed with caution, but so worth it! The marble walls and power of the rushing water underneath the natural bridge is breathtaking. There is a visitor center with info and restrooms. Nice area for a picnic. You will not be disappointed! See more..
4.5 Mass Audubon Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary (198 reviews)
- Fun hike even in December!
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

This 1,100-acre wildlife sanctuary, along the slopes of Lenox Mountain, features 7 miles of hiking trails and offers nature programs for adults and children throughout the year. See more..
4.5 Williamstown Theatre Festival (181 reviews)
- Excellent theater experience in Williamstown.
Theaters

This famous theater, located in the Berkshires, presents several productions each summer. See more..
4.5 Herman Melville's Arrowhead (180 reviews)
- What a wonderful tour experience!
Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Hiking Trails • History Museums

Visit the home where Herman Melville and his family lived from 1850-1863. Melville wrote "Moby-Dick" here as well as many other notable novels and short stories. Main season is from May-October with daily tours, programs, hiking trails, and museum shop. See website for hours, prices, and details. See more..
4.5 Williams College (129 reviews)
- Such a cute town with a great college
Educational sites

Lots of great little shops on Spring Street after you visit the college. Many good restaurants too. There is a museum within walking distance - so much to do in such a small town. See more..
4.5 Ioka Valley Farm (101 reviews)
- Wonderful Local Products!
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Farms

Great local products and wonderful service:-) I purchased maple cream and maple syrup online and picked up at Ioka farm. My order was ready when I arrived and the products were beautifully packaged in glass jars. I’ll return when I visit the area again. See more..
4.5 The Guthrie Center & Foundation (79 reviews)
- A highlight of our trip to the Berkshires!
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites

The epicenter of Arlo Guthrie's "Alice's Restaurant." The events that took place on Thanksgiving 1965 became a song, the song became a record, the record a movie. The movie was filmed in 1968 where the actual events took place on location at The Old Trinity Church, which became The Guthrie Center founded by Arlo Guthrie, and named for his parents, Woody & Marjorie Guthrie in 1991. The Center continues the Guthrie Family philosophy of a place for interfaith worship, cultural exchange especially with music and art, and of course a place to eat (during seasonal performances). 2015 marks the 50th anniversary of the "Alice's Restaurant Massacree" and the old church will celebrate in style with services and performances that will put a smile on your face and nourish your heart. See more..
4.0 Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort (599 reviews)
- Fun Family Ski Trip
Ski & Snowboard Areas • Beach & Pool Clubs

We spent 3 nights here over Xmas break and had a blast. The trails were great - wide and snowy, thanks to the snowmakers. The lines weren't long either...and there were no lines at all before 10am / after 3pm. Our tween kids loved the night skiing as well. We stayed onsite at the building upstairs from the lodge. Accommodations were fine. Food options could have been better. We ended up eating in the Tavern most nights since the restaurant didn't take reservations and the wait was always over an hour. Next time we go, we'll bring more things to cook for ourselves. (That's why I took one star off of this rating.) The kids did use the hot tub and pool one afternoon so that was a nice diversion. Otherwise, it was just a terrific time on the ski slopes for us. See more..
4.0 Berkshire Museum (301 reviews)
- Nice Museum
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums

Established by Zenas Crane in 1903, Berkshire Museum integrates art, history, and natural science in a wide range of programs and exhibitions that inspire educational connections between the disciplines. In association with the Smithsonian since 2013, Berkshire Museum is part of a select group of museums, cultural, educational, and arts organizations that share the Smithsonian's resources with the nation. Located in downtown Pittsfield, Massachusetts, at 39 South St., the Berkshire Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $13 adult, $6 child; Museum members and children age 3 and under enjoy free admission. See more..
4.0 Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum (287 reviews)
- Living History in a Restored Mansion
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Architectural Buildings

Our tour of Ventfort Hall was wonderful. Our guide was quite knowledgeable and was able to answer all questions from our group. She gave us the background of how the building was used for The Cider House Rules and gave us a terrific account of the history of the home, its connection to Robert Gould Shaw, and those who lived there. The before and after pictures bring it all into perspective. What an undertaking to restore this remarkable home! See more..