Things to do & places to visit in Hampshire County, Massachusetts, United States

Hampshire County county in Massachusetts, United States. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Monday, April 29, 2024, 0:16.

Top things to do (25)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Amherst College Museum of Natural History (105 reviews)
- A Must Do with Near UMass!
Monday: Speciality Museums

This museum was originally a "time-filler" between activities while we were visiting our son at UMass for the weekend. Once we arrived at the museum, we were pleasantly surprised at the variety of topics covered. Although many of the exhibits were display molds, a good number were genuine artifacts discovered through archaeological digs and findings. the museum is located in a great area - centrally located to anything we needed. Added bonus that the exhibit was free; we'll be back! See more..
5.0 Yiddish Book Center (88 reviews)
- Fascinating thing to see.
Speciality Museums

The Book Center’s 37,000-square-foot heymish-modern building in Amherst, MA, is a lebedike velt – a lively world – featuring an open Yiddish book repository, theatres, art galleries, museum exhibitions about Yiddish language and culture, and programs in literature, music, art, film, and theater See more..
5.0 Smith College (66 reviews)
- Loved everything about my Smith visit
Universities & Schools

I visited a friend in 2010. Loved the atmosphere of the school and its college town. I got a chance to sneaked in a math class and a landscape studies class since the classes were a bit on the bigger size (40+ I think?). The campus felt really nice. The 2 dining halls that I had a chance to dine at both had great food and offered a decent variety of options (though, according to my friend, the opinion I held could be because of this "grass is greener", "your school's dining halls have better food than my school's" syndrome haha). Really nice dorms (or at least the one where my friend was living). And the Smithies I interacted with were all super lovely, intellectual, and hip! Definitely the kind of folks I'd love to talk to and learn from! See more..
5.0 Mount Holyoke College (58 reviews)
- I heart Mount Holyoke
Educational sites

I love Mount Holyoke! It is the prettiest place in New England in the fall, even if you don't go to school there. The atmosphere is safe, friendly and liberating and I've never been anywhere else like it. Stuff to do there? The greenhouse is easy to breeze by but it's one of the coolest parts of the campus - there's even small jungle room. The art museum always puts on a good show and contains the perfect amount of stuff to see in an afternoon. There's a gravel path that loops upper lake for a scenic not-so-challenging hike, and if you're into horses you should check out the equestrian center, apparently it's one of the best ones in the Northeast. The library looks like a wing of Hogwarts on the inside and has a great coffee shop in the lobby, And check out Kendade, the new green science building, it's pretty spacey. Also the campus center always has student-oriented stuff going on on Friday and Saturday nights. Good times! See more..
5.0 R. Michelson Galleries (40 reviews)
- A WORLD-CLASS ART GALLERY IN A MOST FRIENDLY TOWN
Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Art Galleries

The Michelson Galleries are full of surprises for both what is on display at length there and for their special exhibits. Many major artists choose to show their work at Michelsons, whose owner, Richard Michelson, is also a poet, a playwright, a children's book writer and so much more .... and a significant national prizewinner! See more..
5.0 Three Sisters Sanctuary (28 reviews)
- Interesting place to stop along the road
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Gardens

The site is open to walk around at anytime but the best time is when the owner is there. He will talk to you about his inspiration and how he put together a lot of the works of art. This place is a must check out spot if you are in western Massachusetts. See more..
4.5 Smith College Botanic Garden (317 reviews)
- Oasis in winter
Gardens

There are ten different garden types and a greenhouse in this Botanic Garden. See more..
4.5 Emily Dickinson Museum (295 reviews)
- Awesome place to visit
Monday: Speciality Museums • Historic Sites

The Emily Dickinson Museum comprises two historic houses in the center of Amherst, Massachusetts associated with the poet Emily Dickinson and members of her family during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The Homestead was the birthplace and home of the poet Emily Dickinson. The Evergreens, next door, was home to her brother Austin, his wife Susan, and their three children. It is the Museum’s mission to spark the imagination by amplifying Emily Dickinson’s revolutionary poetic voice from the place she called home. Admission to the Museum is by guided tour and timed tickets must be purchased in advance. For the most up-to-date information about scheduling your visit and purchasing your tickets, please visit the link below. See more..
4.5 Smith College Museum of Art (164 reviews)
- Amazing collection for a small school
Monday: Art Museums

This museum features work by a number of art greats. See more..
4.5 Norwottuck Rail Trail (149 reviews)
- Great Meal, Walk, and View but Bridge Too Much for 5 Month Golden Retriever Puppy
Biking Trails

Ten-mile bike path on the old tracks of the Boston and Maine railroad. See more..
4.5 Historic Northampton (114 reviews)
- Historic Northampton
Monday: Historic Sites • Children's Museums • History Museums

Historic Northampton focuses on local history and the local community. The museum features exhibits, concerts, guided tours, and programs for all ages, We preserve objects and documents that illuminate the lives of past residents while creating structures through which contemporary residents can preserve and celebrate their own histories in ways that honor both tradition and change. Through our programs, exhibits and public projects, Historic Northampton encourages ongoing conversations between past and present. Because civic identity grows out of the way we interpret and articulate our community's past, Historic Northampton is a critical institution in the city. While legally organized as a private non-profit corporation, we are deeply rooted in the community, charged with safeguarding, See more..
4.5 Thornes Marketplace (102 reviews)
- One of best “malls“ around !
Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Shopping Malls

Whether it's your 100th time visiting or your first, Thornes will surprise and delight you with unique offerings, delicious bites, and exquisite architecture. Located on the vibrant, lively main street of downtown Northampton, this historic commercial building is home to an array of over 25 independent, locally owned retailers and restaurants -- some of which have thrived in Thornes for 40 plus years. While it has evolved, expanded, and changed owners several times since the building's construction in 1873, its commitment to locals and out-of-town visitors remains constant. See more..
4.5 Frank Newhall Look Memorial Park (95 reviews)
- Magic
Parks

Lovely park that offers a children's zoo, miniature railroad and an outdoor amphitheater. See more..
4.5 Amherst College (67 reviews)
- Beautiful campus with excellent dorms
Universities & Schools

Visited for 5 days to get my daughter settled in her dorm. What a beautiful campus! I have visited many colleges the past two years (Harvard, Brown, Florida State, West Florida etc) and none were as beautiful as Amherst College. My daughter's dorm room looks like a country club compared to some of the ones we saw (FSU's looked like jail cells). Brown Univ. were terrible & the bathrooms didn't work. At Amherst, she has a beautiful view of the mountains, clean showers, beds, carpet, even hard wood floor in the hallways. The food at Valentine was excellent and the best of all was the polite, wonderful students & parents that we met. Now I know why my daughter choose Amherst College (besides it being the top liberal arts college in the country). Go Jeffs! See more..
4.5 Skinner State Park (64 reviews)
- Great views, lots of trails
Monday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM State Parks • Parks

We visited during a recent trip to the area and enjoyed the incredible views at the summit. We started at the Halfway Hike and it was too steep and incline for me so my finance hiked and I drove to the top. We arrived at the same time proving the hike to be a short one covering a lot of elevation. From the summit we could see as far as Hartford and had a nice view of Amherst and the surrounding mountains. See more..
4.5 Puffer's Pond (64 reviews)
- Serenity and beautiful
Bodies of Water

The Puffer's pond is so beautiful surrounded by trees. You can picnic and swim in the pond. Good for families . See more..
4.5 Mead Art Museum (60 reviews)
- Regional Gem
Art Museums

The recently opened exhibition at the Mead Art Museum is vibrant and engaging. The exhibit titled Architectural Ghosts is educational and contains beautiful objects that tell multiple layers of stories. The 3-D replicas of objects invite children to touch and examine several of the works. However, I observed that the replicas equally invited adults to touch and explore. This a very well-done exhibit and I look forward to revisiting the Mead in the future. See more..
4.5 McCray's Farm (56 reviews)
- Inexpensive Family Fun
Monday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Farms

This country creamery is a little hidden gem. This was a perfect afternoon adventure which we will not hesitate to do again when we're in the UMass area. The weather was the perfect Fall day to play a round of miniature golf, stroll through the little petting zoo - and finish the afternoon with delicious homemade ice cream. We opted not to participate in the haunted hay ride, but it did look like those that died, enjoyed themselves. The pumpkins were already picked, but were nice looking and very reasonably priced. Amazing, inexpensive family fun! See more..
4.5 DAR State Forest (53 reviews)
- Great campground
State Parks • Forests

Absolutely loved the campground. Plenty of trails to hike, great camp sites for rent and plenty of other activities to keep you occupied. The campground fee was cheap at $17 for MA residents. Just be mindful that they require you to buy their firewood. See more..
4.5 Academy of Music Theatre (52 reviews)
- enjoyed the show
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Theaters

great venue. historic, nicely renovated. intimate. clean. easy to find, park. nice amenities. friendly staff. See more..
4.5 Manhan Rail Trail (40 reviews)
- Loved this trail
Hiking Trails

Great trail. Goes through wooded areas and into town. Don't miss Tandem Bagel or Small Oven for lunch See more..
4.5 Chesterfield Gorge (31 reviews)
- Relaxing Walk with Friends
Geologic Formations

Experience this imposing gorge carved by a National Wild and Scenic River, then choose from great fishing, hiking, and biking options just downstream. See more..
4.5 Mount Holyoke Range State Park (28 reviews)
- Beautiful Varied Trails, but not always well marked
Mountains

Beautiful trails and fantastic views but the trails could be better marked. There were a number of confusing points, hard to find markers, faded markers, markers seemingly between 2 trails. There were also a number of confused hikers, including one man who needed to follow us back to the visitors center. There is a good variety of trails, some easy, some challenging with a bit of rock scrambling. Free parking. Porta Pottys available currently. See more..
4.5 Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge, Hadley MA (27 reviews)
- Never knew that this was a local attraction
Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

...and I lived nearby for over 30 years. Well maintained, lots of ground stone or wooden walks, overlooks,etc. Inaccessible from the east as bridge is washed out, access from the west. Fabulous location for birding. Probably best in spring, was pretty dry in May. See more..
4.5 Amherst Farmers' Market (24 reviews)
- A weekly favorite and worth a visit!
Spent < 1 hour Farmers Markets

Amherst Farmers' Market is the longest running market in the area. Started in 1972 by a small group of farmers, the market has expanded to over 40 vendors and includes live music and delicious locally grown and prepared foods. The Pioneer Valley is known for the abundance of farms and good quality local food, so come check it out and experience what has been rated Best of the Valley for 5 years! See more..
4.5 Black Birch Vineyard (20 reviews)
- Spring Fling
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards

Nestled in the rich farming community of the Connecticut River Valley sits Black Birch Vineyard-home to to our hand-pressed, signature wines. We hope you enjoy our distinctive local varietals born out of our passion to produce notable New England wines. See more..
4.5 Mass Audubon Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary (19 reviews)
- beautiful place for a walk
Monday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

Spanning Easthampton and Northampton, Arcadia’s diverse terrain of forest, meadows, grasslands, marsh, and wetlands attracts an extraordinary variety of wildlife. You'll also find a thriving population of wildflowers thanks to its rich, loamy soil—a characteristic of the Connecticut River floodplain. See more..
4.0 Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art (259 reviews)
- Art + Picture Books = Joy
Monday: Art Museums

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, a stunning, 40,000 square-foot facility in the heart of the Five College area of Western MA is loved by families, art aficionados and book lovers alike. The Museum houses three Galleries with rotating exhibitions of picture book art from around the world, and a permanent collection which includes works by artists such as Maurice Sendak, Leo Lionni, and Rosemary Wells. A hands-on Art Studio allows visitors to create their own masterpiece any time the Museum is open. The Auditorium hosts regular live performances, daily films, and frequent lectures and guest appearances by renowned authors and illustrators. The comfortable Reading Library is the perfect spot to settle in with a book and a friend, or take in Storytime. The Museum Shop, called by Parent's Choice "the very best bookstore for picture books in the entire world," is stocked with unique gifts and a beautiful array of picture books. See more..
4.0 Hardwick Vineyard and Winery (56 reviews)
- Wine, music & beautiful fall scenery-a perfect afternoon
Wineries & Vineyards

Perfect combination of being outdoors, listening to local musicians, and tasting a variety of local wine flavors. Family owned and wonderful staff. Currently open every day with music. They have a nice variety of red and white wines with local flavors, maple, cranberry and blueberry to name a few. A very pleasant way to spend a fall afternoon supporting local businesses. See more..
4.0 Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library and Museum (42 reviews)
- Silent Cal has a lot to say!
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Libraries • History Museums

The Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library & Museum was established in 1920, when Massachusetts Governor and Vice-President Elect Calvin Coolidge began giving documents and memorabilia to Forbes Library, the public library for the city of Northampton, Massachusetts. During his Presidency and upon leaving the White House, additional materials were added including the Howard Chandler Christy portraits of Calvin Coolidge and his wife, Grace, and the infamous electric exercise horse. In 1956, acting upon the request of Grace Coolidge and Trustees of Forbes Library, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts granted funds to establish a “Calvin Coolidge Memorial Room” as a separate entity within the Forbes Library. Today, the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library & Museum at Forbes Library is the largest existing source of primary material on Calvin Coolidge and the only public library in the United States to hold a presidential collection. See more..