5 things to do and see in Springfield, Massachusetts
Springfield, Massachusetts offers a number of must see (and do) options.
Having grown up in Springfield, Massachusetts, there are some things that you just have to do and see as a child. And yet, when trying to tell people what they should do/see if they happen to visit this area, it feels like nothing comes to mind.
When you think of Massachusetts, the first thing that comes to mind is likely Boston, but there are plenty of other fascinating cities, including Springfield. And while this little city with a small town feel may not have the beaches of Nantucket going for it, there is still plenty to see and do when you visit.
However, as someone who has lived in a few different cities and towns across the country, I have finally learned to appreciate the magic of Springfield. And these five things to see and do when you visit our part of the Bay State will make it so you either don’t want to leave, or at least want to come back again for more.
5 things to do and see when you visit Springfield
1. Visit the Basketball Hall of Fame
Whether you are obsessed with basketball or not, there are a lot of reasons to check out the Basketball Hall of Fame. Not only is it a museum offering people a look at the history of the game and the people who have given it life, but there are also interactive exhibits. And yes, if you are lucky, you could witness an induction into the Hall of Fame.
As someone who grew up in Springfield, I have been to all of the different Hall of Fame locations, including the original that was located in Springfield College. But the newest Hall of Fame is an epic building that is a giant sphere of silver rising in the skyline of the city.
2. Check out the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden
Oh the places you’ll go when you head to Springfield. If you are a fan of Dr. Seuss and his work, then you absolutely have to head to the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden which is part of the museum grounds. (The grounds include the Springfield Science Museum, the GWV Smith Art Museum, the Michele & Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts, and the Springfield Public Library.)
As an added bonus, there is also a Dr. Seuss Museum that helps tell the story of the man behind so many iconic children’s books. And yes, when you grow up in Western Massachusetts, you learn all about Dr. Seuss and his characters, which is why the sculpture garden is so special.
3. Take a walk in and around the Springfield Armory National Historic Site
If you are a history buff, then you absolutely have to stop at the Springfield Armory National Historic Site. While the Armory may not be the biggest museum in the world, or even the area, it is a must-visit for people who love history.
Sitting on the grounds of Springfield Technical Community College, the Armory is at the heart of what makes this city so important to the founding of our country, as well as the state’s history. And if you are someone who appreciate the craftsmanship of well-made guns, this is a stop you’ll want to make.
4. MGM Springfield
While you may or may not be someone who enjoys gambling and gaming, MGM Springfield is definitely a part of what makes the city a destination in the Bay State. It’s not just a place for play, it is also a place to mingle with friends, enjoy good food, and even take in a movie.
There really is something for everyone at MGM Springfield, and the same could be said for the city itself. I highly recommend checking out their website and exploring everything they have to offer, especially if you are looking for something to do during a winter visit.
5. Take a walk around Forest Park
Do you want to know what makes Forest Park so special? How about the fact that it is “one of the largest urban, municipal parks in the United States.” Not only does the park have its own zoo, but there is also an outdoor amphitheater, as well as wooded trails for hiking, aquatic gardens, a municipal swimming pool, and more.
From the holiday spectacle that is Bright Nights, to the different athletic fields and courts, this is a park that truly helps to serve its community. In fact, when I was in school we even took part in educational programs that taught us about nature, the ponds that helped make up the aquatic garden, and how to survive in the woods if one were to get lost.
Related Story. Washington, D.C. should be the trip everyone makes once in their life. light
When it comes to Springfield, Massachusetts, there is a lot to see and do, even if it doesn’t seem like a destination spot in the Bay State. Although Boston, Salem, and the Cape are more likely to be considered for a destination, there are still plenty of things to do and see here in Western Massachusetts.