Greater Springfield

The Greater Springfield Region has Springfield, largest city in Western Massachusetts, as the hub for cultural, academic, historical, and family-fare sites. The region boasts of the Basketball Hall of Fame; Volleyball Hall of Fame; Six Flags New England; Dr. Seuss National Memorial; University of Massachusetts, Amherst College, Smith College, Mt. Holyoke College and six other private colleges; Four museums grouped in a Quadrangle, and the Eastern States Exposition grounds. Things to See and Do Attractions Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield follows basketball's history from its invention in 1891 by Dr. James Naismith and packed with memorabilia and activities. Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield. Site of numerous annual events including The Big E, one of the East's largest fairs, craft exhibits, and horse shows. Historic Sites Emily Dickinson Homestead in Amherst. Birthplace and home of poet Emily Dickinson. Springfield Armory National Historic Site in Springfield; the nation's first armory and home of the Springfield Rifle; extensive collection of firearms; history of government manufacturing and development of military small arms. Museums Storrowton Village Museum in West Springfield on the Exposition grounds, with restored 19th century buildings on a village green; meeting houses, schoolhouses, church, blacksmith's shop gazebo and a fine restaurant. The Springfield Museums at the Quadrangle - Visit the four museums located here including: The Connecticut Valley Museum, Museum of Fine Arts, George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum, and the Springfield Science Museum. Parks & Trails Forest Park in Springfield is a 750 acre municipal park offering sports fields, picnic facilities, band concerts, zoo with more than 100 species including endangered Madagascar lemurs. Quabbin Reservoir in Belchertown is a 39 mile long man-made lake created in the 1930s to provide water for Boston. Fishing for landlocked salmon, and trout known to have grown to 20 pounds. Hiking trails, bird and eagle watching, and observation tower. (no swimming, hunting, biking, grilling, or pets).

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