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Springfield is the largest city in western Massachusetts, set on the Connecticut River about 90 miles west of Boston. Founded in 1636 by William Pynchon, it became an important manufacturing city after George Washington chose it for the national Springfield Armory, which produced American firearms for nearly two centuries. The armory is now a National Historic Site with one of the largest collections of historic firearms in the world.
Springfield is known as the birthplace of basketball: James Naismith invented the game here in 1891 at the YMCA International Training School, and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame stands by the river with its distinctive silver dome. The city was also home to Theodor Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, whose childhood here is celebrated at the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum.
The Springfield Museums quadrangle groups five museums around the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden, covering art, science and history. Forest Park is one of the largest urban parks in New England, with a zoo and the famous Bright Nights holiday lights, and the riverfront offers walking paths and views of the city skyline.
Basketball was invented in Springfield in 1891, and this museum under a silver sphere by the river honors the game's greatest players and coaches with interactive exhibits, memorabilia and a full court where visitors can shoot hoops. Allow two to three hours; parking is on site.
A group of five museums around a downtown quadrangle covering fine art, science, local history and an Asian art collection, all included in one ticket. The science museum has a planetarium and dinosaur hall. Allow a full half day, and combine it with the Dr. Seuss sculpture garden.
Part of the Springfield Museums, this museum celebrates Theodor Geisel, Dr. Seuss, who grew up in Springfield, with colorful interactive exhibits for children, a reconstruction of his studio and family items. Entry is included in the Springfield Museums ticket. It is best for young kids.
The site of the first national armory, which made American military firearms from 1794 to 1968, now a museum holding one of the world's largest collections of historic small arms, including the famous organ of muskets. Admission is free. Rangers give talks; check hours first.
Bronze sculptures of Dr. Seuss characters such as the Cat in the Hat, Horton and the Lorax stand on the lawn of the Springfield Museums quadrangle, along with a sculpture of Geisel at his drawing desk. The garden is free to visit and great for children's photos.
A small nonprofit zoo inside Forest Park with more than 200 animals, including many rescued and non-releasable native and exotic species, plus a petting area for children. It is open seasonally. It suits young families and takes about an hour to see; there is a modest admission fee.
One of the largest urban parks in New England, with ponds, walking trails, sports fields, a pool, a small zoo and the Bright Nights holiday light display that draws crowds each winter. Parking has a small fee for non-residents in season. Visit the Barney estate ruins in the park.
A paved riverside trail along the Connecticut River from downtown Springfield toward Agawam and Chicopee, with views of the river, bridges and the Basketball Hall of Fame. It is popular for walking, running and cycling. Access is easiest near the Hall of Fame parking area.
Springfield's historic central square, a small park framed by the Hampden County Hall of Justice, the 19th-century Old First Church and the grand Romanesque city hall with its Campanile clock tower. It is a calm downtown green; Symphony Hall is right next door.
A restored 1926 railroad station downtown that reopened in 2017 as a regional rail and bus hub, with a grand concourse, cafes and exhibits on local railroad history. Amtrak and Hartford Line trains stop here. It is worth stepping inside to see the high-ceilinged main hall.
A large downtown casino resort opened in 2018 that preserves historic facades, with gaming floors, restaurants, a bowling alley, a cinema and an outdoor plaza with seasonal ice skating and events. Guests must be 21 to gamble. Parking is in the attached garage.
A downtown arena and convention center that is home to the Springfield Thunderbirds hockey team of the AHL and hosts concerts, basketball tournaments and trade shows. It is near MGM Springfield and many restaurants. Check event schedules online and use nearby garages.
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