Great Barrington Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the beautiful Berkshire Mountains of western Massachusetts, Great Barrington is a charming town with a rich history and a vibrant cultural scene. Known for its picturesque landscapes, quaint downtown area, and thriving arts community, this hidden gem offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and small-town charm.

Great Barrington is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and exploring the surrounding wilderness. The nearby Appalachian Trail offers stunning views and challenging trails for those seeking an adventure in nature. If you prefer a more leisurely experience, take a stroll along the Housatonic River Walk, where you can enjoy the peaceful scenery and observe the local wildlife.

The town's Main Street is a bustling hub of activity, lined with unique shops, art galleries, and charming cafes. Browse through the boutiques and antique stores to find one-of-a-kind treasures, or stop by the local farmers' market to sample fresh produce and artisanal goods. Great Barrington is also home to a number of excellent restaurants, offering a diverse range of culinary delights, from farm-to-table fare to international cuisine.

For art lovers, Great Barrington is a haven. The town is home to numerous art galleries and studios, showcasing the works of talented local artists. The Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center hosts a variety of performances, including concerts, theatrical productions, and film screenings, providing entertainment for all tastes.

Great Barrington is also steeped in history, with several historic sites that offer a glimpse into the town's past. Visit the Great Barrington Historical Society Museum to learn about the town's colonial roots, or explore the homes of famous figures such as W.E.B. Du Bois and Edna St. Vincent Millay.

Alternative names: Settled: 1726Population: 2.2 thous.Area: 45.71 mi²Elevation: 702 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 42°11'42"N, 73°21'44"W

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MassachusettsUnited States

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Great Barrington Top Attractions

Great Barrington Attractions - What to See and Explore

Great Barrington offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, Society of the Congregational Church of Great Barrington, Searles Castle, Clinton African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Concerts and shows • Performing arts • Theater
Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center
The Mahaiwe Block is a commercial and theater building in the heart of downtown Great Barrington, Massachusetts. In addition to smaller businesses, it houses the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, the town's only major performance space. It has been in virtually continuous operation since its construction in 1905.
Church
Society of the Congregational Church of Great Barrington
The Society of the Congregational Church of Great Barrington is an historic church building and parish house located at 241 and 251 Main Street in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. It is the fourth church of a congregation whose first meetings were held in 1743.
Forts and castles
Searles Castle
The Searles Castle is a French chateau-style castle-style house in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. Built in the 1880s, the romantically imagined structure has seven stories and includes a "dungeon" basement. The castle was initially designed by Stanford White of McKim, Mead and White, a famous New York architectural firm at the time.

Church • Shingle style architecture
Clinton African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church
The Clinton African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church is a historic church at 9 Elm Court in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. It was the first African American church in Berkshire County, and it was a place where noted Great Barrington native W.E.B. Du Bois is known to have attended services.
42°12'0"N • 73°21'36"W
United States Post Office–Great Barrington Main
US Post Office–Great Barrington Main is a historic post office at 222 Main Street in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. It was designed by architect Lorimer Rich and completed in 1936.
Saltbox architecture
Dwight-Henderson House
The Dwight–Henderson House is a historic house at 390 Main Street in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. It is the second oldest house in Great Barrington, built in 1759 for Joseph Dwight, a brigadier in the colonial militia, by local builder Daniel Allen.
Neighbourhood
Taconic and West Avenues Historic District
The Taconic and West Avenues Historic District is a largely residential historic district south of the downtown area of Great Barrington, Massachusetts.

Day trips

Great Barrington – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Great Barrington, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Clark Art Institute (Williamstown), Olana State Historic Site (Hudson), Mount Greylock (Adams).

36 milesN
European and American art on display
Clark Art Institute, Williamstown
Nestled in the picturesque Berkshires of Williamstown, Massachusetts, the Clark Art Institute stands as a beacon of culture and education. Known simply as "The Clark," this art institute is not only a museum with an exceptional collection of European and American...
24 milesW
Historical place, Museum, Architecture
Olana State Historic Site, Hudson
Perched atop a grassy hill overlooking the Hudson River, the Olana State Historic Site is a treasure nestled in Columbia County, New York. This exquisite museum was once the home of Frederic Edwin Church, one of the key figures in the Hudson River School of landscape...
32 milesN
Natural attraction, Park, Trail
Mount Greylock, Adams
Mount Greylock is a 3,489-foot mountain located in the northwest corner of Massachusetts and is the highest point in the state. Its summit is in the western part of the town of Adams in Berkshire County.
37 milesN
Acclaimed museum for new art
MASS MoCA, North Adams
The Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art is a museum in a converted Arnold Print Works factory building complex located in North Adams, Massachusetts.
36 milesE
Hiking, Park, Outdoor activities
Manhan Rail Trail, Easthampton
The Manhan Rail Trail is a rails-to-trails paved recreational trail and non-motorized commuter route located in the lower Connecticut River Valley of Massachusetts in the town of Easthampton.

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Best Time To Visit Great Barrington

Learn when is the best time to travel to Great Barrington weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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January, February, March and December are the busiest months in this location.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in January, February and October. Most of it rains in May, June, July, August, September and November.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Great Barrington?

The top attractions to visit in Great Barrington are:

What is the best time to visit Great Barrington?

January, February, March and December are the busiest months in this location. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.