Springfield Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Springfield, located in the western part of Massachusetts, is a vibrant city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Known as the "City of Firsts," Springfield is rich in innovation and has a fascinating past that is waiting to be explored.

One of the city's most iconic attractions is the Springfield Armory National Historic Site. This site played a vital role in American history, as it was the first national armory and the birthplace of the Springfield rifle. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the armory's significant contributions to the military and witness its impressive collection of firearms.

For those interested in art and culture, the Springfield Museums complex is a must-visit. This collection of five museums offers a diverse range of exhibits, including fine art, history, science, and Dr. Seuss. The George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum features a remarkable collection of Asian art, while the Springfield Science Museum offers interactive displays and a planetarium.

Nature enthusiasts will be delighted by the beauty of Forest Park, one of the largest urban parks in the United States. This expansive green space encompasses over 700 acres and offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Visitors can enjoy walking trails, picnic areas, and a zoo that houses a variety of exotic animals.

A visit to Springfield would not be complete without exploring the Basketball Hall of Fame. As the birthplace of basketball, this museum pays homage to the sport's greatest players and moments. Interactive exhibits, memorabilia, and the chance to shoot hoops on a replica court make for an engaging and entertaining experience for sports enthusiasts of all ages.

Food lovers will find a thriving culinary scene in Springfield, with a wide range of cuisines to satisfy any palate. From farm-to-table restaurants serving locally sourced ingredients to ethnic eateries offering flavors from around the world, there is something to please every taste bud.

Alternative names: Population: 154.3 thous.Area: 33.08 mi²Elevation: 92 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 42°6'10"N, 72°35'8"W

Location

MassachusettsUnited States

Contact

Website

Social media

Add

Springfield Top Attractions

Springfield Attractions - What to See and Explore

Springfield offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: MassMutual Center, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Springfield Armory, Forest Park. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Arenas and stadiums • Hockey • Sport
MassMutual Center
The MassMutual Center is a vibrant hub of entertainment and sports located in the heart of Springfield, Massachusetts. This expansive arena and convention center complex plays host to a diverse array of events, from high-energy hockey games to captivating concerts...
Hoops history in the sport's birthplace
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is an American history museum and hall of fame, located at 1000 Hall of Fame Avenue in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Military weapons collection and buildings
Springfield Armory
The Springfield Armory, more formally known as the United States Armory and Arsenal at Springfield located in the city of Springfield, Massachusetts, was the primary center for the manufacture of United States military firearms from 1777 until its closing in 1968.

Park • Zoo
Forest Park
Forest Park in Springfield, Massachusetts, is one of the largest urban, municipal parks in the United States, covering 735 acres of land overlooking the Connecticut River.
Bridge • Metro Center
Memorial Bridge
The Hampden County Memorial Bridge is a reinforced-concrete arch bridge that spans the Connecticut River between Springfield, Massachusetts and West Springfield, Massachusetts, constructed in 1922.
Church • Metro Center
St. Michael's Cathedral
St. Michael's Cathedral is the mother church of the Diocese of Springfield in Massachusetts, United States, established in 1847.
Church • Metro Center
First Church of Christ
First Church of Christ, Congregational, or Old First Church, is a historic church at 50 Elm Street in Springfield, Massachusetts. Built in 1819, the present structure is the fourth church building on the site, and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. The church is within the Court Square Historic District.
Concerts and shows • Theater
Paramount Theater
The Paramount Theater is an historic theater located at 1676-1708 Main Street in Springfield, Massachusetts. Built in 1926 out of part of the grand Massasoit House hotel at a cost of over $1 million, the Paramount Theater was the most ornate picture palace in Western Massachusetts.
Museum • Specialty museum • Art museum
Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum
The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum is a museum in Springfield, Massachusetts, United States located in the William Pynchon Memorial Building, which until 2009 housed the Connecticut Valley Historical Museum. The museum opened in June 2017. It is located on the Quadrangle along with the Dr.
Cemetery • Sixteen Acres
Hillcrest Park Cemetery
Hillcrest Park Cemetery is located in Springfield, Massachusetts. Although it is not known when it was established, it is known that the Hillcrest Park Cemetery Association - those who oversee the cemetery - was founded in 1924.
Park • Metro Center
Connecticut River Walk Park
The Connecticut River Walk is partially constructed park and bikeway in Springfield, Massachusetts, United States, along the banks of New England's largest river, the Connecticut River. Currently, Springfield's section of this park is 3.7 miles long, running from Chicopee...
Monuments and statues • Garden • Park
Dr. Seuss Memorial
The Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden is a sculpture garden in Springfield, Massachusetts that honors Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known to the world as Dr. Seuss. Located at the Quadrangle, the Dr.
Museum district • Museum
Quadrangle
The Quadrangle is the common name for a cluster of museums and cultural institutions in Metro Center, Springfield, Massachusetts, on Chestnut Street between State and Edwards Streets. The Dr.
Cemetery • Six Corners
Springfield Cemetery
Springfield Cemetery is located in the Connecticut River Valley city of Springfield, Massachusetts. The cemetery opened in 1841 and was planned on the model of a rural cemetery.
Monuments and statues • Metro Center
The Puritan
The Puritan is a bronze statue by sculptor Augustus St. Gaudens in Springfield, Massachusetts, United States, which became so popular it was reproduced for over 20 other cities, museums, universities, and private collectors around the world, and later became an official symbol of the city, emblazoned on its municipal flag.
Church • Romanesque architecture
Christ Church Cathedral
Christ Church Cathedral is an Episcopal cathedral located in Springfield, Massachusetts, United States. It is the seat of the Diocese of Western Massachusetts.
Park • Indian Orchard
Lake Lorraine State Park
Lake Lorraine State Park was a small Massachusetts state park located in the neighborhood of Indian Orchard, on the northeast side of the city of Springfield.
Church • Metro Center
South Congregational Church
The South Congregational Church is a historic church at 45 Maple Street in Springfield, Massachusetts. The 1875 High Victorian Gothic building was designed by William Appleton Potter for a congregation that was established in 1842, and is still active today.
Library • Indian Orchard
Indian Orchard Branch Library
The Indian Orchard Branch Library is a historic branch library at 44 Oak Street in Springfield, Massachusetts. The Classic Revival building was constructed in 1909 to a design by John W.

Things to See and Do in Springfield by Category

Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in Springfield.

Active

MassMutual Center
Springfield
Arenas and stadiumsHockeySportMetro Center
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
SpringfieldHoops history in the sport's birthplace
MuseumSpecialty museumSouth End
Westover Golf Course
Springfield
Golf
Golden Bear Stadium
Springfield
SportSport venueSixteen Acres

Park

Forest Park
Springfield
ParkZooForest Park
Connecticut River Walk Park
Springfield
ParkMetro Center
Dr. Seuss Memorial
Springfield
Monuments and statuesGardenParkMetro Center
Lake Lorraine State Park
Springfield
ParkIndian Orchard
Court Square
Springfield
ParkMetro Center

Show all

Church

St. Michael's Cathedral
Springfield
ChurchMetro Center
First Church of Christ
Springfield
ChurchMetro Center
Christ Church Cathedral
Springfield
ChurchRomanesque architectureMetro Center
South Congregational Church
Springfield
ChurchMetro Center
North Congregational Church
Springfield
ChurchRomanesque architectureRomanesque revival architectureMetro Center

Show all

Museum

Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
SpringfieldHoops history in the sport's birthplace
MuseumSpecialty museumSouth End
Springfield Armory
SpringfieldMilitary weapons collection and buildings
MuseumMetro Center
Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum
Springfield
MuseumSpecialty museumArt museumMetro Center
Quadrangle
Springfield
Museum districtMuseumMetro Center

Show all

Day trips

Springfield – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Springfield, it's worth seeing attractions such as: XL Center (Hartford), Mark Twain House (Hartford), Old Sturbridge Village (Sturbridge).

24 milesS
Sport venue, Sport, Arenas and stadiums
XL Center, Hartford
The XL Center, nestled in the heart of downtown Hartford, Connecticut, stands as a premier sports and entertainment destination in New England. This versatile arena, with its expansive seating capacity, hosts a diverse range of events, from high-energy hockey games...
24 milesS
Museum, History museum, Gothic Revival architecture
Mark Twain House, Hartford
The Mark Twain House, nestled in the heart of Hartford, Connecticut, stands as a testament to the life and legacy of one of America's most celebrated authors. This distinctive museum offers visitors a glimpse into the personal and professional world of Samuel Clemens...
25 milesE
Museum
Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge
Old Sturbridge Village is a living museum located in Sturbridge, Massachusetts which recreates life in rural New England during the 1790s through 1830s. It is the largest living museum in New England, covering more than 200 acres. The Village includes 59 antique buildings, three water-powered mills, and a working farm.
24 milesS
19th- and 20th-century American artists
Wadsworth Atheneum, Hartford
The Wadsworth Atheneum is an art museum in Hartford, Connecticut. The Wadsworth is noted for its collections of European Baroque art, ancient Egyptian and Classical bronzes, French and American Impressionist paintings, Hudson River School landscapes, modernist masterpieces and...
12 milesSW
Specialty museum, History museum, Museum
New England Air Museum, Windsor Locks
The New England Air Museum is an American aerospace museum located adjacent to Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut. The museum consists of three display hangars with additional storage and restoration hangars.

Show all

Best Time To Visit Springfield

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

Popularity among visitors

JFMAMJJASOND

June, July and August are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in May and September.

Average temperatures in °F

JFMAMJJASOND

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

Monthly rainfall in inches

JFMAMJJASOND

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

Length of day in hours

JFMAMJJASOND

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 Springfield?

The top attractions to visit in Springfield are:

What is the best time to visit Springfield?

June, July and August are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in May and September. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.