Now let’s see what I missed in Springfield, MA during my sprint road trip to PEI in fall of 2016.
THINGS TO DO
SIX FLAGS NEW ENGLAND
One thing I haven’t talked about on this trip is roller coasters! This trip was in October, so all the amusement parks I passed were closed.
Six Flags New England sits right below Springfield proper. It boasts 62 attractions, 11 of which are roller coasters and 17 of which are water park rides. The roller coasters include everything from the 1941 classic Thunderbolt to one of the new steel-topped wooden coasters in Wicked Cyclone and their newest “4D” Joker roller coaster, opened in 2017.
SPRINGFIELD MUSEUMS
The museum action in Springfield is all in one location and paid for under one ticket. The Quadrangle right in the middle of downtown gives you access to two art, one science, one history, and one Seuss museum, all in about 2 city blocks.
George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum
The George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum, housed in an Italian palazzo-style building, boasts a large collection of Asian art, plus much more.
Springfield Science Museum
In the Springfield Science Museum, you’ll find areas dedicated to Natural Sciences, Anthropology and Physical Science, and a planetarium with the oldest operating star-projector in the United States.
Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts
The Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts features a “comprehensive collection of American, Asian and European paintings, prints, watercolors, and sculpture” in an Art Deco building.
Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History
The Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History houses the largest collection of Indian Motorcycles, Smith & Wesson firearms, and an interesting classic automobile collection, all originating in Springfield.
The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss
The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss opened in June 2017 and features interactive family-friendly exhibits on a timed-entry program. Includes whimsical displays and interactive elements, plus a display of Theodore Geisel’s extensive bowtie collection! I’m not sure why, but that makes me so happy. Bowties are happy.
Dr. Seus National Memorial Sculpture Garden
In the center of the Quadrangle is the Dr. Seus National Memorial Sculpture Garden, three large-scale interactive sculptures which invite kids to pose with their favorite characters.
Cost for all the museums is $24 for adults, $16.50 for College students and seniors, and $13 for youth 3-17. On certain Fridays during the summer, you can visit for FREE.
Completing the Quadrangle is the large City Library, Merrick Park which includes a 132-year old statue of “The Puritan,” plus two cathedrals, Catholic St Michael’s and Christ Church Episcopalian.
SPRINGFIELD ARMORY
Apparently, even if you don’t love guns, the FREE Springfield Armory is a great place to learn about local history. And they *do* have lots of fun free events. Like Big Band Concerts and road trip presentations like this one about Historic Route 20 connecting the Atlantic and Pacific through 19 national parks.
FOREST PARK
Forest Park is a lovely urban park with a teeny zoo ($10), a lake, and some hiking trails. Forest Park comes to life during the holidays with Bright Nights, a Christmas drive-thru light show ($18-21 per car.)
STORROWTON VILLAGE MUSEUM
To the west of town is Storrowton Village Museum, a collection of historic buildings. Be careful of your timing on this one–from mid-June to mid-August, you can drop in and tour the buildings with docents between 11 am to 3 pm. During the rest of the year, you can schedule a tour anytime with a group of 10 or more. Tours include activities such as candle-dipping, games, and crafts, sometimes for a small fee.
There are also specific events to attend, like a blacksmith day or the FREE opening day, and it is located adjacent to the events of The Big E (see below) and seems to be open during that time. Regular cost is $7 for adults and free for children under 6. Activities are an extra $1 per event.
There is a Storrowton Tavern on site that is open for lunch and dinner year-round (I think) and it seems pretty upscale. Check out the lunch and dinner menus.
EVENTS
THE BIG E
The Big E, otherwise knowns as the Eastern States Exposition, lands in Springfield for about two weeks every September. Here, you’ve got midway rides, fair food (including a wine and cheese barn), agricultural events & competitions, concerts all day, a circus, a daily parade; they’ve even got a butter sculpture!
As if that wasn’t enough, they also have a permanent “Avenue of the States.” Each of the six participating states has a building that represents their state, with local good inside for sale. They look like mini capitol buildings! The states represented are Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. So it’s like a walk through all of New England in an afternoon!
This fair definitely seems to have a lot to offer. No wonder they call it the “BIG” E! One day of entry will cost you $12 in advance or $15 at the gate for an adult, children are $8 or $10. Opening day tickets are specially priced at $10 for all ages, and you can buy a pass for all 17 days for $40 for adults and $20 for kids. Unlimited midway rides are $25.
CONCERTS
Springfield also offers concerts downtown, and in their beautiful Symphony Hall.
I wish I could have stuck around longer in this beautiful city!
Cool 🙂 That sounds awesome!