Nestled along on the eastern banks of the Connecticut River, Springfield reflects the laid-back lifestyle of western New England. With sculptured gardens, elegant performance arts venues, historic sites and first-class museums, it’s easy to get a dose of culture when visiting Springfield.
Things to Do
Honouring America’s beloved author and illustrator, the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden serves as an outdoor memorial with five bronze sculptures featuring Dr. Seuss’s literary characters. You’ll find classics, such as the Lorax, Yertles and the Cat in Hat. To explore his work in detail, visit The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum, home to interactive exhibits.
The Springfield Museums collection includes separate buildings for fine arts, history, science, a planetarium, art discovery centre and various galleries. The Springfield Science Museum stands out for its neoclassical, art deco and modern architectural wings and for the Korkosz Star ball inside the Seymour Planetarium. You’ll also find a collection of quirky curiosities and life-size dinosaur creations.
Sports enthusiasts can dive into basketball memorabilia at Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, with a chance to engage in mini games, live skills and shooting challenges. Visit the 1777 Springfield Armory National Historic site to see the world's largest historic US military small arms collection, along with historic archives.
Travelling with little ones? Head over to The Zoo in Forest, home to red kangaroos, camels, pythons and De Brazza’s monkeys. For thrill rides and nonstop action, visit Six Flags New England, home to vintage Thunderbolt rides and the mega-coaster Superman ride.
Getting around Springfield
You can walk to major tourist attractions in the Metro Center district or use buses, taxis and rideshare services. Pick up a rental car at Bradley International Airport, about a 30-minute drive from Springfield.