Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
Pioneer Valley
It was Springfield where, in 1891, a young Canadian physical education instructor called James Naismith first invented basketball. The game is celebrated…
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Pioneer Valley
With the exception of gritty Springfield, the Pioneer Valley offers a gentle landscape of college towns, picturesque farms and old mills that have been charmingly converted into modern use. The uber-cool burg of Northampton provides the region's top dining, nightlife and street scenes, while the other destinations offer unique museums, geological marvels and a few unexpected roadside gems.
Attractions
Must-see attractions for your itinerary
Amazing World of Dr Seuss
Pioneer Valley
This innovative museum is dedicated to the life and work of Springfield native Theodore Geisel, aka Dr Seuss. On the 1st floor, interactive exhibits use…
Emily Dickinson Museum
Pioneer Valley
During her lifetime, Emily Dickinson (1830–86) published only seven poems, but more than 1000 were discovered and published posthumously, and her verses…
Skinner State Park
Pioneer Valley
This mountaintop park, at the summit of Mt Holyoke, peaks out at a rather modest-sounding height of 942ft. But that's high enough to earn the visitor…
Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
Pioneer Valley
Co-founded by the author and illustrator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, this superb museum celebrates book illustrations from around the world with…
West Cemetery
Pioneer Valley
For a peek at Amherst's colorful past, make your way to the West Cemetery, between Triangle St and N Pleasant St. Here you'll find the graves of Amherst's…
Mount Holyoke College
Pioneer Valley
The nation's oldest women's college, founded in 1837, is in the center of South Hadley, the southernmost and sleepiest of the Five College towns. The…
Leverett Peace Pagoda
Pioneer Valley
The world can always do with a little more peace. A group of monks, nuns and volunteers are doing their part in an unexpected spot in the woods near the…
Guidebooks
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Get to the heart of Pioneer Valley with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.