Top 15 Attractions and Activities in West Springfield, MA

Locally referred to as the “West Side,” this city faces the Connecticut River opposite Springfield, the focal point of a significant metropolitan area in the Pioneer Valley.

Despite the proximity of a large city, substantial sections of West Springfield remain undeveloped and are ideal for exploration, whether one is hiking the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail or venturing along the serene banks of the Westfield River.

In the 1910s, West Springfield was selected as the venue for the Eastern States Exposition, an annual agricultural fair spanning six states which attracts 1.5 million visitors over 17 dynamic days in September.

Close by, one can indulge in cultural and artistic experiences at Springfield’s renowned museums or visit Six Flags New England for attractions themed around DC and Looney Tunes.

1. Eastern States Exposition (The Big E)

West Springfield hosts one of the largest agricultural events in the United States, providing a prominent platform for all six New England states.

The Eastern States Exposition dates back to 1917 and is open for 17 days starting the second Friday following Labor Day.

Numerous events occur both indoors and outdoors, including various agricultural displays and competitions from 4-H and FFA, alongside numerous trade and consumer exhibits such as the EASTEC machine tool trade show and the Western Massachusetts Home Show.

The 6,000-seat Xfinity Arena has welcomed performances during the fair from artists including Johnny Cash and Destiny’s Child, while one of the most striking features is the Avenue of the States, showcasing replicas of the original six New England Statehouses.

Every day at 6 PM, a Mardi Gras-style parade captivates attendees with vibrant floats, antique vehicles, marching bands, and horses.

2. Storrowton Village Museum

A perennial attraction at the fairgrounds is this outdoor museum, which replicates a rural village from the 19th century.

Nine buildings at the Storrowton Village Museum, originally constructed in the 18th and 19th centuries, have been restored at this location.

A notable feature is the Atkinson Tavern (1789) from the former town of Prescott, Massachusetts, embellished with exquisite original wood paneling and offering traditional New England cuisine.

The museum is particularly lively during The Big E, hosting various seasonal events. Visitors can join guided ghost tours during Halloween to hear about staff encounters with the supernatural, or enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride amidst a winter wonderland during the Yuletide festival in December.

3. Majestic Theater

One of the key landmarks along the prominent Elm Street in the town center is the Majestic Theater, a vibrant venue for community arts and professional musical theater performances.

The venue, which originated in the 1920s, operated as a movie theater for the first six decades of its history before transitioning into a stage theater in the 1990s.

As of our latest information, the Majestic Theater had recently commemorated its 25th anniversary season.

Recent productions have included works such as Blithe Spirit, Mamma Mia!, 9 to 5: The Musical, Betty & The Patch, and Love, Milly & Murray. During the summer, a special lineup of live music performances, improv comedy, and an annual children’s theater production are featured.

4. Metacomet-Monadnock Trail

The dramatic geological formations that occurred approximately 200 million years ago gave rise to a prominent basalt traprock fault running north and south from Long Island Sound in Branford, CT, to the northern parts of Franklin County in Massachusetts.

Nearly the entirety of the Metacomet Ridge is part of the 114-mile Metacomet-Monadnock Trail, which includes a segment on the northwestern edge of West Springfield.

This segment leads north toward Holyoke, following the ridge along East Mountain, providing distant vistas of Western Massachusetts, with Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport as a prominent landmark below.

Another section to the southwest of the city meanders along the Provin Mountain ridge, offering rural countryside views to the west and glimpses of the Springfield skyline to the east.

5. Mittineague Park

This sprawling 325-acre park merges a vast area of conservation land with traditional community park amenities, all situated along the banks of the Westfield River.

For those seeking active recreation, facilities include a disc golf course, baseball/softball fields, tennis/pickleball courts, and a children’s playground.

The Parks and Recreation Department has established a self-guided nature trail within the conservation area, featuring at least 23 interpretive sites.

Much of this trail traverses the former Aschenbach Farm, which ceased operation in the 1950s, symbolizing the end of agriculture in West Springfield.

6. Bear Hole Reservoir

At the base of the Metacomet Ridge in the western part of the city, visitors can access this remote area to hike through the woods to a reservoir on Paucatuck Brook.

The site was formerly home to a resort founded in the late 19th century, centered around the Massasoit Spring and waterfall, which included a dining establishment and a bear cage.

Although these structures no longer exist, remnants such as the restaurant’s imposing fireplace remain near the picturesque waterfall. The main loop is 3.6 miles long, making it accessible for families and typically taking about an hour to complete.

7. West Springfield Connecticut Riverwalk and Bikeway

Throughout the Pioneer Valley, extensive stretches along the Connecticut River’s banks have been made accessible for cyclists and pedestrians.

This accessibility continues in West Springfield, where over 1.5 miles of the wooded western bank are lined with a pathway.

The trail can be accessed in the north at the intersection of Wayside Avenue and Ashley Avenue, and towards the south at Tom’s Launch.

Measuring ten feet in width and paved, the trail primarily follows the levee system, providing a pleasing view of the river from one section where users can pause and appreciate the surroundings.

8. Springfield

Located just across the Connecticut River, Springfield offers a plethora of culture, history, entertainment, and tourist attractions expected from the largest city in western New England.

The city has been the birthplace of numerous innovations, such as the first American-English dictionary (1806), the first gasoline-powered automobile (1893), and the first commercial radio station (1920), earning it the distinction of “The City of Firsts.”

In 1891, basketball was invented by James Naismith in Springfield, and this legacy is honored at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Springfield also celebrates Theodor Seuss Geisel (1904-1991), known as Dr. Seuss, who was born and raised here. His contributions are commemorated through the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum and the adjacent Dr. Seuss Memorial Sculpture Garden.

The sculpture garden is located at the heart of the Quadrangle, which is surrounded by the city library, St. Michael’s Cathedral, and several other museums, including the Michele & Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts, which showcases works by Monet, Degas, and John Singleton Copley.

9. White Hut

Situated amid neighboring strip malls along Memorial Avenue, this establishment is recognized for its Art Deco style and candy-striped awnings. A vintage burger restaurant, White Hut has been operating since 1939 and shows no signs of slowing down.

True to its long-standing history, the restaurant features a few unique offerings; notably, burgers are referred to as “Hamburgs” and “Cheeseburgs,” made using a recipe that has remained relatively unchanged for over 80 years.

It is advisable to enjoy your burger topped with White Hut’s signature fried onions, a side of onion rings, and one of their famous shakes.

Early risers can savor a selection of breakfast sandwiches, with the standout option being The Hut, featuring egg & cheese and a choice of burger, bacon, ham, or sausage.

10. Josiah Day House Museum

The oldest brick structure in Hampden County is located at the northern end of West Springfield’s picturesque town common.

Managed by the Ramapogue Historical Society since 1903, the Josiah Day House is believed to have been built around 1754, representing the oldest known instance of a brick-built Saltbox house.

The property remained with the Day family from its inception until it was transferred to the local historical society, and the interior is still adorned with their furnishings.

The society hosts various events throughout the year, including a Strawberry Festival in June, featuring guided tours, craft demonstrations, and presentations by “Living Historians.”

11. Ashley Reservoir

Located a few minutes away in Holyoke lies a mosaic of ponds constituting the city’s secondary drinking water reservoir.

Ashley Reservoir is situated just west of I-91 and surrounded by beautiful forests, exhibiting minimal signs of urban development beyond a perimeter road.

This road allows for a looped trail approximately 4.5 miles in length. Due to the area’s sensitivity, only walking and jogging are permitted at Ashley Reservoir.

The flora includes maple, oak, and pine trees on elevated ground, alongside wetland species such as red osier and alder closer to the water’s edge.

Wildlife enthusiasts may be fortunate to observe various species during their visit, particularly turtles, geese, beavers, and herons.

12. Robinson State Park

The Westfield River delineates the southern boundary of West Springfield, and across this river, opposite Mittineague Park, lies the expansive 1,025-acre Robinson State Park.

This park has historical ties to the Eastern States Exposition, located one mile to the east, as it was donated in the 1930s by John C. Robinson, an early supporter of the event.

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) developed the park, leaving behind numerous structures from that era.

For hiking enthusiasts, a long paved road runs along the Westfield River, while mountain bikers can benefit from some of the best terrain in this region of Massachusetts, featuring over 20 miles of smooth trails.

13. Six Flags New England

Situated adjacent to the Connecticut River in Agawam, the largest theme park in New England is located nearby. This Six Flags venue is also the oldest in the franchise, originating as a picnic grove established in 1870 and known as Gallup’s Grove.

Over time, the park has evolved significantly, now housing over 60 attractions across 235 acres, featuring a variety of cutting-edge DC-themed roller coasters.

For enthusiasts of thrilling rides, attractions such as The Riddler Revenge, Superman The Ride, Flashback, Wicked Cyclone, Batman: The Dark Knight, and the recently introduced The Joker are sure to deliver excitement.

Entrance includes access to Hurricane Harbor, the largest water park in the area, which boasts extensive wave pools, lazy rivers, high-speed water slides, and various activities suitable for younger children.

14. Holyoke Mall

Holyoke Mall, located just across the town line, ranks as the third-largest enclosed shopping center in New England. Presently, it serves as a thriving retail hub, featuring more than 150 national and international stores, department outlets, dining options, and entertainment facilities.

Among the numerous retail options, you’ll find JCPenney, Macy’s, Target, Old Navy, Forever 21, Sephora, The Gap, H&M, Foot Locker, and an Apple Store.

The food court reflects a diverse selection, offering everything from sushi and gyros to pizza, noodles, teriyaki, and various desserts.

15. Cinemark West Springfield 15 and XD

As of our latest review, this extensive multiplex has undergone a complete renovation and stands as a premier movie destination for the surrounding metropolitan area.

This site boasts an intriguing history, having first opened in 1964 as Redstone Cinemas’ Showcase 1 & 2, becoming one of the earliest multiplexes in the United States.

The current structure, established in 2002, has recently modernized each of its 15 digital screens with luxurious loungers. Attendees are encouraged to experience a film at the RealD 3D screen, which offers a viewing experience reminiscent of IMAX.