Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Longmeadow, MA

Situated on the eastern bank of the Connecticut River, this affluent suburb of Springfield was initially settled in the mid-17th century.

Until 1894, Longmeadow was administratively combined with East Longmeadow, and the area gained recognition for its sandstone quarries, supplying materials for significant constructions such as the Smithsonian Institution Building (1855).

The Town Green, designated as a U.S. Historic District, exemplifies a quintessential New England common, surrounded by notable historic residences, and serves as a venue for public events like the Long Meddowe Fall Festival.

Downtown Springfield is in close proximity to Longmeadow, which provides convenient access to two seasonal farmers’ markets, the charming Forest Park, and the largest theme park in the region, Six Flags New England.

1. Longmeadow Historic District (Town Green)

If one were to envision an image that encapsulates a prosperous New England town, it would resemble Longmeadow’s distinguished Town Green.

Positioned north to south, this verdant area lies on an extensive sandy ridge, approximately a mile east of the Connecticut River.

Bordering the green are elegant examples of 18th and 19th-century architecture, including the notable First Church of Christ, established in 1768 and adjacent to the Olde Burying Yarde, which features gravestones dating back to the 17th century (more details below).

This area has served as the nucleus of Longmeadow for over 300 years, with the oldest existing residence originating from 1725.

The sole commercial entity within the entire district is the Old Country Store (776 Longmeadow St), constructed in 1805 and currently operating as The Spa on Green.

2. Forest Park

Longmeadow shares a border with this expansive Victorian park, designed in the 1880s on elevated terrain overlooking the Connecticut River.

Covering 735 acres, Forest Park ranks among the largest urban parks in the United States and offers an array of recreational facilities along with tranquil natural areas for passive enjoyment.

On the southern edge, near Longmeadow, visitors can explore the rugged banks of Pecousic Brook, traversed by charming historic footbridges.

Additional amenities include scenic vistas, flower gardens, water features, and a farmers’ market that has operated for over twenty years.

During the holiday season, the park becomes home to Bright Lights at Forest Park, a two-mile scenic driving route featuring state-of-the-art light displays, often paying homage to Springfield-native Dr. Seuss.

3. Fannie Stebbins Memorial Wildlife Refuge

This sanctuary conserves over 330 acres of picturesque and diverse landscapes along the banks of the Connecticut River in Longmeadow.

Established in the early 1950s, the Fannie Stebbins Memorial Wildlife Refuge includes a segment of the floodplain called the Longmeadow Flats, characterized by forests, meadows, and marshes, which provide varied habitats, particularly for avian species.

In the 2010s, a significant portion of the property was transferred to the Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge, which has installed informational boards detailing the diverse flora and fauna, from skunk cabbage to great blue herons, existing in the floodplain.

4. Zoo in Forest Park and Education Center

Forest Park’s premier year-round attraction is a zoo that has operated since 1894. Managed by a nonprofit organization, the Zoo in Forest Park is home to over 200 native and exotic species, and collaborates with wildlife rehabilitation specialists across the nation.

To summarize the zoo’s array of species, visitors can find Arctic foxes, spotted leopards, timber wolves, fennec foxes, ring-tailed lemurs, black-handed spider monkeys, pythons, boas, axolotls, American alligators, along with various cockatoos and macaws.

The zoo also features a barnyard area, showcasing domestic breeds such as miniature donkeys, pot-bellied pigs, pygmy goats, miniature horses, llamas, alpacas, and baby dahl sheep.

During winter and summer school breaks, the zoo hosts a camp for children aged 6-13 who are interested in wildlife and nature.

5. Longmeadow Historical Society

The local historical society, established in 1899, manages the Storrs House Museum, a fine Colonial residence constructed in 1786, overlooking the Town Green.

Each room within this museum is furnished to represent various epochs or aspects of Longmeadow’s heritage.

As you navigate this residence, you will encounter centuries-worth of furniture, textiles, attire, artworks, newspaper clippings, official documents, decorative crafts, and other memorabilia.

Recent exhibitions have analyzed local, national, and international history through the lens of this modest town south of Springfield, including the narrative behind Longmeadow’s separation from the industrialized East Longmeadow in 1894.

6. The Olde Burying Yarde

For those interested in the early history of Longmeadow, there is much to discover within the town’s original cemetery.

This area, part of Longmeadow Cemetery located behind the First Church of Christ, adjacent to the Town Green, features the oldest grave marker, dating back to 1682.

Commencing from the western end next to Williams St, the Longmeadow Historical Society provides a self-guided walking tour of the Olde Burying Yarde available on their website.

Detailing each stone, this resource offers in-depth insights, interpreting inscriptions and symbols for a vivid understanding of life and mortality in Longmeadow during the 17th and 18th centuries.

7. Riverfront Conservation Area

Another public area in Longmeadow providing access to the Connecticut River’s banks is this town-owned conservation area situated on Anthony Road, adjacent to the Pioneer Valley Yacht Club.

Featuring 300 feet of peaceful grassy shoreline under the shade of mature trees, the Riverfront Conservation Area is an ideal spot to relax and appreciate the view, particularly breathtaking in the evening.

Visitors can launch canoes or kayaks here or simply bring a blanket for a tranquil picnic under the trees on a sunny day.

8. Alex’s Bagel Shop

Located across from Laurel Park on Route 5, you will find a cherished, long-established independent bagel shop, which relocated to this site in 2018.

Alex’s Bagel Shop moved here following a requirement from their previous landlord, the Big Y supermarket chain, insisting they vacate their old location.

This transition prompted an overwhelming response, with over 1,000 individuals signing a petition urging the supermarket to ensure the bagel shop’s continued presence in the community.

Several generations have enjoyed Alex’s Bagels, which are boiled and baked fresh, available in the traditional varieties, including ‘everything’, sesame, poppy, onion, caraway, and raisin. The shop also provides a wide selection of cream cheese flavors, all offered in 8 oz containers.

9. Springfield

As you stroll through Longmeadow’s refined residential avenues, it is easy to overlook the vibrant city merely minutes away.

Springfield, being the third-largest city in Massachusetts, is significant for being the birthplace of the nation’s first military armory, the invention of basketball, and the home town of esteemed children’s author Dr. Seuss (Theodor Seuss Geisel), born in 1904.

Positioned within the notable Knowledge Corridor, comprising over 30 higher education institutions, it is not surprising that Springfield is home to several excellent museums.

The majority of these are concentrated at The Quadrangle, where guests can explore Impressionist Art, engage with the country’s first planetarium, admire global craftsmanship, and learn extensively about Dr. Seuss.

The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is a prominent feature shaped like a giant silver sphere on the waterfront, while the Springfield Armory is a National Historic Site, showcasing one of the largest collections of firearms globally.

10. Enfield Regional Farmers’ Market

One compelling reason to venture a short distance across the state line into Enfield, CT, is to explore this lively farmers’ market, featuring dozens of vendors every week.

Operated on Sundays, the Enfield Regional Farmers’ Market is held on the Town Green from June through October, and in recent years has transitioned to the Enfield Square Mall for an indoor market running until the last Sunday before Christmas.

The offerings vary with the seasons, featuring fresh produce from local farms, grass-fed meats, eggs, honey, herbs, baked goods, freshly roasted coffee, pet treats, and a plethora of craft vendors.

Live music is a staple, complemented by a range of food trucks offering selections such as wood-fired pizza and pierogies.

11. Greenwood Park

Situated right on the Massachusetts/Connecticut boundary, Greenwood Park caters to active recreation enthusiasts. For families, the highlight of Greenwood Park is the extensive Molly’s Playground, arguably one of the finest in the vicinity.

This facility includes dedicated sections for younger and older children, featuring an exciting playscape for toddlers with tunnels and shake bridges, alongside more challenging equipment for older kids to conquer.

Additionally, Greenwood Park features a swimming pool open during the summer school break, multi-purpose sports fields, tennis courts, and a multipurpose building for childcare and camp activities.

12. The Longmeadow Shops

The nearest enclosed shopping mall to Longmeadow is the Enfield Square Mall, located less than ten minutes to the south. However, a more tranquil shopping experience awaits at The Longmeadow Shops, an outdoor retail area designed to resemble a traditional New England village.

Along a continuous brick sidewalk, you will find both national and international retailers including Gap, J. Jill, Francesca’s, J. Crew Factory, Fleet Feet, and Ann Taylor.

Scattered throughout are dining establishments offering sushi, Italian cuisine, deli fare, and upscale burgers (Max Burger), along with a Starbucks for added convenience.

13. Long Meddowe Fall Festival

Now organized and sponsored by the American Legion Post 175, this longstanding festival, formerly known as Long Meddowe Days, has been celebrated for over 40 years.

Typically held over an entire weekend in early October, the festival’s traditional venue is the Town Green, where visitors can explore a long row of craft, art, and food vendors of all kinds.

The festival offers a wide range of activities to engage younger audience members, along with performances by musicians, participation from nonprofit organizations, and a car show.

14. Six Flags New England

The largest theme and water park in New England is conveniently located just across the Connecticut River from Longmeadow; however, visiting it by road necessitates a detour through Springfield.

Spanning 235 acres, Six Flags New England holds the distinction of being the oldest park in the chain, drawing thrill-seekers since 1870, when a picnic area was established along the riverfront.

From these genteel origins, the park has transformed into a hub of excitement, featuring revolutionary DC-themed attractions such as Harley Quinn Spinsanity, Superman The Ride, Batman: The Dark Knight, and The Joker 4D Free Fly Coaster.

Additionally, Six Flags New England comprises three dedicated children’s areas and the vast Hurricane Harbor water park, boasting over 30 slides and a 500,000-gallon wave pool.

15. Max Burger

A restaurant renowned beyond Longmeadow, Max Burger—comprising one of a duo of locations—operates as an elevated burger establishment, incorporating many elements characteristic of a gastropub.

This includes a menu of seasonal cocktails and a beer selection featuring imported Belgian ales and local craft beers. Max Burger is inclusive to plant-based diners, offering both a veggie patty and an Impossible burger.

The sweet potato fries are particularly notable. As an appetizer, the candied bacon lollipop with apple cider glaze stands out, while the must-try main course for meat enthusiasts is the Road Less Truffled, featuring gruyere and black truffle relish.