In Hampden, discoveries range from expansive green spaces and waterscapes to museums that bring sports and technology history to life. Forest Park showcases this range impressively: The city park in Springfield covers 735 acres, while its arboretum labels, maps and catalogs trees. This lets you focus both on individual species and on the diversity of the collection.
Forests, Water and Trails
Otis Reservoir in Tolland State Forest covers 1,065 acres. A boat ramp accommodates boats up to 24 feet long. The state forest also has a campground with a beach and restrooms; reservations are required, and the restrooms are intended for campers. Boating, canoeing and kayaking are possible on the pond at Hampton Ponds State Park. These places offer different ways to enjoy the water, from taking your own boat out to paddling.
The trails also accommodate different ways to spend time outdoors. Chester-Blandford State Forest has trails for hiking and walking at all experience levels. At Robinson State Park, you can hike a section of the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail. The park also has more than 20 miles of trails suitable for a ride. Chicopee Memorial State Park has trails for hiking and cycling year-round; swimming is possible in Chicopee Reservoir.
Other landscape highlights offer a different perspective: Mount Tom State Reservation is a traprock ridge above the Connecticut River in Holyoke. Sanderson Brook Falls plunges a total of 60 feet over several tiers and is accessible by a short footpath from a forest road. At Dinosaur Footprints in Holyoke, exposed sandstone on an eight-acre site preserves dinosaur tracks dating back 200 million years. Also visible on site are trace fossils of four different dinosaurs, as well as stromatolites, fish, an ancestor of alligators and plants.
Green Spaces and Wildlife
More than 900 trees in the Forest Park Arboretum are mapped and cataloged; more than 200 have labels with their common and scientific names. The zoo in Forest Park is home to more than 225 native and non-native animals. Animal populations may change. Lupa Zoo offers a different focus: The 20-acre facility combines conservation and education, and its enclosures for endangered species recreate natural habitats.
Wistariahurst also offers several reasons to visit. Its educational and cultural program includes workshops, concerts, lectures and demonstrations; individual programs may vary. The historically inspired and restored gardens on the grounds cover three acres. Check the current access information for the gardens before your visit.
Museums, Sports and History
Springfield Armory National Historic Site preserves and interprets the world’s largest historic collection of U.S. military small arms. A museum in the Main Arsenal explores the history of its workforce, technological innovation and the development of firearms. The site’s collections include more than 13,000 cataloged objects and archival holdings. This brings together the site’s technological history and the people whose work and innovations shaped it.
In Springfield, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame also takes visitors back to the origins of a sport: The 1891 Gallery traces the beginning of basketball in Springfield on December 21, 1891. At Jerry Colangelo Court of Dreams, players of all ages can test and showcase their basketball skills. The Hall of Honor recognizes players, coaches, contributors, referees and teams. In Holyoke, the International Volleyball Hall of Fame preserves volleyball history across more than 5,000 square feet and honors more than 160 inductees from 25 countries.
The themes span the sport’s historical origins and recognition of the people and teams who have shaped it. Holyoke Merry-Go-Round offers another cultural contrast: The antique carousel features hand-carved and painted horses. For rides and shows, Six Flags New England offers more than 100 attractions, including 12 roller coasters. The family rides range from gentle adventures to high-thrill experiences; offerings may change. Hurricane Harbor is the Six Flags New England water park, with wave attractions and cabanas.
Discover more destinations: Chicopee, West Springfield, Springfield, Agawam, Holyoke, Westfield, Wilbraham, Ludlow, Wales.
For the overview of the wider region: Massachusetts.
