Pittsfield, Massachusetts, is a small the town within the northwest a part of the state. In spite of its small measurement, it’s the most important town in Berkshire County and is an out of this world position to discuss with. Whether or not visiting Pittsfield as a relations, with buddies, or as a romantic getaway, you are going to be in awe of town’s attractiveness!
The previous mill the town is an in depth weekend vacation spot for plenty of, together with the ones from Boston, New York, Jersey Town, Newark, Philadelphia, and Montreal. Pittsfield has all of it in the event you’re in search of four-season sport, world-class theaters, very good museums, and delectable eating!
As well as, town is pedestrian-friendly, with many points of interest inside strolling distance.Households will benefit from the interactive reveals on the firstclass Berkshire Museum, the oldest operating farm at Hancock Shaker Village, and the Tranquility Path at Pittsfield State Woodland.
As well as, households flock to Burbank Park at Lake Onota right through the summer time to swim, kayak, or trip a pontoon boat. For out of doors adventurers, Pittsfield has year-round out of doors sport, together with mountaineering trails at Pittsfield State Woodland (and snowshoeing trails within the iciness!), snowboarding and tubing at Bousquet Mountain, mountaineering and cross-country snowboarding at Springside Park, and fishing at Lake Onota.
{Couples} will to find many amusing issues to do, together with a day out to Lake Onota, dinner at District Kitchen & Bar, some of the reside performances on the Colonial Theatre, and a nightcap at Methuselah Bar and Living room.
So, whether or not you’re visiting Pittsfield together with your vital different, buddies, or kids, you’ll to find many wonderful issues to do in Pittsfield, Massachusetts!
TLDR
- Most important landmark – Hancock Shaker Village
- Very best park – Springside Park
- Very best unfastened job – Canoe Meadows Natural world Sanctuary
- Very best job for children – Bousquet Ski Space/Play Bousquet
- Very best job for adults – The Colonial Theatre
- Very best meals – District Kitchen and Bar
- Very best nightlife – Methuselah Bar & Living room
- Very best all-around lodging – Berkshire Mountain Resort
Very best & A laugh Issues to Do in Pittsfield, Massachusetts
1. Pittsfield State Woodland
Deal with: 1041 Cascade St, Pittsfield, MA 01201
Pittsfield State Woodland is a year-round vacation spot for out of doors enthusiasts, with 30 miles of trails for mountaineering, mountain cycling, horseback driving, and cross-country snowboarding. The state park contains 11,000 acres, a lot of campsites, cascading streams, and Pontoosuc Lake.
The paths vary from amateur to knowledgeable, with essentially the most obtainable path being the Tranquility Path. If you happen to’re in search of extra of a problem, take a look at the 11-mile Shaker Village to Parker Pond hike. This hike has an elevation achieve of over 2,000 toes and most often takes a median of 5 hours to finish.
There are 3 campgrounds: Berry Pond, Parker Brook, and Bishop Box. To stick on best of Berry Mountain, you’ll need some of the 13 campsites within the Berry Pond Campground. Conversely, if you wish to pitch a tent on the mountain’s base, take hold of a place on the Parker Brook Campground. Finally, in the event you want open-field campsites, take a look at Bishop Box Campground.
Summertime actions on the state park come with mountaineering, tenting, mountain cycling, kayaking, horseback driving, and fishing. Wintertime sport alternatives come with cross-country snowboarding, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing. With four-season out of doors sport at Pittsfield State Woodland, it’s a really perfect vacation spot for nature enthusiasts!
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2. Hancock Shaker Village
Deal with: 1843 W Housatonic St, Pittsfield, MA 01201
Hancock Shaker Village is definitely probably the most attention-grabbing and academic issues to do in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. The Village is a former Shaker commune that emerged within the 1780s and was once energetic for just about two centuries.
When it closed in 1960, a non-profit bought the land and grew to become it into the open-air museum it’s lately. In 1968, Hancock Shaker Village was once added to the Nationwide Sign up of Historical Puts and declared a Nationwide Historical Landmark District.
Guests can spend all day finding out about Shaker lifestyles within the 750-acre Village, with 50 room-setting reveals, a Shaker Mercantile, and an onsite Cafe. As well as, guests too can discover lots of the assets’s trails, go by means of deserted Shaker structures, or even see the holy website, Mount Sinai.
No longer best are you able to stroll via those real-life reveals with genuine Shaker furnishings, equipment, and gear, however many spaces have costumed interpreters that supply a better finding out enjoy.
As an example, some of the many reveals is an infirmary with clinic beds and nineteenth Century scientific apparatus, and every other is a Dairy and Weaving Loft with looms, spinning wheels, and butter churns.
Finally, many guests hike to the holy website of Mount Sinai from Shaker Village; this is a 2.6-mile round-trip path that takes you to the North Circle of relatives websites after which to the sacred website in Pittsfield State Woodland.
Without reference to whether or not you’re making the hike to Mount Sinai, Hancock Shaker Village is a must-see appeal for each youngsters and adults!
3. Berkshire Museum
Deal with: 39 South Boulevard, Pittsfield, MA 01201
The Berkshire Museum is an outstanding tutorial enjoy well worth the day out from New York, Albany, or Boston. The Museum is extra than simply artwork; it contains historical civilization, science, and herbal historical past.
In partnership with the Smithsonian, the Berkshire Museum is without doubt one of the few museums in the USA that may percentage the Smithsonian’s sources with its guests. Youngsters particularly love the hands-on reveals, the aquarium, and the enticing programming.
Alternatively, a day out to the Berkshire Museum is amusing for every age, whether or not you’re 5 or 95 years previous! The primary flooring is an interactive showcase encompassing over 3,000 sq. toes.
This exhibition celebrates regional inventors and their innovations that experience formed the sector. As well as, many guests benefit from the Animals of the International in Miniature exhibition, with fourteen other ecosystems displayed in wealthy, real looking scenes.
Alternatively, younger guests to find the Aquarium and Reptile Room some of the best possible issues to discover as a result of they may be able to see reptiles, amphibians, fish, and bugs up shut! This eclectic museum is without doubt one of the best possible issues to do in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, on any given day.
You’ll additionally discuss with the museum store to take house some mementos and souvenirs to your own home or canine sitter! As well as, the handy location in downtown Pittsfield makes it a great position to forestall on a wet day.
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4. Delightful Valley Natural world Sanctuary
Deal with: 472 W Mountain Rd, Lenox, MA 01240
Delightful Valley Natural world Sanctuary is situated only a brief pressure from Pittsfield within the neighboring the town of Lenox. This 1,400-acre natural world sanctuary is a part of the Massachusetts Audubon Society and is a superb position for mountaineering, chook gazing, and natural world viewing.
Within the majestic barn at the assets, you’ll additionally see artworks by means of six native artists who percentage their visions of nature. There are seven miles of mountaineering trails, with some of the trails heading to Lenox Mountain’s height.
Without reference to which trail you make a decision to take, you’ll undergo quite a lot of habitats equivalent to wetlands, meadows, forests, and mountains. As a result of the other habitats, there’s a vary of hikes, from simple to difficult. Whilst mountaineering, you may even see beavers, or a minimum of proof, by the use of dens or dams.
The strolling trails come with loop trails, boardwalks, and scenic perspectives. So, whether or not you’re in search of a strenuous hike to the summit of Lenox Mountain or a 20-minute stroll round Pike’s Pond, you’ll do each at Delightful Valley Natural world Sanctuary.
This sanctuary is without doubt one of the best possible issues to do close to Pittsfield, whether or not touring as a relations, in a gaggle, or as a pair. If you wish to keep in Lenox after spending the day on the sanctuary, the Hampton Inn & Suites Berkshires-Lenox is easiest with its signature Cloud 9 beds, swimming pool, and mountain perspectives.
5. Arrowhead Museum
Deal with: 780 Holmes Rd, Pittsfield, MA 01201
Whether or not or now not you’re acquainted with “Name me Ishmael,” the outlet line of Moby Dick, you’ll discover a day out to the Arrowhead Museum very tutorial. The Herman Melville Area, sometimes called Arrowhead, was once the house of the well-known creator right through his maximum prolific years.
Melville named the farm “Arrowhead” because of the local artifacts he discovered within the fields. Herman Melville purchased the home and barns encompassing 160 acres in 1850. A part of his process was once to deal with the pony and milk the cows; he additionally planted tomatoes, corn, potatoes, and apples.
A lot of his tales and novels have been impressed by means of his lifestyles at Arrowhead and the encircling house. At the side of Moby Dick, Melville wrote Bartleby, the Scrivener, The Bell Tower, and Israel Potter: His Fifty Years of Exile right through his time at Arrowhead.
Lately, this is a historical space museum, with excursions of the place Herman Melville produced a few of his maximum outstanding paintings. The Melville Path additionally connects lots of the creator’s maximum cherished puts in Berkshire County with interpretive panels.
Some puts at the path come with Pontoosuc Lake, Monument Mountain, Berkshire Athenaeum, Steadiness Rock, and Mount Greylock. Arrowhead isn’t just an excellent spot to be informed about Henry Melville but in addition to look the foundation in the back of a few of his best possible works. This museum is definitely some of the best possible issues to do in Pittsfield, Massachusetts!
If you wish to relaxation your toes and head within sight, imagine the Berkshire Mountain Resort, with a sizzling bathtub and sport room on website!
6. Colonial Theatre
Deal with: 111 South Boulevard, Pittsfield, MA 01201
The Colonial Theatre is a part of the Berkshire Theatre Crew, which manages the Unicorn Theatre and the Fitzpatrick Major Degree. Opened in 1903, the theatre boasted classical structure and very good acoustics. Of the 220 theatres architect J.B. McElfatrick designed, the Colonial Theatre is one among six nonetheless status.
After a protracted and storied historical past, together with the theatre’s closure more than one occasions (right through the Despair and WWII) after which the theatre going to public sale, it reopened in 2006 after a $21 million recovery. The renovation preserved the theatre’s ancient design parts whilst growing a contemporary efficiency middle.
Lately the theatre has 780 seats and contours reside performances from nationwide acts such because the mythical country-pop crossover band Lonestar and reside tune such because the Pittsfield CityJazz Competition and Bennie & The Jets: A Tribute to Elton John.
If you happen to get a possibility to discuss with the Colonial Theatre, you’ll be in awe of the architectural main points inside of, from the elaborately embellished balcony to the vaulted front. The theatre is an excellent position with a large number of historical past and is without doubt one of the best possible issues to do in Pittsfield, Massachusetts!
Get started your night time off proper earlier than the display with a cocktail and dinner on the within sight District Kitchen & Bar for contemporary American meals in a relaxed surroundings. And if you need a nightcap to finish your night time, the Methuselah Bar and Living room is easiest for a pitcher of Berkshire Mountain Distillers Berkshire Bourbon or Pierre Ferrand Cognac.
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7. Norman Rockwell Museum
Deal with: 9 Glendale Rd, Stockbridge, MA 01262
The Norman Rockwell Museum is a brief pressure from Pittsfield in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. It’s well worth the day out to look essentially the most intensive selection of Rockwell’s paintings from 5 many years of representation for The Saturday Night Submit. His artwork has in style attraction as it mirrored American tradition during the years.
In step with Rockwell, his Stockbridge studio, first of all situated in his yard on South Boulevard, was once his “best possible studio but.” Ahead of he died, he left the studio and its contents to the Museum. In 1986, the construction was once moved to the Norman Rockwell Museum’s grounds.
The 36-acre website options stunning gardens, shocking perspectives, specimen timber, and sculptures by means of Rockwell’s son. Guests can stroll throughout the nature trails, pick out apples from the orchard, or head to the Housatonic River.
Many museumgoers acquire meals from the onsite cafe and feature a picnic, whilst others use their artwork fabrics to caricature at the grounds. Plan a minimum of an hour and a part to excursion Norman Rockwell’s studio and galleries; alternatively, many guests spend overtime at the Museum’s stunning grounds.
If you happen to plan on seeing Rockwell’s studio, it’s a good suggestion to make complex reservations because it has restricted availability. If you need the whole enjoy, reserve a guided excursion! Your excursion information will encourage interactive dialogue as you stroll throughout the museum.
If you happen to’re in search of issues to do close to Pittsfield, you’ll’t cross improper visiting this museum!
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8. Springside Park
Deal with: 874 North St, Pittsfield, MA 01201
Springside Park is an out of this world position to discuss with in the event you’re in search of a spot to let your little ones burn off some power. Initially fertile farmland early within the town’s construction, Springside Park is now the most important municipal park in Pittsfield. The park contains over 230 acres alongside the north facet of the town.
Guests to the park can hike on some of the many wooded area trails, play basketball, climb on one among two playscapes, or discover the pond. There may be the Hebert Arboretum, a dwelling tree museum with over 50 species of local timber, 135 species of wildflowers, and over 300 species of crops.
All over the spring and fall, migrating songbirds come for sanctuary and relaxation. Within the southwest segment of the park is the Springside Area, which dates again to 1856.
The home is the previous house of the Pittsfield Parks and Sport Division and is an integral a part of Pittsfield’s previous and long term. In 2008, the park was once indexed at the Nationwide Sign up of Historical Puts.
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9. Canoe Meadows Natural world Sanctuary
Deal with: 309 Holmes Rd, Pittsfield, MA 01201
Canoe Meadows Natural world Sanctuary is with ease situated only one mile from the middle of Pittsfield. The sanctuary draws natural world, equivalent to ospreys, warblers, otters, turtles, and the occasional undergo.
Guests to Canoe Meadows can revel in a number of trails that wind throughout the wetlands, fields, and scenic woods. Those nature trails also are alongside the threshold of the scenic Housatonic River.
Birdwatchers can attend some of the weekly guided chook walks within the spring and fall. With greater than 60 acres of open fields, the natural world sanctuary is a breeding habitat for grassland birds. Some birdwatchers have noticed White-throated Sparrows, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Northern Cardinals, Bushy Woodpeckers, Rock Pigeons, and Ring-necked Pheasants.
Along with nature trails and birdwatching, the sanctuary has a group lawn, which rents plots to Mass Audubon contributors. Additionally they be offering obtainable raised-bed gardens for many who might want them.
If you happen to’re in search of a soothing and lovely position to spend time and take within the native natural world, a day out to Canoe Meadows is a must-do appeal! It’s an excellent spot for nature enthusiasts, with get admission to to the scenic woods and wetlands of Berkshire County.
10. Lake Onota
Deal with: 401-487 Lakeway Dr, Pittsfield, MA 01201
Owned and controlled by means of town of Pittsfield, Lake Onota is a leisure lake to be used by means of citizens and vacationers visiting the Berkshires. The 617-acre lake has over 7 miles of coastline and is kind of a mile extensive at its widest level.
Guests to the lake can fish, boat, kayak, swim, or canoe. Lake Onota is a brilliant swimming hollow and may be very good for fishing, with numerous species like largemouth bass, rainbow trout, bluegill, chain pickerel, and northerly pike.
At the jap shore of Lake Onota is Burbank Park, with a unfastened public boat release and fishing pier. The 153-acre park is easiest for gaining access to the lake, with a public swimming seaside and a strolling trail round Lake Onota.
You’ll hire a ship, canoe, pedal boat, or kayak via Onota Boat Livery. The livery may be an out of this world position to get fishing bait and take on, whether or not a amateur or knowledgeable fisherman.
And in the event you’re a rower visiting the world, discuss with Berkshire Neighborhood Rowing to try their membership. They are able to set you up in a workforce boat, or you’ll hire a unmarried and head out at the lake your self.
If you happen to’re in search of improbable perspectives and a serene enjoy, you’ll’t cross improper with visiting Lake Onata. It’s simply some of the best possible issues to do in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, whether or not touring with younger youngsters, a big staff, or as a pair.
If you wish to benefit from the morning sounds of the birds whilst ingesting your espresso, keep at a tranquil space with ease situated at the lake! This enjoyable 5 bed room house has two small docks and a small seaside, with two canoes, 5 kayaks, and a stand-up paddleboard.
11. Bousquet Mountain
Deal with: 101 Dan Fox Dr., Pittsfield, MA 01201
Bousquet Mountain is the oldest current ski house within the Berkshires, opening in 1932. Ahead of turning into a ski house, the mountain was once a mink farm owned by means of Clarence Bousquet. When the Despair hit and the mink farm tanked, Bousquet met with the Mount Greylock Ski Membership to chop a 750-foot ski slope to the northern summit of Mahanna Cobble.
Lately, Bousquet Mountain is a iciness wonderland with 23 ski and snowboard trails, snow tubing, a summit elevation of one,818 toes, a vertical drop of 750 toes, two chair lifts, two magic carpets, and a terrain park. The lately renovated ski hotel has home windows with unending mountain perspectives, a ski apartment house, and a cafe.
Alternatively, iciness isn’t the one time for sport on the mountain. Summertime permits for gorgeous hikes, together with the Mahanna Cobble, a 3-mile out-and-back path. There are shocking perspectives on the vista, with chook’s eye perspectives of Pittsfield and the North Berkshires.
If you happen to’re in search of a extra intense hike, you’ll take the Yokun Ridge Path and connecting trails, which contain greater than 10 miles alongside the Yokun Ridge. Bousquet Mountain is the northern trailhead by the use of the Mahanna Cobble Path for this hike.
If you happen to discuss with right through the summer time, plan on attending some of the mountain’s summer time live shows. The family-friendly live shows come with blues, jazz, rock, and folks artists.
And without reference to what season you discuss with, you’ll plan to wine and dine at some of the two eating places at the mountain, Raise Bistropub and the Kitchen. If you happen to’re in search of one among Pittsfield’s amusing puts to head, glance no additional than Bousquet Mountain! It’s the very best ski hotel for households, {couples}, or teams, with year-round eating, sport, and amusing at one position.
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FAQ
What are a few things to do in Pittsfield, Massachusetts with youngsters?
Pittsfield is a four-season vacation spot for the entire relations, with quite a few state parks for out of doors actions like mountaineering and swimming within the spring and summer time and snow tubing and snowboarding within the iciness. There also are film theaters just like the Little Cinema on the Berkshire Museum, fascinating historical past museums (Hancock Shaker Village is a should!), and two natural world sanctuaries.
What are the most efficient issues to look in Pittsfield, Massachusetts?
Pittsfield has all of it, whether or not you’re having a look to discuss with historical websites like Herman Melville’s Arrowhead, see native artwork galleries, or have an out of doors journey at the mountaineering trails at Pittsfield State Woodland. Downtown Pittsfield is town’s cultural district, with presentations on the Colonial Theatre, interactive reveals on the Berkshire Museum, and very good eating and buying groceries.
What’s Pittsfield, Massachusetts, identified for?
There are a few notable citizens from Pittsfield, together with Herman Melville, the creator of Moby Dick, and Rev. Thomas Allen, the “Combating Parson” from the Innovative Struggle. As well as, the world is especially well-suited for out of doors actions, with fall one among its busiest trip seasons for world-class leaf-peeping and different actions. Regardless of the season, you’ll guess on shocking surroundings, delectable delicacies, and one of the country’s best museums.