Top 10 Things To Do In Amherst, Massachusetts

1. Take a peak into Emily Dickinson's life at the Emily Dickinson Museum

The museum comprises two buildings: the Homestead, where Emily Dickinson spent most of her existence; the Evergreens, where Emily’s brother Austin lived with his wife Susan and their three children. The museum offers an interesting insight into the life of a beloved American author. Born into a prominent family in the year 1830 in Amherst, Massachusetts, Emily Elizabeth Dickinson much preferred the solitary confinement of her bedroom and only enjoyed the company of her poems. She wrote nearly 2000 of them but only 10 were published during her lifetime. The remaining body of her unconventional works was published posthumously. The introverted Dickinson found in writing her only way to maintain her friendships and discuss profound themes dear to her heart, such as death and immortality.

Emily Dickinson Museum

Address: 280 Main Street, Amherst MA 01002

Website: Emily Dickinson museum

Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 11am - 4pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

2. Refine your wine-tasting skills at Amherst Farm Winery

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Dim-lit wooden interiors welcome the weekend visitors of a characteristic beam barn located in Pioneer Valley, the colloquial term for a portion of Connecticut River Valley in the heart of Massachusetts. Both experienced wine connoisseurs and unqualified aficionados are invited to be enticed by a choice of six vintages and a fancy glass with the winery’s logo. The winery produces award-winning blends with intense fruity notes. Visitors can bring along snacks or picnic baskets to enjoy both indoors or outdoors with a heart-warming glass of wine.

Amherst Farm Winery

Address: 529 Belchertown Road, 01002 Amherst, Massachusetts

Website: Amherst Farm Winery

Opening hours: Fri - Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed from Mon - Thu)

Price: From 8 USD

3. Head to Puffer's Pond for a relaxing stroll or a refreshing swim

An 11-acre (4.4-hectare) open body of water with a maximum depth of 20 feet (6 metres), Puffer’s Pond is located just a few miles north of the town centre. Fed by the Cushman Brook to the east, the pond is part of the town-owned Mill River Conservation area that stretches for 1 mile (1.6 kilometres) and includes trails, a kids playground, basketball courts as well as picnicking, fishing and bird-watching opportunities. Puffer’s Pond has a dedicated yet unguarded swimming area whose shallow waters make it easy for children to have fun too. Not far there is a scenic fall created by the flow of the water cascading along the wall of a dam. Built in the early 19th century to harness the power of the Mill River, in 1850 it was transformed by the Cushman Brothers into the rock dam that’s still visible today.

Puffer's Pond

Address: Amherst, MA 01002

Website: Puffer’s Pond

Opening hours: 6am - 7pm (daily)

Price: Free

4. Rediscover a love for picture books at The Eric Carle Museum

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Just 4 miles (6.4 kilometres) south of the city centre and not far from Hampshire College, the Eric Carle Museum celebrates the art of picture books and their special role in fostering a love for art and reading at a young age. Founded in 2002 by author and illustrator Eric Carle - famous for the 1969 classic “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” - together with his late wife Barbara Carle, the museum has since welcomed nearly 800,000 visitors and hosted over 100 workshops mainly aimed at educators. However, due to the current climate, most workshops and some exhibitions are now held online.

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art

Address: 125 West Bay Road Amherst, MA 01002

Website: The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art

5. Get your daily cardio along Norwottuck Rail Trail

Stretching 11 miles (17 kilometres) from Belchertown to nearby Northampton, Norwottuck Rail Trail cuts through the town of Amherst. A disused railway originally built at the end of the 19th century, it’s now a popular trail both for pedestrians and bikers alike. The route is used by recreational as well as commuter traffic eagerly looking for a tranquil path away from the main roads. Noteworthy is the scenic bridge that crosses the Connecticut River and the abundance of wildlife such as blue herons, ducks and turtles that inhabits the area around the beaver pond, on the eastern end of the trail.

Norwottuck Rail Trail

Address: 446 Damon Rd., Northampton, MA 01060

Website: Norwottuck Rail Trail

Price: Free

6. Admire some fine art at Mead Art Museum

Located within Amherst College compound, only a few steps away from the city centre, Mead Art Museum houses the Amherst College collection. Its name derives from its founder and former Amherst College graduate, architect William Rutherford Mead. The collection includes European and American paintings, Mexican ceramics, Japanese prints and much more.

Mead Art Museum

Address: 41 Quadrangle Dr, Amherst, MA 01002, United States

Website: Mead Art Museum

Opening hours: Mon: 9am - 5pm (closed from Tue - Sun)

Price: Free

7. Hike the many trails at Skinner State Park

Just a short 10-mile (16-kilometre) drive from Amherst city centre, Skinner State Park offers many opportunities for eager hikers and amazing views over Connecticut River Valley. The summit of Mount Holyoke is located within the park which comprises the western half of the Holyoke Range. With over 40 miles (64-kilometre) of marked hiking trails, 20 picnic grounds and facilities to accommodate every sports fanatic fantasy, from horseback riding to snowmobiling in winter, the 390-acre wide (158-hectare) Skinner State Park is the place to go for an active holiday.

Skinner State Park

Address: 10 Skinner State Park Rd, Hadley, MA 01035, United States

Website: Skinner State Park

Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)

Price: Free

8. Put your science hat on at Beneski Museum of Natural History

Showcasing an impressive collection of fossils, minerals and dinosaurs footprints, the Beneski is one of the largest natural history museums in New England. One of the goals of this museum is to educate visitors on the geological history of the Earth and the evolutionary history of its inhabitants. With three floors of exhibits and over 1,700 specimens on display, you and your travel buddies are going to have a highly educational afternoon here.

Beneski Museum of Natural History

Address: 11 Barrett Hill Dr, Amherst, MA 01002, United States

Website: Beneski Museum of Natural History

Price: Free

9. Have fun with your family at Amethyst Brook Conservation Area

Apart from shopping and museum-hopping, another laid-back activity that you can do in Amherst is visiting Amethyst Brook Conservation Area. The area is ideal for family outings as the shallow water of the brook makes it for a fun and safe playground for kids, especially in the summer months. There are also trails for amateur hikers and mountain bikers. In winter, wear your cross-country skis and enjoy the first snow. Travelling with dogs? Well, this site is also perfect for spending time with your fur baby!

Amethyst Brook Conservation Area

Address: Amherst, MA 01002, United States

Website: Amethyst Brook Conservation Area

Price: Free

10. Get your hiking boots on and climb the Holyoke Range

Mount Holyoke Range State Park is located just south of Amherst. It offers outdoorsy people great hikes and splendid views of the valleys around. Of over 30 miles (48 kilometres) of mountain trails, the most popular one is the 8-mile (13-kilometre) long Seven Sisters trail that leads you up to the Holyoke Summit House, located on the border with the adjacent Skinner State Park to the west. At only 935 feet (285 metres), the summit can also be reached by car.

Mount Holyoke Range State Park

Address: 1500 West St., Amherst, MA 01002

Website: Mount Holyoke Range State Park

Opening hours: 6:30am - 6:30pm (daily)

Price: Free

Immerse yourself in nature

Are you getting tempted to visit? Don’t worry as Amherst, Massachusetts, is ready to welcome you all-year-round. Pay a visit to the many museums, go for a hike, or simply have a glass of wine and unwind with a relaxing picnic in the park. To help you plan your trip, check out our list of the top 10 things to do in Amherst, Massachusetts.