Nestled in the Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, Holyoke offers a blend of natural beauty, rich history, and family-friendly attractions that make it a worthwhile destination. Whether you’re visiting for business, staying with family, or just passing through, you’ll find plenty to keep you engaged in this charming city.
From ancient dinosaur footprints to scenic state parks, downtown Holyoke and its surrounding areas provide diverse experiences for visitors of all ages. Let’s explore the top things to do in Holyoke MA that showcase the best this city has to offer.
1. Mount Tom State Reservation
When you need a break from the hustle and bustle, head to Mount Tom State Reservation. This stunning natural area gives you access to miles of hiking trails with spectacular views of the Connecticut River Valley. You’ll find several paths suitable for different skill levels, from easy walks to more challenging hikes.
The reservation’s summit offers panoramic vistas that stretch for miles on clear days. During fall, the foliage transforms the landscape into a photographer’s dream. Don’t miss Goat Peak, which features open fields and a small playground that’s perfect for families with children. The park also includes picnic areas where you can relax after your adventure.
If you visit in winter, the park transforms into a haven for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Whatever season you choose, Mount Tom provides a peaceful escape into nature without straying far from the city.
2. Dinosaur Footprints
Walk where dinosaurs once roamed at the Dinosaur Footprints site along Route 5. This fascinating attraction showcases hundreds of real prehistoric tracks preserved in sandstone along the Connecticut River. These aren’t just any dinosaur footprints – they were the first ever to be scientifically described, dating back over 200 million years.
The 8-acre site preserves these ancient imprints in remarkable detail, allowing you to literally step back in time. It’s an incredible experience to place your hand next to a footprint left by creatures that walked the earth millions of years before humans existed.
The site is easily accessible from the road, though you’ll need to take a short trail that runs parallel to Route 5 to reach the main viewing area. While the visit might be relatively quick (most people spend about 45 minutes here), the experience of seeing these ancient traces is truly memorable and completely free of charge.
3. Holyoke Heritage State Park
Located in downtown Holyoke, this charming park serves as a reminder of the city’s industrial heritage. The centerpiece of the park is the beautifully preserved antique carousel, the Holyoke Merry-Go-Round, which continues to delight visitors of all ages.
Beyond the carousel, you’ll find paved walking paths along the historic canal system that once powered Holyoke’s paper mills. The park includes a visitor center with displays showcasing local artifacts and telling the story of Holyoke’s past as a prominent manufacturing center.
During summer months, the park’s sprinkler area offers a refreshing spot for children to cool off. The playground provides additional entertainment for young visitors, making this a perfect stop for families exploring what to do in Holyoke MA.
4. Children’s Museum at Holyoke
If you’re traveling with kids, the Children’s Museum at Holyoke is a must-visit destination. This interactive learning space encourages children to touch, play, and explore through hands-on exhibits designed to spark curiosity and creativity.
Kids love the interactive kitchen area where they can pretend to cook and serve meals. The museum features various themed areas that change throughout the year, keeping the experience fresh even for repeat visitors.
Located near Heritage State Park, it’s easy to combine these two attractions into a full day of family fun. With convenient parking and reasonable admission prices, the Children’s Museum provides an engaging indoor activity option regardless of weather conditions.
5. Holyoke Mall
As one of New England’s largest shopping centers, the Holyoke Mall offers much more than just retail therapy. With nearly 150 specialty shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues under one roof, you’ll find everything from major department stores like Macy’s and Target to specialty boutiques.
Beyond shopping, the mall serves as an entertainment hub with dining options ranging from quick bites to sit-down restaurants. On rainy days or when you need a break from outdoor activities, the mall provides a climate-controlled environment where you can spend hours exploring.
The variety of stores ensures that everyone in your group will find something that interests them, making this a practical stop during your visit to Holyoke.
6. Eyrie House Ruins
For those who enjoy combining hiking with history, the Eyrie House Ruins on Mount Nonotuck offer a unique experience. These fascinating remnants of a 19th-century hotel tell a story of ambition, luxury, and an unexpected demise – the structure was destroyed during what was supposed to be a horse cremation that went terribly wrong.
The hike to reach the ruins provides beautiful views along the way, and exploring the stone foundations gives you a glimpse into the area’s past. The site’s unusual history makes it all the more intriguing, as you contemplate how this once-grand mountain hotel met its end.
Though the hike requires some effort, the combination of natural beauty and historical interest makes the Eyrie House Ruins worth seeking out for anyone interested in Holyoke’s more unusual attractions.
7. Ashley Reservoir
For a peaceful outdoor experience, take a walk around Ashley Reservoir. This hidden gem offers a roughly three-mile loop on paved paths, making it accessible for nearly all fitness levels. The route circles sparkling waters and winds through wooded areas, creating a tranquil escape just minutes from the city.
You’ll likely spot local wildlife, particularly birds, as you make your way around the reservoir. The relatively flat terrain makes this an ideal spot for a morning jog or casual afternoon stroll. Parking is available at the Elks Club, and the trail is well-maintained throughout the year.
Visitors consistently mention how uncrowded this beautiful space remains despite its scenic appeal, making it perfect when you want to enjoy nature without battling crowds.
8. Wistariahurst Museum
History buffs will appreciate a visit to the Wistariahurst Museum, housed in the former mansion of prominent silk manufacturer William Skinner. This elegant home showcases period furnishings and offers insight into Holyoke’s industrial golden age.
Throughout the year, the museum hosts various cultural events, lectures, and exhibits that highlight different aspects of local history. The beautifully maintained gardens surrounding the property provide a pleasant setting for a leisurely stroll after touring the house.
The museum stands as a testament to Holyoke’s prosperity during its manufacturing heyday and offers valuable context for understanding the city’s development over time.
9. Holyoke’s Frog Circus
For something truly unusual, check out Holyoke’s Frog Circus at the local history museum. This quirky exhibit features taxidermy frogs and rodents posed in circus performances – an odd but fascinating piece of vintage entertainment.
While not for everyone, this peculiar display represents the kind of eccentric Americana that you won’t find in guidebooks. It’s a conversation starter and a glimpse into a different era’s sense of entertainment and humor.
Though it may seem strange by today’s standards, the craftsmanship and imagination behind these carefully posed creatures make the Frog Circus a uniquely memorable stop during your exploration of things to do in Holyoke.
10. Community Field
When you want some active recreation, Community Field offers sports facilities, walking paths, and playgrounds suitable for visitors of all ages. This well-maintained public space provides basketball courts, baseball fields, and open areas perfect for impromptu games or picnics.
The field’s playground equipment delights younger visitors, while adults appreciate the walking loops for light exercise. During summer, the splash pad offers a refreshing way for children to cool off while parents relax on nearby benches.
With ample parking and no admission fee, Community Field represents Holyoke’s commitment to providing quality recreational spaces for residents and visitors alike.
Visit Urban Co-Works While in Holyoke
If you’re in Holyoke for business or need a productive workspace during your visit, Urban Co-Works offers the perfect solution. Located conveniently in the city, this flexible office space provides a professional environment without the distractions of working from your hotel room or a noisy coffee shop.
You’ll find everything needed for a productive workday: high-speed internet, unlimited coffee, conference rooms for client meetings, and quiet spaces for focused work. Whether you’re in town visiting family, traveling for work, or exploring the area, Urban Co-Works gives you a professional base of operations.
The space brings together entrepreneurs, remote workers, and creative professionals who understand the value of a dedicated workspace. You might even make valuable connections with local professionals during your stay.
Schedule a tour of Urban Co-Works to see how this flexible workspace can enhance your Holyoke visit. You’ll appreciate having a professional environment available whenever you need it, allowing you to balance productivity with exploration of all the wonderful things to do in Holyoke MA.