THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Amherst (Updated 2024) - Tripadvisor
Things to Do in Amherst

Things to Do in Amherst, MA - Amherst Attractions

Things to Do in Amherst

Tours near Amherst

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Top Attractions in Amherst

These rankings are informed by traveler reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.

Historical home tour with deep insights into a famed poet's life, displaying unique family artifacts and original manuscripts in a thoughtfully restored setting.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
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What travelers are saying

  • ISyzigi
    New York City, NY145 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    If you fancy her poetry or feel the need to solve the mystery of the beautiful, talented, eccentric and reclusive woman, then visit this evocative space. We had a very well-informed and articulate guide (who however avoided any kind of controversy about reputed family scandals and Emily Dickinson's possible lesbianism). One small quibble was that it was required to shut the doors of each very small room we visited, which, combined with the full tour group and the wildly-patterned wallpaper, led to quite a bit of claustrophobia! Note that one emerges with more questions than answers; that's not a bad thing.
    Written April 28, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • corgimom2017
    Bangor, ME53 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a small museum. Its targeted to young children. The galleries have wonderful interactive games and crafts for toddlers, pre-school and young school aged children. Adults will find it enjoyable, too, especially if young at heart. Te gift shop is large, affordable, and varied. Allow time for that wonderful experience, too.
    Written October 17, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Gene P
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The completely new exhibit was breathtaking and fantastic and encyclopedic.

    The staff was very friendly and helpful and accommodating. Who could possibly ask for more?

    It is worth a full day of exploration - and You can go with specific questions that will engage the staff.
    Written April 15, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • George C
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It is a wonderful first museum for young scientists. It is small and not overwhelming. A fine collection of relatable fossils and exhibits. It is doable in a short visit. Kids have limited attention spans, this one perks them up for the bigger ones like Aggaziz or the NYC masterpiece.
    Written July 11, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jennifer F
    80 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The recently opened exhibition at the Mead Art Museum is vibrant and engaging. The exhibit titled Architectural Ghosts is educational and contains beautiful objects that tell multiple layers of stories. The 3-D replicas of objects invite children to touch and examine several of the works. However, I observed that the replicas equally invited adults to touch and explore. This a very well-done exhibit and I look forward to revisiting the Mead in the future.
    Written February 9, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mohlpowers
    12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    My husband played his trombone for JFK one month before Dallas when he came to dedicate the Frost Library. I remember my husband’s history with Theodore Baird also who as a freshman English teacher assigned a paper every day and read every paper himself. My husband has an amazing large collection of letters from Baird which in itself shows the respect within Amherst of its history. Celebrating its history is at the heart of Amherst’s story.
    Written July 29, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • jy3
    West Falls, NY391 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    really wonderful park with great trails and views. Lots of hawks flying around. We did the Mount Norwottuck trail and it was awesome. It is more moderate to strenuous of a hike but we loved it, including the kids.
    Written August 20, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • BilB126357
    Boston, MA79 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Puffer's Pond was very beautiful in general! There was a gorgeous pond where people could swim. The only thing wrong with the pond is that there are multiple signs saying what you cannot do there, one of those things being smoking. Yet, there were multiple people smoking in plain sight at the pond. Then there was a stunning forest to hike through! The forest was enchanting, there was a hut that someone made, and train bridge that went over the river there. The hike was not difficult, except for a few small hills. The hike was overall really enjoyable. But, be careful where you step and where you walk. My eldest daughter was crossing a bridge that goes over the river, and as she was walking, some horrible large black flying bug stung her on the leg! From what I could tell, the sting was very painful since she was crying a lot, and it hurt for her to walk on that leg for the rest of the day.
    Overall, besides the smokers and the bug sting, I really recommend Puffer's Pond! Absolutely beautiful!!
    Written August 25, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Flafamily23
    112 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We left out thinking it was going to be a bit easier than it was. It was a foggy morning which worked out perfectly for a days hike. My poor husband did keep up but was very sore by the end. The 5 mile hike from the summit gate parking to the 116 visitors center took about 5.25 hours. Definitely NOT a trail to do solo. Well worth it for the views
    Written September 17, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Denise H
    Raleigh, NC28 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a wonderful college. My neice graduated from there and had nothing but wonderful experiences there. She still talsk with her advisors and roomates.
    Written February 12, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • BeerVenturer
    Amherst, MA566 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great shows that come to the pioneer valley. Not a physically attractive venue. Acoustics could be better. It's a great contributor for hosting cultural events that coke to Western Massachusetts. Go to a show!!
    Written March 29, 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Abbie V
    Pittsfield, MA29 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I am a real fan of such markets and this one is outstanding! I just wish it were a little closer and I would be there every weekend!
    Written January 6, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above hotel descriptions. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in one of these AI-generated descriptions is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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