Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in the Berkshires, MA

  • Published 2022/08/10

The Berkshires in Massachusetts is one of the most beautiful vacation destinations in the United States.

The place has beautiful mountains and is a relatively short drive from New York City.

The place provides fun, engaging the visitors in many activities, good restaurants, and a dash of art and culture.

The place also provides visitors access to world-class music, dance, and other festivals.

The Berkshires also has many trails and farmlands for picnics and hiking.

If you want a perfect summer vacation, check out the best things to do in the Berkshires.

Explore the Arrowhead Museum

Exterior of the Arrowhead Museum

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Located in Pittsfield, the Arrowhead Museum is a museum inside the former house of famous author Herman Melville.

This museum is a must-visit for fans of his novels who also want to gain an insight into his life/

The house turned museum has a beautiful interior carefully restored to keep it in proper shape.

You can take a self-tour or a guided tour of the Arrowhead Museum with a beautiful view and scenic gardens.

Wander the Monument Mountain Reservation

View from Monument Mountain Reservation

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Monument Mountain Reservation is perfect for those interested in hiking and climbing undeveloped places.

This reservation has several trails spread over a large area and provides a breathtaking view at the end.

The height of the trees and elevation is friendly to hikers.

However, first-time hikers should consider easier trails.

The summit at the mountain reservation in the Berkshires provides an astonishing view of the Housatonic River Valley and far stretches of the Squaw Peak.

Mountain Monument Reservation draws visitors from around the world.

Grab the chance to meet people from different cultures and broaden your horizons.

Aerial view of the Monument Mountain Reservation

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Check Out Bash Bish Falls

Scenic view of Bash Bish Falls

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Bash Bish Falls is the largest waterfall in Massachusetts.

Its water cascades into many gorges and combines into a double waterfall that can take anyone’s breath away.

Bash Bish Falls also famously attracts painters and artists due to its beautiful setting.

The place also has a spacious parking lot and walking trails, which make it suitable for hiking.

The ambiance surrounding the waterfall is very calm and breezy.

The cold waters should refresh your mind and body.

Daytime view of Bash Bish Falls

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Roam the Botanical Garden

Field of Iris at Berkshire Botanical Garden

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Starting in 1934, the Berkshires Botanical Garden in Berkshire has welcomed families and friends for outdoors fun.

This garden spans more than 15 acres.

It features an unbelievably large variety of flora and fauna.

Herb garden at Berkshire Botanical Garden

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The beautifully carved trees and fragrant flowers should liven up your trip.

The entire garden comprises separate areas which have different attractions.

For example, there is a pond garden, a historical herb garden, and a garden dedicated to children’s discovery.

The garden has three houses made entirely of glass, an Education Centre, and several art galleries.

The best time to visit the Berkshires Botanical Garden is from June to September.

Playhouse surrounded with plants at Berkshire Botanical Garden

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Check Out the Berkshire Museum

Exterior of the Berkshire Museum

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The Berkshire Museum has become a famous spot for visitors as well as the locals of the town for over a century.

However, it has not lost its charm due to its unique concept.

The museum establishes a connection between science, history, and the arts using its galleries and exhibitions.

It has separate divisions as well, dedicated to particular fields.

For example, the incubator and lab 102 are the most famous scientific attractions, while the aquarium depicts nature and art.

It also has a beautiful big backyard that serves as a venue for major events and regular museum activities.

The Berkshire Museum offers a lot of learning for people interested in the interdisciplinary study of history, science, and art.

Aerial view of the Berkshire Museum

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Bring Your Gear to the Bousquet Ski Area

Bousquet Ski Area in the Berkshires is one of the most famous tourist attractions during the winter.

The mountains get heavy snow cover, making it a perfect place for skiing and other snow adventures.

Likewise, it offers a variety of skiing activities and boarding experiences with expert supervision.

The place is exclusively suitable for couples thanks to affordable couples tickets.

They also provide adventure equipment for rent.

The place is a perfect match for those who love snow and winter adventures.

If you are unfamiliar with winter sports, you can start from a more manageable level and then increase the difficulty level eventually.

Try winter adventures at the Bousquet Ski Area!

Drop by the Catamount Aerial Adventure Park

Located in the south Egremont region of the Berkshires, the Catamount Aerial Adventure Park is a place that will show you the best day of your life.

The park welcomes everyone over seven years old, with many challenging courses and activities requiring balance and strength.

The park has made courses that will naturally challenge your mind to work better and help you become more efficient.

Some of the most famous attractions of this area include walking on the aerial platforms, put together with the help of cables and ropes.

Overall, this place is a great adventure spot.

Even if you’re not very confident in life, this place will help boost your confidence and give you some strength.

Visit the Clark Art Institute

The waters of The Clark art Institute

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The Clark Art Institute is dedicated to establishing a connection and better understanding between people and art.

The institute has become a must-visit attraction in the Berkshires.

The art institute is quite famous for its impressive collections of American and European art from historic eras.

You could also find several great artworks by French artists in this institute.

The art institute has also managed to set up a multimedia guide at the reception to give you a better idea about the experience.

The place also organizes educational workshops and programs.

If you want to join, go to the Clark Art Institute’s website.

Exterior of The Clark art Institute

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Explore the Hancock Shaker Village

A round barn at Hancock Shaker Village

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Established in 1783, Shaker Village offers guests insight into the lives of Shaker immigrants in the Berkshires.

The well-maintained Hancock Shaker Village lets you spend a day strolling through their simple yet beautiful collections.

Vegetable garden at Hancock Shaker Village

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The exhibits at this village showcase textiles, household goods, furniture, and beautiful farms and gardens.

The tour of this village fulfills the demands of human curiosity and creativity all at once.

The best way to explore this place is to start with the orientation video and then proceed to the village on your own.

You can also grab some delicious food from the farm-to-table restaurants offering fresh food.

Likewise, you can collect gifts and souvenirs for your family and friends from the stores in the village.

Laundry and machine shop at Hancock Shaker Village

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Check Out the School at Jacob’s Pillow

The School at Jacob’s Pillow has received international recognition as one of the best centers offering dance tuitions and hosting dance festivals worldwide.

The place offers many dance activities throughout the year.

Apart from that, the school’s infrastructure is also excellent and expansive.

You could easily take a self-guided tour through the school grounds.

During dance festivals, the place fills with dancers from different countries showcasing their unique dance forms.

Visit the School at Jacob’s Pillow during a dance festival and prepare to make some memories you will cherish forever.

Relax at Jimmy Peak Mountain Resort

Summer view of Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort

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Jimmy Peak Mountain Resort is a place for those who love mountains.

This mountain resort is suitable for visits during both summers and winters.

During summers, you can enjoy aerial wire adventures in the lodge.

Meanwhile, you can enjoy ice skating and skiing in the winter.

The place has abundant accommodation options for visitors, making it a pretty comfortable destination.

The refreshing views from Jimmy Peak Mountain Resort allow you to admire nature’s true beauty and humble gifts.

Alpine slide at Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort

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See the Animals at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

The waters of Pleasant Valley Wildlife sanctuary

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The Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is a place to spend an entire day watching wildlife.

The Massachusetts Audubon Society operates the site.

Likewise, the property spans more than 1,000 acres of forest.

The property also includes several meadows and wetlands.

Try to spot the animals, insects, and birds while enjoying a hike to the summit of Lennox Mountain.

The Pleasant Valley Wildlife Society also organizes activities such as summer camps for kids involving outdoor adventure opportunities.

People taking pictures at Pleasant Valley Wildlife sanctuary

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Explore the Williams College Museum of Art

Scenic view of Williams College Museum of arts

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The Williams College Museum of Art is another museum showcasing beautiful and unbelievable arts and crafts displays.

You can find it on the campus of Williams College.

Exterior of a building at Williams College Museum of arts

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The place is the hub for students to learn about the discipline and intricacies of art and architecture.

The site has a collection of more than 14,000 artworks that would blow your mind.

The Williams College Museum of Art also organizes events and workshops, which include visual and physical performances of arts.

This place is an artist’s delight and antique pleasure.

Pathway at Williams College Museum of arts

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Wander the Pittsfield State Forest

Picnic tables at Pittsfield State Forest grounds

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As culturally and artistically rich as the Berkshires is, the Pittsfield state forest also proves its ecological richness.

Spread over an area of more than 11,000 acres, the state forest in the Berkshires is one of the most famous recreational areas in the region.

The place provides ample opportunities for adventurous activities such as horse riding, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, boating, and fishing.

The place also has proper arrangements in case you want to stay overnight.

The state field also has an extensive trail for people fond of off-road adventures.

The Pittsfield State Forest is a must-visit with ample parking space, affordable lodgings, and delicious food.

Lulu brook at Pittsfield State Forest

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Learn History at Naumkeag Public Garden

Exterior of Naumkeag

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The Naumkeag Public Garden is a reservation property belonging to a bygone period, which has beat back the ravages of time after so many years.

Built in 1884, the structure began as a luxurious 44-room cottage with world-class facilities.

The furniture and other decorative items, plus the entire building, have remained intact in their original form.

Nothing has been modified or changed.

A unique structure at Naumkeag

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The property is open for public visits from April to October and has several beautiful gardens to soothe your eyes.

Touring this property is everything you need to understand the true meaning of luxury.

The Berkshires in Massachusetts are an ideal place to visit for those interested in the arts.

With the countless museums and art institutes, the Naumkeag Public Garden provides something to suit everyone’s taste.

Everything about the Berkshires is welcoming, from the food, the people, the culture, and the vibe.

Beautiful landscape of Naumkeag

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Climb the Summit of Mt. Greylock

Scenic view from Mt. Greylock summit

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Take a trip to the top of Mount Greylock in the Berkshires to complete your vacation!

Its 3,491-foot summit rises on the western edge of North Adams, Massachusetts.

Mt. Greylock is the state’s tallest mountain.

You can observe spectacular views of up to 90 miles away from the top of the hill through an autoroute.

The path to Mount Greylock’s summit is resplendent with fall foliage in the autumn.

Signage of Mt. Greylock summit

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Mt. Greylock Campside Park is a great place to stay during the warmer months.

In the winter, you may enjoy a day of snowmobiling on one of the paths to the top of Mount Hood.

If you plan to climb the Veteran Memorial Tower at the peak of Mt. Greylock, ensure you have your camera.

Veteran memorial tower at Mt. Greylock

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Cruise along the Mohawk Trail Scenic Byway

Mohawk Trail Scenic Byway in Western Massachusetts is a historic route with 60 miles of scenic beauty and intriguing cultural landmarks.

Between North Adams and Greenfield on Route 2, the 37-mile length of the Mohawk Trail byway is among the most beautiful in the region.

Native Americans formerly used the trail as a commerce and travel route; you can still traces of this history today.

The Mohawk Trail State Forest, the Mohawk Trail’s’ Hairpin Turn, and the Poet’s Seat Tower in Deerfield are just a few attractions along the Mohawk Trail Scenic Byway.

Catch a Play at Colonial Theatre

Exterior of the Colonial Theatre

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The Colonial Theatre has hosted a variety of notable acts, including musicians, actors, and comedians.

The majestic 800-seat theater, dating back to 1903, has undergone a multi-year restoration effort.

Today, the Colonial Theatre features world-class acoustics, golden-era architecture, and an excellent sound and light system.

Local musicians, storytellers, and comedians perform in the theatre lobby’s “The Garage.”

It’s hard to think of a better way to spend an evening in the Berkshires than seeing a show at the Colonial Theatre.

Check Out the Works of a Famous American Artist at the Norman Rockwell Museum

Welcome sign of Norman Rockwell Museum

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The Norman Rockwell Museum in the Berkshires is one of the region’s most popular tourist destinations, showcasing works by famed American artist Norman Rockwell.

In 1969, Rockwell’s studio in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, became a museum.

The artist had spent the last quarter of his life there.

There are 574 paintings and sketches in the museum.

Rockwell’s art supplies, books, personal artifacts, and pictures are also on display.

People making their way to Norman Rockwell Museum

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While the United States was enduring tough times like the World Wars and the Great Depression, Rockwell’s paintings gave humor and hope to the American people.

This 36-acre location is perfect for a quick half-day outing or a longer vacation.

You may see several of the artist’s Saturday Evening Post covers.

Likewise, you can find sculptures, nature walks, fields, and gardens on the museum’s 36-acre grounds.

Bring your walking shoes and get some fresh air along the Norman Rockwell Museum.

Exterior of Norman Rockwell Museum

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Final Thoughts

Art-lovers will find the Berkshires a fantastic place to visit.

With so many museums and art institutions in one location, choosing a place that appeals to your interests might be challenging.

Bookmark this post to help you experience the best things to do in the Berkshires!

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