The Top 10 Can't-Miss Attractions Near Amherst, MA

Every time we spend a few days in Amherst, we remember why it’s one of the most intriguing towns in Massachusetts. It’s got the brains (three colleges), the scenery (rolling hills, seasonal foliage), and a curious personality that’s hard to pin down—but easy to appreciate.

This isn’t a list of the most Instagrammed spots. It’s a curated guide for people who like to poke around libraries, lose time in quiet museums, and follow trails that really go somewhere. Here are 10 can't-miss stops in and around Amherst. Bring your hiking boots and your curiosity—you’ll use both.

1. Emily Dickinson Museum

Location: 280 Main Street, Amherst, MA
Price: $6–$16 per person (based on age/tour option)

Emily Dickinson never left home much—and you may not want to either once you walk through her family’s preserved 19th-century dwelling. The Homestead and The Evergreens next door provide a window into her fiercely private world.

You’ll see the desk where she wrote nearly 1,800 poems, the conservatory that fed her love for botany, and the same staircases she padded up and down in solitude. Tours are led by folks who know their stuff and treat her legacy with the respect (and occasional irreverence) it deserves.

2. Beneski Museum of Natural History

Location: 11 Barrett Hill Rd, Amherst College Campus
Price: Free

If you haven’t stood face-to-face with a Columbian mammoth lately, consider this your invitation. The Beneski Museum is packed with more than 1,700 specimens on display—from shimmering minerals to ancient footprints trapped in stone.

It’s housed inside a stunning modern building at Amherst College, but don’t worry—it’s quiet, free, and rarely crowded. Bring your inner eight-year-old. And maybe a paleontology podcast to listen to on the way home.

3. Amherst Farmers’ Market

Location: Amherst Town Common, Saturdays (late April–mid-November)
Price: Free entry; most vendors accept cash or card

This is more than just carrots and kale. The Amherst Farmers’ Market is where the town wakes up on Saturday morning. The produce is seasonal and local, the bread is baked just hours earlier, and the people-watching is top tier.

Grab a fresh cider donut and chat with a farmer about their heirloom tomatoes. The vendors are friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate—plus, the relaxed atmosphere will make you want to linger for a while.

4. Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art

Location: 125 W Bay Rd, Amherst, MA
Price: $9–$15 (children under 1 free)

This one surprises a lot of people. Yes, it’s a museum about picture books—but it’s also a serious art space. Original illustrations from childhood favorites line the walls, and exhibits rotate regularly to spotlight diverse artists and voices.

Eric Carle, author of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, helped found the museum, and it carries his spirit: colorful, thoughtful, and curious about the world. Great with kids, but also great if you just need a break from adulting for a while.

5. Mount Holyoke Range State Park

Location: 1500 West St, Amherst, MA
Price: Free entry; seasonal parking fees may apply

If you’re craving fresh air and elevation, head east. This state park covers over 3,000 acres and offers a satisfying mix of casual walks and quad-testing climbs.



Start at the Notch Visitor Center for maps and info. The views from the summit trails—especially at Mount Norwottuck—are totally worth the effort. Bring water, trail snacks, and maybe a walking stick if you’re not feeling mountain goat-adjacent that day.

6. Mead Art Museum

Location: 41 Quadrangle Dr, Amherst College
Price:  Free

Tucked quietly into the Amherst College campus, the Mead Art Museum punches way above its weight. The collection spans thousands of years—from ancient artifacts to modern photography.

There’s something unexpectedly powerful about wandering these intimate galleries without the usual museum chaos. Look out for exhibitions that lean academic, you’ll find plenty that are thought-provoking without becoming, well, boring.

7. Puffer’s Pond

Location: State Street, North Amherst
Price: Free

Ask any local where to spend a lazy afternoon, and odds are they’ll point you toward Puffer’s Pond. It’s a quiet retreat with walking trails, shaded spots, and one of the only places in town where you can swim legally (and comfortably).

Bring a blanket, a book, and maybe a sandwich from a downtown deli. Bonus points if you can find a spot by the waterfall—it’s pretty magical.

8. Amherst Cinema Arts Center

Location: 28 Amity St, Amherst, MA
Price: $8.50–$12.50 per ticket

This three-screen nonprofit theater is the heart of Amherst’s indie film scene. You’ll catch everything from Oscar contenders to under-the-radar foreign films—and they host guest speakers, filmmaker Q&As, and special events year-round.

It’s a great alternative to your typical Friday night, especially when paired with dinner downtown. Check their calendar online before you go—there’s always something interesting coming up.

9. Norwottuck Rail Trail

Location: Start at Station Rd in Amherst or Damon Rd in Northampton
Price: Free

This 11-mile trail runs from Amherst to Northampton, and it’s one of the easiest ways to experience the natural beauty of the Pioneer Valley—without needing hiking boots.



Flat, paved, and bike-friendly, the trail cuts through farmland, wetlands, and scenic bridges. It’s quiet enough for introspective walks but social enough that you won’t feel completely off the grid. Bring a bike, rent one locally, or just walk a few miles and turn around. There are no bad sections.

10. Jones Library

Location: 43 Amity St, Amherst, MA
Price: Free

If you're the kind of traveler who always peeks into local libraries, you’ll love this place. The Jones Library is a well-loved community space with historic archives, rotating art shows, and even Robert Frost memorabilia.

Spend an hour here before a movie or after lunch. If nothing else, it’s a great spot to cool down in summer or warm up in winter—and maybe discover your next favorite read.

Where to Stay: The Black Walnut Inn

After all this exploring, you’ll want a place that feels as thoughtful and well-designed as the rest of your trip. The Black Walnut Inn is that place. We’re not a generic hotel—we’re the kind of inn where breakfast feels like a morning event and the beds might just reset your standards.

The Location:? Just minutes from everything on this list. The rooms? Each one is different, blending modern comfort with timeless design. It’s the ideal base for anyone who wants to enjoy Amherst fully—and return to a quiet, well-cared-for space at the end of the day.

Ready to plan your trip? Book your stay at The Black Walnut Inn and explore Amherst the way it deserves to be explored: thoughtfully, locally, and with great coffee.

Call to Action

Whether you're looking for a quiet walk along a beautiful trail, wanting to spend a few hours lost in an art museum, or longing to experience some world class dining, the Black Walnut Inn is conveniently located to begin your adventures. Book with us today!