Quick Summary: Amherst has deep roots with famous poet Emily Dickinson. Her great great grandfather, Nathaniel Dickinson, was one of the first Europeans to visit Amherst in 1665. Today, guests can visit the Dickinson homes, several other local museums, and indulge in fantastic New England food. Amherst College and Hampshire College encourage education and culture appreciation, and whose campuses are well worth visiting. Massachusetts is cold in the winter with a temperate climate in the spring and summer, so plan your activities accordingly.


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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Beneski Museum of Natural History ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Museums & Culture
Beneski Museum of Natural History | Things to Do in Amherst, MA
© Hunta/stock.adobe.com

2. Emily Dickinson Museum ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Museums & Culture
Emily Dickinson Museum | Things to Do in Amherst, MA
© Emily Dickinson Museum

3. Puffers Pond

Puffers Pond | Things to Do in Amherst, MA
© Aleksandra/stock.adobe.com

4. Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art

Category: Museums & Culture
Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art | Things to Do in Amherst, MA
© Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art

5. Amherst College

Amherst College | Things to Do in Amherst, MA
© Amherst College

6. Yiddish Book Center

Category: Attractions
Yiddish Book Center | Things to Do in Amherst, MA
© Yiddish Book Center

7. Mead Art Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
Mead Art Museum | Things to Do in Amherst, MA
© Seventyfour/stock.adobe.com

8. Mount Holyoke Range State Park

Category: Activities
Mount Holyoke Range State Park | Things to Do in Amherst, MA
© guruXOX/stock.adobe.com

9. Amherst Public Library

Category: Kids & Family
Amherst Public Library | Things to Do in Amherst, MA
© Amherst Public Library

10. Metacomet-Monadnock Trail

Category: Activities
Metacomet-Monadnock Trail | Things to Do in Amherst, MA
© pavel1964/stock.adobe.com

11. Hampshire College

Hampshire College | Things to Do in Amherst, MA
© Hampshire College/Benson

12. UMass Fine Arts Center

Category: Attractions
UMass Fine Arts Center | Things to Do in Amherst, MA
© UMass Fine Arts Center

13. Mullins Center

Category: Attractions
Mullins Center | Things to Do in Amherst, MA
© Mullins Center

14. Sweetser Park

Category: Activities
Sweetser Park | Things to Do in Amherst, MA
© tonktiti/stock.adobe.com

15. Osteria Vespa

Osteria Vespa | Things to Do in Amherst, MA
© Osteria Vespa

16. Works Cafe

Category: Food & Drink
Works Cafe | Things to Do in Amherst, MA
© Works CafĂ©

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