Springfield is the gateway to the northern New England states and birthplace of famed children's author Dr. Seuss as well as the popular sport of basketball. It is also home to the famous Eastern States Exposition, also known as The Big E. Visitors come from all over the East Coast to attend this famous fair in nearby West Springfield.

Downtown Springfield

As the first Springfield in the United States (first of nearly 22), there are plenty of colonial sights to be seen in the Downtown area. Starting at Court Square, there is the old Town Green of the city, around which are the lovely City Hall, Symphony Hall, Old First Church, Hampden County Courthouse and several other pre-Civil War brick structures. One of the biggest draws in the center of Springfield is The Quadrangle, four museums surrounding a beautiful sculpture garden dedicated to the works of Dr. Seuss with large statues and a monument to the writer.

South End

Just off of I-91 is the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, a modern 21st-century museum devoted to all things basketball. This area is also home to the city's Italian community and there are numerous bakeries, restaurants, stores, churches and clubs that cater to the residents of this small neighborhood. The scenic Connecticut River also runs along this area with the Riverfront Park, where you can gather for picnics, a stroll or a bike ride. The Connecticut River Walk and Bikeway, a planned 13-mile stretch from Agawam to Chicopee, is near completion and offers flat paths along the Connecticut River.

Forest Park

One of the loveliest neighborhoods of Springfield is Forest Park, a residential section of the city that is over 40% park land. During the warmer months, the Zoo in Forest Park is open to delight young and old with over 150 animals and a propane-fueled road train to take guests around the premise. Every holiday season, visitors come from all around in their cars or on tour buses to enjoy Bright Nights, a two and a half mile-spectacle of Christmas lights with decorated houses, electric Dr. Seuss characters, a replica of Everett Barney's mansion and much more.

Agawam

Agawam, the small city bordering northern Connecticut, is home to Six Flags New England & Hurricane Harbor. One of the region's most popular tourist destinations, Six Flags boasts plenty of roller coasters and a full water park for those hot summer days.

West Springfield

Separate from Springfield since 1756, West Springfield is home to The Big E, New England's great state fair. Every September, the two week celebration of all things New England is one of the area's biggest attractions with carnival rides, food stands, arts and crafts, agricultural booths and much more. For those interested in how life used to be in New England, Storrowton Village offers a glimpse of rural life in the 1830s.