Know All About Springfield, Massachusetts

Springfield is rife with culture, history, art, sports and outdoors. You’ll be thrilled with its Victorian architecture, diversity, greenery, nightlife and history. The city maintains an exceptional balance between its rich history and culture, innovations and economy. You can experience its innovations, history and diversity in every alley, in every brick and in every corner of the city.  This gorgeous place will have you come back for more.

In 1636, William Pynchon founded Springfield at the intersection of the Connecticut River and the Agawam. In 1641, it was renamed to Springfield (Essex County, England) that was the hometown of William Pynchon. The town flourished as a trading post and agricultural settlement until 1675 and later grew into an industrial community. In 1777, the United States National Armory was established here by the US Revolutionary War Leaders- George Washington and Henry Knox. In 1794 the first American Musket and the popular Springfield rifle was made. In 1852, Springfield was officially incorporated as a city.  In the 19th century, the city was a main railroad center and witnessed an industrial boom. Several industries like machine manufacturing, printing and finance were laid in the city and thrived. So, its educational system became known.  In the 19th and 20th century, the city produced several innovations and nicknamed as “The City of Progress”. In 2011, it was nickname as “The City of Firsts” because of its many innovations like Merriam-Webster in 1805, first horseless car in American in 1825, discovery of vulcanized rubber in 1844, first gasoline-powered car in America in 1893, and second most famous sport in the world- basketball in 1891, to name a few. From 2007 until 2010, the city grew economically.  It has been a hub of ideological progress, and technological and commercial innovation throughout its history. Today, it is a multicultural city catering to the needs of all. 

It’s not a surprise that Springfield is a cultural, technological and commercial center for Massachusetts.  There are a plethora of things to do and see in Springfield for all ages.

Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is a heaven for hoop fans. It features interactive exhibits, artifacts and memorabilia that depict the history of the the second most popular sport in the world- Basketball. If you’re ardent basketball fan, it is a must-visit spot!

Club Quarter: The Club Quarter is a cluster of 75 nightclubs, restaurants and bars around the historic Stearns Square. Springfield is considered as one of the ten best cities in American for dating according to Yahoo! because of the array of entertainment spots and nightclubs. If you wish to paint the town red, this is the place for you!

Connecticut River Walk Park: The Connecticut River Walk Park is located along the banks of Connecticut River. It offers stunning views of the Springfield skyline, Mount Tom Range and Mount Holyoke Range. Marvel at the scenic beauty around, or go biking, walking, running or rollerblading. This park runs through the Springfield Riverfront Park and provides an easy access to the Basketball Hall of Fame.  

Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden: Take a trip to Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden that features the life-size bronze statues of the famous characters from Dr. Theodor Seuss Geisel’s books, the native of Springfield. The statues are designed by his stepdaughter- Lark Grey Dimond- Cates. 

Forest Park: Spanning over 730 acres overlooking the Connecticut River, the Forest Park features a zoo, a rose garden, a skating arena, Porter Lake of 31 acres, several tennis courts, bocce and basketball courts, playgrounds, tree groves, several statutes, water gardens and Victorian promenades, the Barney Carriage House, walking and hiking trails, swimming pool and an aquatic park. It is one of the largest urban parks in the US where you can indulge in recreation pursuits, enjoy a picnic with family, see the animals up-close, and relax and soak in the beauty of nature. 

MassMutual Center: The MassMutual Center is an arena and convention center that hosts a variety of entertainment and sporting events. It houses the Springfield Thunderbirds, the American Hockey League. In the past, several big-name concerts have held here like The Eagles, Nirvana, Bob Dylan, Marilyn Manson and Van Halen, just to name a few. It can accommodate about 8000 people. A perfect place to catch a concert or sporting event!

The Quadrangle: The Quadrangle is a group of various cultural spots and museums located in Metro Center. At the center of the Quadrangle is the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden that is surrounded by four museums (fifth museum will open in June 2017), a library, a cathedral and a park. It includes Museum of Fine Arts that features Dutch Renaissance and Impressionists collections along with a wide collection of American and European work of art; Springfield Science Museum that features a huge dinosaur exhibit, the first planetarium of US and several exhibits based on physical science and natural; the George Walter Vincent Smith Museum that features an impressive collections of Asian armor, Islamic carpets, Chinese cloisonne and many American and European paintings; and the Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History that features the history of Springfield from its early beginnings and its role as the City of Firsts and the City of Progress.  

 Springfield Armory National Park: The Springfield Armory National Park features a museum that houses one of the largest collections of military weapons in the world. Delve into the U.S. Military history at this national historic site. The Springfield Armory was the major site where Springfield rifle and first American musket was created. 

City Stage at Symphony Hall: Catch live entertainment at the City Stage at Symphony Hall. This performing arts venue features an array of shows/concerts like musicals, comedy shows, plays, dramas, Broadways show and much more. 

Springfield is known for its diversity. It embraces people of all backgrounds and ethnic groups. White, Black or African American, Alaska Native and American Indian, Asian, Native Hawaiian and several other races call Springfield home. Also, the city tremendously supports LGBT population. There has been a great percentage of LGBT population in the city and the voice of this community is celebrated every year in the form of festivals- Springfield LGBT Film Festival. 

John Brown, James Naismith (Basketball inventor), William Pynchon (Springfield city founder), Timothy Leary (Writer),  James McNeill Whistler (Painter), John Cena (Wrestler WWE),  Billy Curtis (Actor), Taj Mahal (Blues Musical Artist), and many more. 

UTC-GMT Offset: Springfield is GMT/UTC-5hours during Standard Time and GMT/UTC-4hours during Daylight Saving Time

Daylight Saving Time Usage: Springfield uses Daylight Saving Time

Time Zone Abbrev.: EST is abbreviated for Eastern Standard Time and EDT is abbreviated for Eastern Daylight Time

Springfield area code: 413

You can visit Springfield all around the year. However, the best time to visit is September through November and March through May when the temperature is comfortable with pleasant mornings and cool nights.  Springfield holds numerous cultural and art festivals throughout the year. Some of the favorites are:

Springfield LGBT Film Festival (April)

World's Largest Pancake Breakfast (May)

Hoop City Jazz Festival  (July)

The Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival (August)

Mattoon Street Arts Festival  (September)

The Parade of Big Balloons (November)

Bright Nights (November to January)