Springfield Armory National Historic Site

Things To Do Near Springfield Armory National Historic Site

The Springfield Armory National Historic Site is one of the best places to learn about America’s military armament history. Visitors can walk the grounds of the armory and see historic buildings and experience a scenic view overlooking Springfield. The main attraction at the Armory is the museum, which teaches visitors how tools and manufacturing methods developed over two centuries of weapon production. 

Hiking Trails

• Connecticut River Walk and Bikeway

  Take in the sights of the Connecticut River on this paved path, perfect for walking, running, and biking. The pathway also passes through Springfield's Riverfront Park, a great place to relax and take in the sights.

  Location

  Connecticut Riverwalk and Bikeway, Springfield, MA 01105

  Length

  3.7 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

Sightseeing

• Ranger-Guided Tours

  The Springfield Armory National Historic Site offers ranger-guided tours. Rangers take visitors on a tour of the historic collection of small arms and rifles as well as the industrial tools used to produce them. If the weather permits, the guided tour continues across the Armory grounds, and visitors get a chance to learn about the different buildings at the site. 

  Location

  Springfield Armory National Historic Site, One Armory Square, Springfield, MA 01105

• Self-Guided Tours

  For those who enjoy self-guided tours, the Armory features the Wartime Sisters walking tour, which takes visitors on a walk around the Armory grounds and offers information about various buildings. Informational signage describing the various functions of buildings is located throughout the grounds, and the museum offers supplemental material for the exhibits. 

  Location

  Springfield Armory National Historic Site, One Armory Square, Springfield, MA 01105

Museums

• Springfield Armory Museum

  Interestingly, the museum at the Springfield Armory is a historical artifact itself. The museum has existed on the grounds for over 150 years. Today, the museum features exhibits of tools that were used to create precision rifles and reliable small-arms munitions for over 200 years. The site also provides information on the historical impact that the Armory had on the surrounding area, and how the Armory helped create the city of Springfield that exists today. 

  Location

  Springfield Armory National Historic Site, One Armory Square, Springfield, MA 01105

• Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History

  Hosting one of the most comprehensive collections of items significant to the history of the Connecticut River Valley, this museum features exhibits of firearms, automobiles, and motorcycles. Known for its historical research facilities, this museum is one of four museums in Springfield’s "quadrangle," which is located within walking distance of the Springfield Armory National Historic Site.

  Location

  21 Edwards St, Springfield, MA 01103

• George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum

  This museum features the collection of George Walter Vincent Smith and includes numerous Japanese, Chinese, Italian, and Greek artifacts and works of art. The site also features a large collection of 19th-century paintings and watercolors. 

  Location

  21 Edwards St, Springfield, MA 01103

• Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts

  The Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts houses a large collection of European and American paintings and sculptures. The museum also features a sizeable collection of Japanese prints, metalwork, and ceramics. 

  Location

  21 Edwards St, Springfield, MA 01103

• Springfield Science Museum

  The Springfield Science Museum features several galleries dedicated to earth science, as well as a planetarium offering in-depth presentations about stars, planets, and the entire universe. The museum also features a live animal center and hands-on activity lab for children. 

  Location

  21 Edwards St, Springfield, MA 01103

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Theodore’s Booze, Blues & BBQ

  One of the few barbecue restaurants near Springfield, Theodore’s offers great mains and sides that are moderately priced. They feature live music and are just a short drive away from the Springfield Armory in downtown Springfield, MA. Theodore’s kitchen is open until 9 p.m.

  Location

  201 Worthington Street, Springfield, MA 01103

• White Hu

  For a quick bite of tasty cooking, few places are better than White Hut. This fast-food impersonator serves staples like burgers, hot dogs, fries, and milkshakes. Setting them apart from the chain restaurants are their high-quality ingredients and delicious food. White Hut is known to the locals as one of the best places for a delectable, affordable nosh. It's open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but be sure to get there quickly later in the day because their kitchen closes at 6 p.m. 

  Location

  280 Memorial Avenue, West Springfield, MA 01089

• Sam’s Outdoor Outfitters

  Sam’s is a local independently owned outfitter that has everything a vacationer may need for hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting. Travelers can also get equipment for water activities like kayaking and canoeing. Sam’s Outdoor Outfitters has been helping the people of Vermont, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire enjoy their time in the wilderness since 1932. 

  Location

  227 Russell Street, Hadley, MA 01035

How To Get To Springfield Armory National Historic Site

From Bradley International Airport in Hartford, take Interstate 91 northbound to Exit 6 and turn right onto State Street two blocks after exiting. Drive east for approximately .75 miles and turn left onto Federal Street. After about 100 yards, the main gate to the Armory will be on the left. 

From Logan International Airport in Boston, take Interstate 90 westbound and follow Exit 4 to merge onto Interstate 91 southbound. Take Exit 7 off Interstate 91 and turn left onto State Street. Drive east approximately .75 miles and turn left onto Federal Street. After about 100 yards, the main gate to the Armory will be on the left. 

The site is open year-round, but guided tours of the grounds are only offered while the weather permits. Summer is the busiest time at the Armory, but there is ample space, and it is usually not crowded. The site is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Memorial Day through October 31 and Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from November 1 to Memorial Day. 

Address

Springfield Armory National Historic Site, 160 Derby Street, Salem, MA 01970

Fee: Entry fee $0

The Springfield Armory National Historic Site is among the best examples of American military history surviving today. After two centuries of active production, the Armory tells a story not only of American weapon manufacturing but also American industry and mechanization. RV travelers will enjoy visiting Springfield, and the Springfield Armory National Historic Site is essential to any tour of American history. When you travel by RV, you'll have the opportunity to visit the Armory as one destination of many across an area full of historical significance.