Holyoke Tourist Attractions
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Holyoke, located on the Connecticut River, is known as the birthplace of the sport of volleyball, where it was invented by W.G. Morgan in 1895. Dinosaur footprints and fossils have been found in nearby Dinosaur Footprints Park.
Children's Museum at Holyoke
The Children's Museum at Holyoke features educational and fun hands-on displays about art, science and the world they live in. Children challenge themselves and learn by doing.
Volleyball Hall of Fame
The Volleyball Hall of Fame chronicles the history of the sport from 1895 when W. G. Morgan invented the game of Mintonette, which was later renamed volleyball, through to present day.
Surroundings
Amherst
Amherst is located in the Connecticut River Valley and is home to the University of Massachusetts as well as Amherst College and Hampshire College. The downtown area of Amherst offers many museums, galleries, boutiques, antique shops, bookstores, and entertainment venues.
Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
The Eric Carle Museum is devoted to picture book art. Eric Carle is an author and illustrator of more than 70 books including the 1969 classic, The Very Hungry Caterpillar. The three galleries feature rotating exhibitions of international and national picture book art. There is also a hands-on Art Studio, an Auditorium for performances and lectures, and a Library for reading and storytelling.
Amherst History Museum
Amherst History Museum is housed in the Strong House, built in the mid 1800's. The museum features period rooms, clothing, art, household items and other historical artifacts. The period rooms of the Amherst History Museum are a blend of 19th and 20th C items and styles.
South Hadley
Located on the banks of the Connecticut River just north of Holyoke, South Hadley is the site of the first navigable canal in the USA. Today it is a quiet college town and producer of specialty papers.
Old Firehouse Museum
The Old Firehouse Museum features old fire fighting equipment, documents, historical records and artifacts. The museum pays tribute to the firefighters who worked in the old firehouse from 1899 to 1973. An exhibit on the second floor is dedicated to veterans of WW II.
Joseph Allen Skinner State Park
Volcanic formations and other geological features can be seen from Mount Holyoke in Joseph Allen Skinner State Park.
