Springfield Armory National Historic Site

"Stopped here spontaneously on our way to the Berkshires, and so glad we did! Excellent guide, and everyone on staff was so friendly and knowledgeable. Fascinating collection, beautiful building, sparkling clean and thoughtfully laid out. A real treat, and such a rich part of our state's history! We'd highly recommend it to other homeschool families like us! Thank you!"

"A Must-Visit for History Buffs and Weapon Enthusiasts The Springfield Armory National Historic Site is an absolute gem for anyone interested in American history and military artifacts. From the moment you step onto the grounds, you're transported back in time to the height of the Industrial Revolution, when Springfield was a major center for firearms manufacturing. The highlight of the museum is undoubtedly the collection of weapons. It's truly awe-inspiring to see such a vast array of firearms from different eras, from muskets used in the Revolutionary War to cutting-edge modern weapons. The exhibits are well-curated and informative, providing fascinating insights into the evolution of weaponry and its impact on history. But the Springfield Armory is more than just guns. The historic buildings themselves are worth a visit, with their grand architecture and impressive displays of machinery used in the manufacturing process. There are also exhibits on the role of the armory in American society and culture, which I found particularly interesting. I especially enjoyed the interactive exhibits, which allowed me to get a hands-on experience with some of the weapons. I even learned how to load a musket! The staff was also incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, and they were happy to answer any questions I had. Overall, I highly recommend the Springfield Armory National Historic Site to anyone looking for a unique and educational experience. It's a great place to learn about American history, see some amazing weapons, and explore a fascinating piece of industrial heritage. Here are some additional tips for your visit: Allow plenty of time to explore the museum, as there's a lot to see and do. Wear comfortable shoes, as there's a lot of walking involved."

"Interesting movie and presentations. I wish we had more time to spend here because we definitely didn't get to see everything. The junior ranger program was appropriate for small children too"

"As a firearms enthusiast and amateur historian I cannot recommend a stop at Springfield Armory more! The displays of one of a kind, and specialty weaponry are quite impressive. So much history, and excellent examples of the engineering and machining prowess that helped arm the U.S. Military for many decades. Almost more impressive than the firearms was the absolutely amazing park service staff that I spoke with at length about a variety of interesting topics. It’s great to see folks working here take pride in what they do."

"My visit to The Springfield Armory National Historical Site was amazing. The staff members on site were extremely helpful even going so far as to provide me with a helpful list of New England history sights worth visiting. The collection on display provides an unparalleled look at the history of United States small arms from The American Revolution through to the when the Armory ceased operation in 1968. Of particular interest there are a few weapons on display which have suffered from freak accidents, including a gun which has been struck by lightning. This sight is a must see if you are in the Springfield area, budget between one to two hours if you want to read everything and look at all the firearms."