Buckland MassachusettsATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Buckland, Massachusetts.
1. Bridge of Flowers
HISTORIC FLORAL PATHWAY
The Bridge of Flowers is a former trolley bridge connecting the two sections of the downtown area that was converted into a pathway of flowers in 1929. It spans between Buckland and Shelburne in the downtown Shelburne Falls district, offering visitors a unique walking experience. The bridge serves as both a functional pedestrian crossing and a beautiful botanical display.
2. Buckland Historical Society Museum
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Buckland Historical Society Museum is housed in a former schoolhouse on Upper Street in Buckland Center. Displays include early kitchen furniture, tools, and photographs of local school groups that showcase the area's rich history. The museum is open on the second and fourth Sundays of July and August from 2 to 4 p.m.
3. Wilder House
18TH CENTURY SALTBOX
Wilder House is an old 1775 saltbox house located on Route 112 filled with historical memorabilia. The property includes a barn housing a weaving studio and displaying old farm implements, as well as a cobbler's shop. The Wilder Homestead Sampler is held annually on the Sunday of Columbus Day weekend.
4. Buckland Recreation Area
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES HUB
The Buckland Recreation Area encompasses 21 acres off Route 112 offering multiple recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy basketball, softball, cross-country skiing, fishing, picnicking, and nature observation throughout the year. Season or day passes are available, with pavilion rental options for large parties.
5. Crab Apple Whitewater
THRILLING RIVER ADVENTURES
Crab Apple Whitewater offers exciting whitewater rafting experiences in the region near Buckland. The company has earned a stellar 4.9 rating from over 750 reviewers, indicating the high quality of their river adventure services. Visitors can experience the thrill of navigating local rapids with experienced guides.
6. Nancy L. Dole Used Books & Ephemera
LITERARY TREASURE TROVE
Nancy L. Dole Used Books & Ephemera is a highly-rated bookstore with a perfect 5.0 rating from reviewers. The shop specializes in used books and ephemera, offering literary treasures for book enthusiasts and collectors. Visitors can browse through a carefully curated collection in a charming setting.
7. Floodwater Brewing Co.
CRAFT BEER EXPERIENCE
Floodwater Brewing Co. is a popular craft brewery in the Shelburne Falls area with a 4.7 rating from visitors. The brewery offers locally crafted beers in a welcoming atmosphere that appeals to both locals and tourists. Beer enthusiasts can sample unique brews while enjoying the ambiance of this local establishment.
8. Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum
HISTORIC TRANSPORTATION EXHIBIT
The Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum preserves and displays the transportation history of the area with a 4.3 rating from visitors. The museum offers insights into the historical trolley system that once connected communities in this region. Visitors can learn about local transportation development through engaging exhibits and possibly trolley rides.
9. Buckland Public Library
COMMUNITY KNOWLEDGE CENTER
The Buckland Public Library serves as an important community resource for residents and visitors alike. The library provides access to books, digital resources, and community information in a welcoming environment. It represents an important cultural institution within this small rural community of approximately 2,000 people.
10. Mohawk Trail
SCENIC DRIVING ROUTE
The Mohawk Trail is a historic and scenic roadway that passes near Buckland through the picturesque landscapes of Western Massachusetts. This famous route offers spectacular views, especially during fall foliage season when the colors are at their peak. Travelers can enjoy numerous pull-offs, overlooks, and small businesses catering to tourists along this celebrated byway.
11. High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary
PANORAMIC NATURE VIEWS
High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary offers spectacular panoramic views of the Deerfield River Valley and the Berkshire Mountains. The sanctuary features hiking trails through diverse habitats including woodlands and meadows rich with wildflowers and wildlife. Visitors can enjoy bird watching and nature photography while taking in some of the most scenic vistas in the region.
12. Glacial Potholes
NATURAL GEOLOGICAL WONDER
The Glacial Potholes are a fascinating geological formation located in the Deerfield River at Shelburne Falls. These naturally carved depressions were formed over 14,000 years ago by the swirling action of rocks and water during the glacial melt. Visitors can view these impressive cylindrical holes in the bedrock from a designated observation area.
13. Salmon Falls Gallery
LOCAL ART SHOWCASE
Salmon Falls Gallery showcases the work of regional artists in a converted historic mill building in downtown Shelburne Falls. The gallery features rotating exhibitions of paintings, sculptures, pottery, jewelry, and other fine crafts created by talented local artisans. Visitors can appreciate the artistic heritage of the region while perhaps finding a unique piece to take home.
14. Berkshire East Mountain Resort
FOUR-SEASON ADVENTURE DESTINATION
Berkshire East Mountain Resort is a four-season outdoor recreation destination located near Buckland. In winter, visitors enjoy skiing and snowboarding, while summer activities include mountain biking, ziplining, and whitewater rafting opportunities. The resort is known for being powered by renewable energy, adding an eco-friendly aspect to its adventure offerings.
15. Arms Cemetery
HISTORIC BURIAL GROUND
Arms Cemetery is a historic burial ground dating back to the early settlement period of the region. The cemetery contains graves of notable local historical figures and features traditional New England funerary art on many of its headstones. Visitors interested in local history and genealogy often explore the peaceful grounds to connect with the area's past.