Lee MassachusettsATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Lee, Massachusetts.
1. High Lawn Farm
ARTISANAL DAIRY EXPERIENCE
High Lawn Farm is a rural dairy farm offering homemade ice cream flavors and fresh dairy products. Visitors can enjoy generous ice cream servings and cheese tastings while taking in picturesque scenery. The farm provides a unique opportunity to see friendly Jersey cows in their natural environment.
2. Lee Premium Outlets
DESIGNER SHOPPING VILLAGE
Lee Premium Outlets is a shopping destination designed to mirror an outdoor, quaint New England village in the beautiful Berkshires. This shopping mecca offers a variety of brand-name stores with discounted prices. Located conveniently off exit 10, it provides a comprehensive shopping experience for visitors to the area.
3. October Mountain State Forest
EXPANSIVE WOODLAND RECREATION
October Mountain State Forest is Massachusetts' largest state forest, offering camping and outdoor recreation opportunities. The forest features hiking trails, camping sites, and opportunities for visitors to connect with nature. While small and tranquil, it's perfect for those looking to camp, make a fire, and enjoy a barbecue in a natural setting.
4. Goose Pond Reservation
SERENE MOUNTAIN LAKE
Goose Pond Reservation offers visitors a chance to paddle across Lower Goose Pond, a beautiful mountain lake. The lake is anchored by steep ridgelines that also support a remote section of the 2,100-mile Appalachian Trail. This natural wildlife area provides peaceful surroundings for outdoor enthusiasts looking to connect with nature.
5. Lee Library
HISTORIC LITERARY HAVEN
The Lee Library stands as a notable architectural building in the heart of Lee. Beyond its collection of books, the library serves as a cultural cornerstone for the community. Its high ratings from visitors suggest it offers excellent services and a welcoming environment for both locals and tourists.
6. Tanglewood Music Center
PRESTIGIOUS SUMMER CONCERT VENUE
Tanglewood Music Center is the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and one of the most renowned music venues in the Berkshires. Located just a short drive from Lee, this open-air venue hosts classical performances, popular artists, and the Tanglewood Music Festival throughout the summer months. Visitors can enjoy picnics on the lawn while listening to world-class music against the backdrop of beautiful Berkshire scenery.
7. Norman Rockwell Museum
ICONIC AMERICAN ART
The Norman Rockwell Museum houses the world's largest collection of original Norman Rockwell art. Located in nearby Stockbridge, the museum showcases the artist's beloved depictions of American life and culture through paintings, drawings, and studies. Visitors can also tour Rockwell's studio, which was moved to the museum grounds from its original location.
8. Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival
PREMIER DANCE CELEBRATION
Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival is America's longest-running international dance festival, offering performances throughout the summer season. Set on a historic 220-acre farm in the Berkshires, the venue features indoor and outdoor stages hosting diverse dance companies from around the world. Beyond performances, the Pillow offers talks, exhibitions, and community classes, making it a complete immersion into dance culture.
9. The Clark Art Institute
FINE ART COLLECTION
The Clark Art Institute houses a remarkable collection of European and American art, particularly strong in French Impressionism and American paintings. The museum combines exceptional art with beautiful architecture set on a 140-acre campus featuring reflecting pools and walking trails. Visitors can enjoy both cultural enrichment and natural beauty in one inspiring location.
10. Hancock Shaker Village
LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM
Hancock Shaker Village is a living history museum dedicated to preserving the heritage of the Shakers, a religious group known for their simple living and craftsmanship. The village features 20 authentic buildings, including the iconic round stone barn, filled with Shaker furniture and artifacts. Visitors can experience demonstrations of Shaker crafts, farming practices, and daily life as it was in the 19th century.
11. Berkshire Botanical Garden
HORTICULTURAL PARADISE
Berkshire Botanical Garden showcases 15 acres of diverse display gardens and collections featuring both native and exotic plants. Established in 1934, it's one of the oldest public gardens in the region, offering seasonal beauty from spring bulbs to fall foliage. The garden hosts educational programs, art exhibits, and the popular Harvest Festival each autumn, making it a year-round destination for garden enthusiasts.
12. The Mount - Edith Wharton's Home
LITERARY HISTORIC ESTATE
The Mount is the turn-of-the-century estate designed and built by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Edith Wharton. This elegant property reflects Wharton's design principles described in her book 'The Decoration of Houses' and features meticulously restored interiors and formal gardens. Visitors can tour the mansion, explore the extensive grounds, and learn about Wharton's literary contributions and fascinating life.
13. MASS MoCA
CONTEMPORARY ART COMPLEX
MASS MoCA (Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art) is one of the largest centers for contemporary visual and performing arts in the United States, housed in a vast complex of renovated 19th-century factory buildings. The museum features enormous galleries with long-term installations by major artists like Sol LeWitt and James Turrell, alongside changing exhibitions of innovative contemporary work. Beyond visual art, MASS MoCA hosts concerts, films, dance performances, and summer festivals throughout the year.
14. Ozzie's Glass Gallery
ARTISAN GLASSBLOWING STUDIO
Ozzie's Glass Gallery showcases beautiful handcrafted glass creations in the heart of Lee. The gallery features the work of talented artisans with unique glass pieces available for purchase. Visitors can witness the fascinating process of glassblowing and appreciate the skill involved in creating these delicate works of art.
15. Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health
WELLNESS RETREAT DESTINATION
Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health is North America's largest yoga retreat center, offering programs in yoga, wellness, and personal growth. Set on a sprawling campus overlooking Lake Mahkeenac, the center provides accommodations ranging from dormitory-style rooms to private suites. Visitors can participate in daily yoga classes, wellness workshops, outdoor activities, and enjoy nutritious, mindfully prepared meals in a peaceful Berkshires setting.