Springfield Armory National Historic Site

If you're a military history enthusiast—or a gun enthusiast—this National Historic Site is a must-visit. You'll also learn a lot about mass production and how it affected the development of our military. Take a tour guided by a volunteer to learn fascinating details you wouldn't know otherwise. This National Historic Site was our country's first armory.

Don't miss the Visitor Center. There is a description of how the first rifles were made, along with some very rare weapons. Keep your eyes open for the gun that saved its owner when it was struck by lightning.

A few practical matters: Parking is free (yay!). Plus there is air conditioning to better preserve the historical artifacts. This makes it an ideal stop in the middle of a hot day. Plan to spend an hour or so here, more if you love weaponry.

While there are no restaurants on site, you can find plenty of places in Springfield to get your eat on. If you're looking for a place to stay in the Springfield area, check out the cabins available through Hipcamp, or find a bucolic spot in the Berkshires to pitch your tent.