Gill MassachusettsATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Gill, Massachusetts.
1. French King Gorge
SCENIC NATURAL WONDER
The French King Gorge is an ecological, scenic and agricultural gem formed thousands of years ago by glacial melt waters. Looking out from the Route 2 bridge that connects Gill to Erving, visitors will experience one of the most distinctive views in Massachusetts. The gorge offers breathtaking vistas of the Connecticut River and surrounding landscape, especially stunning during fall foliage season.
2. Stacy Mountain Preserve
WILDLIFE AND HIKING TRAILS
Stacy Mountain Preserve is a 169-acre scenic mountain preserve featuring rich forest, cliffs, and vernal pools in the Connecticut River's French King Gorge. The preserve provides habitat for rare species including the Jefferson salamander, spotted turtle, and five state-threatened plant species. Visitors can explore marked trails that, while steep in places, offer rewarding natural experiences for outdoor enthusiasts.
3. The Gill Tavern
LOCAL FARM-TO-TABLE DINING
The Gill Tavern, housed in the newly renovated historic Gill Store, has served as a gathering place for the community for over 200 years. The tavern serves meals made with locally grown produce and features a fully stocked bar with beer from the People's Pint. The establishment aims to nourish the dining and gathering needs of Gill and neighboring towns in an atmosphere that fosters friendship, community, and respect for the environment.
4. Upinngil Farm
ORGANIC FARM AND STORE
Upinngil Farm is a popular local farm located at 411 Main Road in Gill offering fresh baked goods, cheeses, raw milk, and grains. The farm features a fancy self-serve computer setup that allows for credit card purchases. Visitors can enjoy locally produced goods in a charming farm setting that exemplifies the agricultural traditions of the region.
5. Peterman's Boards And Bowls
ARTISANAL WOODCRAFT SHOP
Peterman's Boards And Bowls is one of the top attractions in Gill, offering handcrafted wooden items made from local materials. The shop specializes in unique, functional art pieces that showcase the natural beauty of wood grain and expert craftsmanship. Visitors can purchase one-of-a-kind souvenirs or gifts while supporting local artisans.
6. Gill Historical Collection
LOCAL HISTORY MUSEUM
The Gill Historical Collection is located in the former Riverside School on Route 2, consisting of two rooms featuring many reminders of the town's history. The collection includes early Gill photographs, fossils, artifacts, letters from important scientists, poetry and writing of early Gill residents, ice cutting implements, farm implements, and old newspapers. Among the notable items is the famous photograph of the science building burning at Mt. Hermon School while a football game was being played.
7. Barton Cove Recreation Area
WATER ACTIVITIES AND CAMPING
Barton Cove Recreation Area offers multiple outdoor activities including camping, canoeing, and kayaking along the Connecticut River. The area includes a boat ramp on Route 2 less than a mile east of the Gill-Montague Bridge, providing excellent river access for water enthusiasts. FirstLight operates a private camping, picnic, and canoe launching area several hundred yards to the east, making it a comprehensive outdoor recreation destination.
8. French King Bridge
ICONIC RIVER CROSSING
The French King Bridge on Route 2 spans the Connecticut River between Gill and Erving, providing scenic views to the north and south where the Millers River empties into the Connecticut. The iron bridge, built in 1932 and renovated in 1992, stands as an architectural landmark in the region. It's particularly popular as a tourist stop during foliage season when the surrounding landscape transforms into brilliant autumn colors.
9. Common People Concerts
FREE SUMMER MUSIC SERIES
Common People Concerts offers free weekly concerts on the town common every Tuesday from June through August. The concert series features diverse acts ranging from reggae to members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. These community gatherings provide entertainment for locals and visitors alike while showcasing the town's vibrant cultural scene.
10. Conte Refuge Education Centers
ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING HUB
The Conte Refuge Education Centers offer visitors an opportunity to learn about local ecosystems and wildlife conservation efforts in the Connecticut River watershed. These centers provide educational programs, exhibits, and resources about the diverse flora and fauna of the region. Visitors can gain a deeper understanding of environmental stewardship while exploring the natural heritage of Massachusetts.
11. Northfield Mountain Recreation Center
FOUR-SEASON OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Northfield Mountain Recreation Center is a premier outdoor destination located near Gill offering activities throughout all four seasons. In winter, visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on groomed trails, while summer brings opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and paddling on the Connecticut River. The center also offers environmental education programs and hosts special events throughout the year.
12. Great Falls Discovery Center
RIVER VALLEY HERITAGE SITE
The Great Falls Discovery Center showcases the natural, cultural, and industrial history of the Connecticut River watershed. Located in a complex of former mill buildings in nearby Turners Falls, the center features dioramas of the watershed's habitats from mountain ridges to the estuary. Visitors can explore exhibits about Native American history, the industrial revolution, and current conservation efforts in the region.
13. Historic Deerfield
LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM
Historic Deerfield is an outdoor museum featuring beautifully preserved 18th and 19th-century houses with period furnishings on a mile-long street. Visitors can experience New England history through guided tours, demonstrations of colonial crafts, and special exhibitions about early American life. The museum's collection includes more than 27,000 objects made or used in America between 1650 and 1900, providing an authentic glimpse into the nation's past.
14. Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory
TROPICAL BUTTERFLY PARADISE
Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory houses nearly 4,000 exotic and domestic butterflies in a tropical environment. The 8,000-square-foot conservatory maintains a constant temperature of 80 degrees with 80% humidity to create an ideal habitat for these delicate creatures. Visitors can walk among free-flying butterflies, observe the butterfly life cycle, and enjoy the lush tropical vegetation and cascading waterfalls.
15. Yankee Candle Village
FLAGSHIP STORE AND ATTRACTION
Yankee Candle Village is more than just a store—it's one of New England's most popular tourist attractions featuring numerous themed shopping rooms. Visitors can dip their own candles, personalize gifts, enjoy the Bavarian Christmas Village with its indoor snow, and indulge in treats at the candy store and restaurant. The flagship location offers a multisensory experience with over 200,000 candles in more than 200 different scents.