Palmer MassachusettsATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Palmer, Massachusetts.
1. Palmer Motorsports Park
THRILLING RACING CIRCUIT
Palmer Motorsports Park is a club racing circuit built atop Whiskey Hill amid lush forest scenery in Hampden County. The circuit swoops and falls around the contours of the land to create a true driver's circuit with an 'old school' feel despite modern safety facilities. Built within 658 acres of a former logging property, it has become a popular venue for New England road racers since opening in 2015.
2. Yankee Flea Market
TREASURE HUNTER'S PARADISE
Yankee Flea Market is one of Palmer's most popular attractions where visitors can hunt for unique treasures and collectibles. The market offers a wide variety of merchandise from antiques to handcrafted items and vintage goods. Visitors appreciate the friendly atmosphere and the opportunity to find unexpected gems at reasonable prices.
3. Steaming Tender Restaurant
HISTORIC RAILWAY DINING
Steaming Tender Restaurant offers American cuisine with vegetarian-friendly options in a unique historic railway station setting. The restaurant has earned a reputation as one of Palmer's most beloved dining establishments, as evidenced by its hundreds of positive reviews. Visitors can enjoy quality food while surrounded by authentic railroad memorabilia and atmosphere.
4. Fredrick Law Olmsted Park
HISTORIC LANDSCAPE DESIGN
Fredrick Law Olmsted Park is a beautifully designed green space in Palmer named after America's foremost landscape architect. The park offers peaceful walking paths, scenic views, and natural beauty for residents and visitors to enjoy. Olmsted's distinctive design principles are evident throughout the space, creating an idyllic retreat from everyday life.
5. Palmer Coop Antiques
COLLECTIBLES AND CURIOSITIES
Palmer Coop Antiques is a treasure trove of collectibles, vintage items, and unique finds from days gone by. The cooperative format brings together multiple dealers offering diverse merchandise under one roof. Antique enthusiasts and casual browsers alike enjoy exploring the varied selection of historical items and memorabilia.
6. Palmer Public Library
COMMUNITY KNOWLEDGE CENTER
Palmer Public Library serves as an important cultural and educational resource for the community. The library offers not just books but also various programs, events, and services for residents of all ages. Visitors appreciate the welcoming atmosphere and the commitment to fostering learning and literacy in Palmer.
7. Alvin Rondeau's Dairy Bar
CLASSIC DESSERT DESTINATION
Alvin Rondeau's Dairy Bar is a beloved local institution serving delicious desserts and American fare to Palmer residents and visitors. This nostalgic establishment has been satisfying sweet cravings with ice cream and other treats for generations. The casual, family-friendly atmosphere makes it a perfect stop for a refreshing treat after exploring Palmer's attractions.
8. Burgundy Brook Cafe
LOCAL CULINARY FAVORITE
Burgundy Brook Cafe offers American cuisine with vegetarian-friendly and vegan options in a welcoming atmosphere. The cafe has earned nearly 100 positive reviews, making it one of Palmer's most appreciated dining establishments. Patrons enjoy the quality food, friendly service, and comfortable environment that keeps locals and visitors coming back.
9. Six Flags New England
THRILLING THEME PARK
Six Flags New England is the premier amusement park in the region, located a short drive from Palmer. The park features world-class roller coasters, family rides, entertainment, and a water park for visitors of all ages. Thrill-seekers particularly enjoy the park's impressive collection of record-breaking coasters and attractions.
10. MGM Springfield
ENTERTAINMENT AND GAMING
MGM Springfield is a luxury resort casino complex offering gaming, entertainment, dining, and shopping experiences near Palmer. The resort features a wide array of slot machines, table games, poker rooms, and various entertainment options for visitors. The development has become a major attraction in the region, drawing visitors from throughout New England.
11. Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
BASKETBALL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame celebrates the history of basketball in the city where the sport was invented. The distinctive spherical building houses interactive exhibits, memorabilia, and tributes to the greatest players, coaches, and contributors to the game. Visitors can test their skills on the court, explore the history of the sport, and learn about basketball's cultural impact.
12. Old Sturbridge Village
LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM
Old Sturbridge Village is a living history museum depicting life in rural New England during the 1830s. Costumed interpreters demonstrate daily activities, crafts, and trades using authentic tools and techniques from the period. Visitors can explore more than 40 historic buildings, including homes, meetinghouses, a district school, country store, bank, working farm, mills, and shops spread across 200 scenic acres.
13. Brimfield Antique Flea Market
WORLD-FAMOUS ANTIQUE EVENT
The Brimfield Antique Flea Market is considered the oldest and largest outdoor antiques event in the country, running for over 50 years. Antique dealers and collectors travel from throughout the United States and abroad to attend this world-famous market held three times each year in May, July, and September. Each six-day event transforms the small town into an antique hunter's paradise with thousands of vendors spread across multiple fields.
14. University of Massachusetts Amherst
PREMIER PUBLIC UNIVERSITY
The University of Massachusetts Amherst is the flagship campus of the state's university system and a major cultural and educational institution in the region. The sprawling campus offers visitors beautiful grounds, museums, art galleries, and various sporting and cultural events throughout the year. The university's presence contributes significantly to the area's vibrant atmosphere and provides numerous opportunities for enrichment beyond the classroom.
15. Amherst College
PRESTIGIOUS LIBERAL ARTS
Amherst College is one of the nation's top liberal arts colleges with a historic campus featuring beautiful architecture and landscaping. Visitors can explore the campus's museums, including the Mead Art Museum and the Beneski Museum of Natural History with its impressive dinosaur collection. The college regularly hosts lectures, performances, and cultural events that are open to the public throughout the academic year.