Top Things to do in Massachusetts
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10 Specialty Museums in Massachusetts That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Massachusetts, United States including Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House, New Bedford Whaling Museum, Cahoon Museum of American Art, Amherst College Museum of Natural History, American Heritage Museum, John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum & Library, Pilgrim Monument & Provincetown Museum, Sandwich Glass Museum, Heritage Museums & Gardens, Emily Dickinson Museum.
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1. Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 240 reviews
Also called the Beauport Sleeper-McCann House, this fantasy mansion of more than 40 rooms is perched on the rocks overlooking Gloucester Harbor.
Reviewed By george4880 - Bradford, United States
Very interesting house. Room after room kept the way Sleeper designed it. Lots of his collections and recycled floors and walls etc. With Covid only four people to a tour which was great. Unfortunately the gardens were neglected due to the museum not being allowed to open. Great view of the water.
2. New Bedford Whaling Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 819 reviews
The largest museum in America devoted to human interaction with whales in the world's oceans, the history of whaling and its impact, and the history of Southcoast Massachusetts, the Whaling Museum houses an extensive collection of art and artifacts relating to whaling during the age of sail, socioeconomic history of the region, whale ecology, marine mammal conservation, and ocean health. Visitors can marvel at massive whale skeletons, board the world's largest ship model - the Lagoda - see an exhibit about the world's longest painting, and explore hands-on learning activities in the Casa dos Botes Discovery Center. The Whaling Museum is a compelling destination that inspires all visitors to reflect on the complex issues that shaped the past, remain critical today, and inform a sustainable future.
Reviewed By 219tiffanyv - Boston, United States
I took my 3 & 9 year old for the day and there was so much to see and learn. I hadn't been here since I was a kid and was surprised at how many more exhibits and rooms there were. You could easily spend the day here. If you have a Sails library card, you can even get a discount. There's a discovery center where the kids can play and use their imagination with the different maritime activities. They also have an observation deck that overlooks the New Bedford waterfront with amazing views of the fishing boats. On the way out you can check out the gift shop. We purchased shark teeth and mini sea shells!
3. Cahoon Museum of American Art
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By 950maryjanel
A small but beautiful museum....Sailors Valentines were on display when we were there....beautifully displayed and a wonderful exhibition...if you get the chance see this display and learn the history of these Sailors Valentines. While you’re there...I hope the blue tree installation is still going on.....spectacularly painted trees ...live trees...with blue trunks....beautiful....
4. Amherst College Museum of Natural History
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 104 reviews
Reviewed By 661maryannh
This museum was originally a "time-filler" between activities while we were visiting our son at UMass for the weekend. Once we arrived at the museum, we were pleasantly surprised at the variety of topics covered. Although many of the exhibits were display molds, a good number were genuine artifacts discovered through archaeological digs and findings. the museum is located in a great area - centrally located to anything we needed. Added bonus that the exhibit was free; we'll be back!
5. American Heritage Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 73 reviews
The American Heritage Museum at the Collings Foundation featuring the Jacques M. Littlefield Collection is a history museum chronicling the fight of the American soldier for freedom from the Revolutionary War through modern conflicts and the role that technology played in the battles fought. Told through over 85+ large artifacts throughout the 73,000 square foot museum, the AHM maintains one of the largest collection of operating tanks and military vehicles in the World from many nations including many rare examples such as a German Panther, a Russian IS-2, a U.S. M4A3E2 Sherman Jumbo, an Iraqi SCUD B Missile and Launcher, and the only U.S. M1A1 Abrams tank on public museum display in the world. Visitors hear and experience the personal stories of those that fought or helped others fight through first-hand experiences like the World War I trench experience, engaging docents who were crew on tanks in modern wars, and the moving story of the crew of the M1A1 Abrams on display.
Reviewed By L5636DXlaurab - Sudbury, United States
Gifted hubby a tank driving experience for this birthday and he was THRILLED! He drove a M-24 tank in their open field, then tested his agility via the obstacle course. A fun once in a lifetime experience! The museum also has an amazing collection of tanks, planes, trucks to explore including a M1A1 Abrams. Well worth a visit. We have also viewed a WWII re-enactment in October of 2019 and that was incredible. Highly recommend this gem of a museum!
6. John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum & Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,920 reviews
Relive the Kennedy era in this dynamic combination museum and library, where your visit starts with a short film and then leaves you on your own to explore a series of fascinating exhibits, including the Kennedy-Nixon debate, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the space program, 1960s campaign paraphernalia and displays about Jacqueline and other Kennedy family members. The striking, I.M. Pei-designed building overlooks the water and the Boston skyline.
Reviewed By IllyCoffeeDrinkers - Flagstaff, United States
One of us and two friends visited the John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum & Library on a cloudy Saturday morning in October. The facility itself is beautiful. There were no lines when we arrived in the morning and the introductory film was well worth watching. While no person is perfect, it was amazing to be reminded of how intelligent, passionate, charming, glamorous and successful the President and First Lady were. It was also inspiring to be reminded of all President Kennedy accomplished, dreamed to accomplish and inspired others to accomplish. There are numerous exhibits and short films which cover various aspects of President Kennedy’s life and career including his campaigns, his significant speeches, the Peace Corps, the Space Program and the Cuban Missile Crisis. Among the displays are numerous artifacts, photos and documents (some real and some facsimiles) which exquisitely personalize and dramatize the lives and careers of the President, the First Lady and his brothers Bobby and Ted (photos of a few of the items are attached). It was also awe inspiring to take the time to reread some of the President’s speeches and marvel at how he adeptly sought to inspire all Americans to work together in support of causes greater than themselves (photos of a few excerpts are also attached). Bottom line, if you are looking to be inspired or are a history buff, we highly recommend you spend a few hours at this wonderful Museum and Library. On the way out, the café and gift shop are both worth a visit too. Enjoy. If you found this review helpful and/or our photos helpful or pleasing, we hope you will click the “helpful/thank you” button. Those of us who write detailed reviews appreciate the feedback and it encourages us to write additional reviews for everyone’s consideration. Thank you.
7. Pilgrim Monument & Provincetown Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,469 reviews
This monument commemorates the Pilgrim's first landing in Provincetown (not Plymouth), where they conceived, wrote and committed to the Mayflower Compact - the foundational document for the democracy America enjoys today. The Monument is the tallest all-granite structure in the U.S. rising 353 feet above sea level, and at the top, visitors are provided the most spectacular view of Cape Cod.In addition to the MOnument, the Provincetown Museum presents the unique cultural heritage of this historic town with special exhibitions and permanent displays.The Monument and Museum has ample parking, is open daily from APril 1st through November 30, and NEW this year - a food concession call the "Shallop Cafe" where visitors can enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking Provincetown and the Bay.
Reviewed By sls8806 - Sugar Land, United States
Taking the route of the Pilgrims landing all starts here. The museum is well set up and sets the story with artifacts, and timeline and explanation of the first landing. Step outside and walk to the monument. If you are in better physical health to climb the steps to the very top, you will get a breathtaking 360 degree view and a sticker at the end of the adventure! The day we went there were gale force wind warnings and rain. It really brought home what those early settlers went through and how brave they truly were!
8. Sandwich Glass Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 740 reviews
The museum details the history of the Boston and Sandwich Glass Company.
Reviewed By HKonowitz3 - Dover, United States
Don't miss this place. It is a factory and an outstanding museum offers hundreds of glass items featuring the work of Cape Cod and national artisans, as well as their own studio
9. Heritage Museums & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 913 reviews
You can enjoy more than 70 acres of gardens after visiting the art and history museums at the Heritage. Please note we will be opening for the 2019 season on Saturday, April 27th
Reviewed By mystery1reader - Boston, United States
Check out the great sundial made by a Mass man —Jim MOSS Historical notes to surprise and inform through out the relaxing paths 2020 detailed toy game - many Massachusetts produced games — Milton Bradley was a prince of a man Helpful friendly staff And !! There are regular small trams to take rides all around The antique cars are top notch Very well taken care paths with splendid variety of flowers ???? I Great place Reminds me of DC S gardens in upper Georgetown Or our ARBORETUM IN JAMAICA PLAIN
10. Emily Dickinson Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 285 reviews
Open for tours from March to mid-December, the birthplace of Emily Dickinson is registered as a National Historic Landmark.
Reviewed By NIcoleLarry - Greenwich, United States
Although the house museum is currently closed due to Covid, when things return to normal, this is an important stop for anyone planning to attend performances at Tanglewood, Jacobs Pillow or the Williamstown Theatre Festival. Conveniently close to these Berkshire cultural destinations, an afternoon spent at the home of America’s most famous woman poet, is a fabulous way to celebrate the talent of the woman who penned lines like “ There is no frigate like a book to take us lands away” and “I’m nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody too? Then there’s a pair of us - don’t tell”. If you have somehow missed the magic of her words or forgotten them, what an introduction. The docents are professional and full of Emily Dickinson trivia. You’ll love your afternoon acquainting or reacquainting yourself with this revolutionary poets life and work. Allow two hours. We stayed across the street at the charming and very affordable Amherst Inn, but if you’re looking for fancier accommodations, the Inn at Boltwood is a block away ( the former Lord Jeff).
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