Back

Nearby Outdoor Activities

The surrounding area offers a variety of fun and relaxing outdoor activities to explore. Check out the Northfield Mountain Recreation and Environmental Center for hiking, fishing, cross-country skiing, and sightseeing. You can even take an informative riverboat cruise on the 44-seat Heritage riverboat at the center, and it’s all within a short drive from the D. L. Moody Center.

Northfield

During your stay in Northfield, you can also explore a plethora of trails including Alexander Hills trails, Bald Hills Loop, Brush Mountain, King Philip’s Hill, the Mill Brook Wetlands, and much more. Each trail offers both historic sites and stunning views of the Connecticut River.

Greenfield

Located less than 15 miles from Northfield is the town of Greenfield. For a quick and easy hike, head over to Rocky Mountain Poets Seat Trail. If you want a longer leisurely stroll, visit Sachem Head or the Temple Woods Loop Trail.

Deerfield

Deerfield offers up some of the most breathtaking beauty in the area with countless trails branching off from the city. We recommend Appel Way, Billings, Blackstone River Greenway, and Ashuelot Recreational Rail trails for a scenic way to enjoy the outdoors. Deerfield is a short, enchanting 18-mile drive from Northfield.

Amherst

Amherst is roughly 20-miles from Northfield and has a host of areas to explore. including literary trails that form a connection between the area’s natural beauty and the dozens of poets and artists that have lived in the area. There are also more scenic trails that highlight local conservation areas. Take a quick drive to Amherst for an impressive look at all that nature has to offer in Massachusetts.

Museums & Historical Sites Within a Day’s Drive

Massachusetts is filled with history. From Northfield, you can easily access many historic sites with a short drive through the beautiful countryside.

Lowell National Historical Park in Lowell, MA

Distance: 1 hour 20 minutes from Northfield

Explore Lowell National Historical Park, including water-powered textile mills dating back some 200 years and countless other landmarks that represent the powerful changes brought about by the Industrial Revolution. Discover the area’s many hiking, walking, and biking trails for a chance to see the scenery up close and personal.

Poet’s Seat Tower in Greenfield, MA

Distance: 20-25 minutes from Northfield

The Poet’s Seat Tower was built in 1912 and serves as a landmark honoring poets who lived and wrote in Greenfield for decades. One well-known local poet, Frederick Goddard Tuckerman, is among those honored at this observation tower.

Museum of Our Industrial Heritage in Deerfield, MA

Distance: 20-25 minutes from Northfield

Learn about Deerfield’s industrial heritage at the Museum of Our Industrial Heritage. Discover some of the oldest heirlooms in the area and hear the story of how Deerfield became the town it is today. If history of any kind interests you, this museum is sure to be a hit.

Memorial Hall Museum in Deerfield, MA

Distance: 20-25 minutes from Northfield

One of New England’s oldest museums, Memorial Hall hosts an impressive collection of artifacts including furnishings, textiles, paintings, and Native American relics. Take a tour of 19 rooms that feature art and history from the area, dating back to the 16th century. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday 11:30 am – 4:30 pm.

Historic Deerfield in Deerfield, MA

Distance: 25 minutes from Northfield

Historic Deerfield is a prominent museum that hosts tours of the many historic homes and buildings in the area and features the Flynt Center of early New England life. Explore some of their newly featured rotating exhibits or permanent exhibits, including “Into the Woods: Crafting Early American Furniture” and “Celebrating the Fiber Arts: The Helen Geier Flynt Textile Gallery.” Open every day April-December and on the weekend during the off-season, it’s a great place to explore any time of the year.

Great Falls Discovery Center in Montague, MA

Distance: 

Great Falls Discovery Center highlights the natural, cultural and industrial history of the Connecticut Watershed. Located within a complex of old mill buildings, there is much to explore throughout the center.

Fruitlands in Harvard, MA

Distance: 1 hour from Northfield

The Fruitlands Museum is an excellent place to visit if you enjoy hiking and nature, want to learn about the Hudson River School or Native Americans, or simply would love to explore the popular art museum and outdoor sculptures. Spanning five collections on 210 majestic acres of meadows and woods, you’ll have plenty to explore.