Holyoke gets a bad rap sometimes. People think of it as just another "Paper City" with old mills and a giant mall. But honestly? If you’re looking for a place that feels like a real, living piece of history without the plastic-wrapped tourist vibes of bigger cities, this is it.
I’ve spent a lot of time wandering around Western Mass, and there is something uniquely gritty and beautiful about Holyoke. It’s got these massive, imposing canals that remind you it was once the most planned industrial city in the country. Now, those spaces are turning into art lofts, breweries, and parks. There’s a weird, cool energy here that most people just drive right past on I-91.
If you’re planning a trip and searching for things to do in Holyoke MA, you’ve probably seen the standard lists. Sure, go to the mall if you need socks, but that’s not why you come here. You come here for the giant prehistoric tracks, the mountain views that look like a painting, and a parade that basically shuts down the entire region once a year.
The Big Three: Heritage State Park and Its Neighbors
Basically, if you only have a few hours, you’re going to end up at Holyoke Heritage State Park. It’s a seven-acre urban park built right on the canal system. It’s the hub.
Right there, you’ve got the Holyoke Merry-Go-Round. This isn't some cheap plastic ride. It’s a restored 1929 Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters carousel (specifically PTC #80). It used to be the crown jewel of Mountain Park, a legendary local amusement park that closed in the 80s. When you ride it, the organ music—a genuine Artizan C-2 pipe organ—is so loud and mechanical it feels like you've stepped back a century. It’s kinda magical, even if you’re an adult.
Right next door is the International Volleyball Hall of Fame. Most people forget that volleyball was actually invented here in 1895 by William G. Morgan. He wanted a sport that was less intense than basketball for older members of the YMCA. The museum is compact but packed with artifacts, like Olympic uniforms and the actual balls used in historic matches.
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- Holyoke Merry-Go-Round: Check their seasonal hours; they usually open at noon on weekends.
- Children’s Museum at Holyoke: If you have kids, this is a lifesaver. It’s right in the same complex.
- Canal Walk: Just walk the paved path along the water. The architecture of the old mills is stunning in that "faded glory" kind of way.
Why You Need to See the Dinosaur Footprints
Okay, this is the part that usually blows people’s minds. Just off Route 5, tucked away by the Connecticut River, there are literal dinosaur tracks. These aren't behind glass. They are just... there. On the slab of rock.
The Dinosaur Footprints reservation is managed by The Trustees of Reservations. You’ll see over 800 tracks from the Early Jurassic period. It’s mostly Eubrontes tracks—three-toed footprints made by ancestors of the T-Rex.
It’s a short walk from the tiny parking lot. Standing there looking at a footprint that’s 200 million years old while hearing the rush of the river is a perspective shift you don't get at a movie theater. Best part? It’s free. Just wear shoes with decent grip because the rock can get slippery if it's rained recently.
Mount Tom: The Best View in the Pioneer Valley
When locals talk about things to do in Holyoke MA, they are almost always going to mention Mount Tom State Reservation. It’s over 2,000 acres of pure New England wilderness.
If you’re a hiker, you want to head up to Goats Peak. There’s a fire tower at the top that gives you a 360-degree view of the Connecticut River Valley. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Berkshires and down into Connecticut.
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- Hiking: There are 22 miles of trails. If you want something easier, walk around Lake Bray.
- The Eyrie House Ruins: This is a cool bit of niche history. There was once a grand hotel on the mountain that burned down in 1901 after a brush fire. You can still see the stone foundations and cellar holes. It feels a bit ghostly up there.
- Winter: People come here for cross-country skiing and ice skating on the lake. It’s a year-round resource.
Eating and Drinking Your Way Through the Paper City
You’re going to get hungry. Holyoke has some of the best food in the region, specifically if you’re looking for authentic Puerto Rican cuisine or classic New England "special occasion" spots.
Fiesta Café is a must. It’s downtown, vibrant, and the food is incredible. Get the mofongo. Seriously. The city has a massive Puerto Rican population, and the food scene reflects that in a way that’s way more authentic than anything you’ll find in Boston.
If you want something fancy, you go to The Log Cabin or Delaney’s Grill. The Log Cabin sits high up on the mountain and has views that make you want to stay for hours. It’s the classic "wedding and anniversary" spot for a reason.
For a more casual vibe, Woodstone Tavern is the current local favorite. They do great cocktails and elevated pub food. And if you’re a breakfast person, Camellias is the go-to for a massive brunch that won't break the bank.
The St. Patrick's Day Phenomenon
I cannot write about Holyoke without mentioning the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. It is a behemoth. It’s the second-largest in the country, often pulling in hundreds of thousands of people. In 2026, the parade is scheduled for Sunday, March 22, with the famous 10k road race happening the day before on the 21st.
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The whole city turns green. It’s not just a parade; it’s a homecoming. People who moved away decades ago come back just for this weekend. If you’re visiting during this time, be prepared: traffic is a nightmare, parking is non-existent, and the energy is chaotic and loud. It’s also the most fun you’ll have in Western Mass all year.
Deep History at Wistariahurst
For the history nerds, Wistariahurst Museum is the place. It was the home of William Skinner, a silk mogul. The house is a Victorian masterpiece, but the museum does a great job of not just showing off rich people’s stuff. They actually talk about the labor history of the city—the people who worked in the mills and built the canals.
They do guided tours on Sundays (usually around 12:30 PM), and they have these beautiful gardens that are open to the public. It’s a quiet, contemplative contrast to the industrial bustle of the rest of the city.
Practical Insights for Your Visit
Holyoke is a city of contrasts. You’ll see beautiful, multi-million dollar homes on the hill near the country club, and then you’ll see the rugged, industrial blocks of downtown. It’s a real place.
- Parking: Downtown can be a bit tricky with one-way streets and metered spots. Use the parking garage near the Heritage State Park if you’re spending the day there.
- Safety: Like any post-industrial city, stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night in less-trafficked areas. Stick to the main corridors downtown and the park areas.
- Timing: Many of the smaller museums and the carousel have limited hours (often 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM). Always double-check their websites before you drive out.
Holyoke is definitely not a "manicured" tourist destination. It's raw. But between the dinosaur tracks, the mountain trails, and the best St. Paddy’s party in the Northeast, there are more than enough things to do in Holyoke MA to fill a weekend.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
Download the DCR trail map for Mount Tom before you go, as cell service can be spotty in the deeper ravines. If you’re planning to visit the Volleyball Hall of Fame, buy your tickets online in advance to skip the line during peak weekend hours. For those aiming for the March 2026 St. Patrick’s Day festivities, book your hotel in nearby Northampton or Springfield now—rooms in Holyoke itself fill up a year in advance.