Discover Westfield: Trails, nature and history

Westfield offers a variety of themes to explore: trails along a river landscape and a former railway line, extensive green spaces, and historic and artistic sites. If you’re looking for a hotel in Westfield, you can plan your trip around whether you’re most interested in trails, nature and wildlife, or the town’s history.

Trails through Westfield

The Columbia Greenway Rail Trail stretches 3.1 miles from the Westfield River to the Southwick town line. It follows the former New York/New Haven/Hartford Railroad line through downtown Westfield and neighboring residential areas. Near Sackett Street, the Westfield River Walk crosses the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail. If you include the trails in your plans, this crossing provides a specific point of reference; the Rail Trail also extends from the Westfield River to the Southwick town line. The 3.1 miles are equivalent to about five kilometers.

Green spaces with different focuses

The Frank Stanley Beveridge Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary encompasses more than 160 acres of maintained trails and land along the Little River. It serves as a refuge for many local birds and other wildlife.

Stanley Park covers nearly 300 acres, with trails, woods, picnic areas, recreational facilities and gardens. This gives it a different focus from the Sanctuary: the Sanctuary is a refuge for birds and wildlife along the Little River, while the park combines green spaces and recreational features. When planning your visit, you can choose between a focus on nature and wildlife and a broader park experience.

Westfield’s history and art

Built in 1735, the Joseph Dewey House gives visitors a glimpse of life in Westfield during the colonial era. The Edwin Smith Historical Museum displays artifacts dating back to the colonial settlement of Westfield in the 17th century. These offer different ways to explore local history: the house illustrates life in the colonial era, while the artifacts date back to the earlier settlement period.

The Jasper Rand Art Museum displays works by local and regional artists, as well as exhibitions about Westfield’s history. Art and local history are two distinct exhibition themes here. Another striking detail is the Carillon Tower, topped with a gold-leaf dome. The Edwin Smith Historical Museum focuses on artifacts, while the Jasper Rand Art Museum features art and Westfield history.

Finding a hotel based on your travel interests

When looking for a hotel in Westfield, you can decide whether trails and green spaces or history and art are your priority. The trail, the wildlife refuge and the different cultural sites offer a variety of themes for your stay.

Discover more destinations: Ludlow, Chicopee, Springfield, Holyoke, Wilbraham, West Springfield, Wales, Agawam

For the regional travel overview: Hampden.