Experience the Berkshire’s Art Scene (Almost for Free)
How to spend a day exploring the incredible art scene in the Berkshires, located in Western Massachusetts. As an added bonus, you can visit almost all of these spots for free!
Your Route:
For this day trip, let’s head to the northwest corner of Massachusetts, just minutes from both the Vermont and New York borders. This itinerary makes for a full day of adventures and can also easily be made into a multi-day getaway too.
1 - Field Farm - Williamstown, MA
Start your day at Field Farm, a beautiful Trustees property located in Williamstown, which is one of the most scenic towns in the Berkshires. You’ll find a series of amazing sculptures here along with over 300 acres of open fields, surrounded by beautiful mountain views.
You also have the option to explore over four miles of scenic trails through open fields and woods. And you really can't beat the views you’ll see, including a look at Mount Greylock, the highest peak in Massachusetts.
Pro Tip: Pick up a coffee and breakfast sandwich from The Store At Five Corners, which you will pass by on your way to Field Farm. This is one of my go-to spots for breakfast or lunch when I am in the Berkshires and it never disappoints. Enjoy your breakfast with a view at one of the picnic tables, chairs, or benches at Field Farm.
Looking to stay overnight? If you’re looking to extend your visit, I recommend the Guest House at Field Farm for your home base. This mid-century modern Bed and Breakfast is located right on the property. Not only does your stay include a delicious breakfast, but you also may catch a spectacular sunrise here. Check out my Field Farm Blog Post for all the details.
Planning Your Visit:
Trails and sculptures are free to visit; for a full trail map: Field Farm Trustees
Option to stay overnight at the Guest House at Field Farm
Open year-round, from sunrise to sunset
Bathrooms: No (unless staying overnight at the Guest House at Field Farm)
Map to: 554 Sloan Road, Williamstown, MA
2 - The Clark - Williamstown, MA
The next stop on our Berkshires art adventure is The Clark Art Institute, which features an art museum with several indoor collections and rotating exhibits. While there is a fee to visit the indoor art galleries, the outdoor art is entirely free to experience!
Explore the grounds of the 140-acre campus to discover the current Ground/work exhibit, which features a vibrant sculpture that looks like Champ, the Lake Champlain Monster! You can also enjoy walking along the hiking trails and then relaxing by the stunning outdoor reflecting pool.
Planning Your Visit:
Walking trails and outdoor art displays are free to visit; open to the public at all times.
Indoor museum galleries are open daily from 10 AM – 5 PM (closed Mondays from September through June). Tickets to the indoor museum are $20; admission is free for members and students. You can also get free admission with a local library pass.
Looking for a snack or a spot to grab lunch? Café 7, the on-site restaurant, is open daily from 10 AM – 3 PM and offers vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free options.
Bathrooms: Yes
Map to: 225 South Street, Williamstown, MA
3 - Williams College - Williamstown, MA
Our last stop in Williamstown is located on the lawn of the Williams College Museum of Art, on the Williams College campus. Here you will find a unique art installation that was created to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Williams College Museum of Art.
The “Eyes” sculpture series by artist Louise Bourgeois features a series of giant eye sculptures scattered across the lawn. The eyes themselves range in size from three to seven feet and are made of granite and bronze.
If you are planning an overnight stay, be sure to make a visit back here after dark to see the irises of the eyes glowing blue!
Planning Your Visit:
Free to visit
Open year-round, from sunrise to sunset
Bathrooms: May be available / when the Williams College Museum of Art is open (generally Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm)
Map to: 849 Main St, Williamstown, MA. Park on campus or in the center of town along Spring Street—it’s just a short walk to the sculptures from there. No parking fee.
4 - Tourists - North Adams, MA
Next, we head to the nearby town of North Adams for our last two stops, starting with a stop at Tourists Welcome. This hotel that resembles a classic American roadside motor lodge sits right along the shores of the Hoosic River. It’s another great option for an overnight stay and they also offer some delicious food and beverage options at their cocktail lounge and restaurant, “The Airport Rooms.”
For this day trip adventure, you will be exploring the unique artwork located along the property behind the hotel. You’ll start by taking the footbridge (just to the right of the hotel) across the river and continuing along the trail to discover more unique artwork including two giant heads! The first head is the smaller of the two and is just steps along the trail. The second head is located just a bit further along the trail and across an open field.
Planning Your Visit:
Free to visit
Open year-round, from sunrise to sunset
Option to stay overnight at the Tourists Welcome
Bathrooms: No; unless staying at Tourists or dining at The Airport Rooms
Map to: 915 State Road, North Adams, MA
5 - MASS MoCA - North Adams, MA
Our final stop is at one of the most popular art destinations in the Berkshires, MASS MoCA located in North Adams.
This contemporary art museum is filled with unique art exhibits that are continuously rotating. You will find both indoor and outdoor displays, including immersive art. And the museum is huge!!! There is so much to see that you could easily spend a whole afternoon here. You will also find a series of live events here too. Check out their full calendar of events happening daily, including their summer concert series.
Looking for the perfect spot for dinner to end the day? Head to PUBLIC nearby for an amazing meal. And if you’re a craft beer lover like me, stop into Bright Ideas Brewing before heading to dinner for a delicious craft beer. This brewery is located right next to MASS MoCA.
Planning Your Visit:
Tickets are $25 for adults; $10 for children under 16 years old; free for children under 5 years old. In my opinion, the price of admission is definitely worth it for all that you get to see and experience while at the museum. Tickets can be purchased in advance online or in person.
Hours are Wednesday - Monday from 10 am to 5 pm (closed on Tuesdays)
Parking is free and is available at the museum
Bathrooms: Yes
Map to: 1040 Mass MoCA Way, North Adams, MA
