Honestly, most people drive right past Holyoke on I-91 without a second glance. They see the old brick smokestacks and think "industrial relic" and keep heading toward Northampton or the Berkshires. They’re missing out.
Holyoke is weird in the best way. It’s a city where you can find 200-million-year-old dinosaur tracks just a few feet from a highway and then grab the best mofongo of your life ten minutes later. It was the first planned industrial city in America, and that "Paper City" grit is still there, but it’s been layered over with incredible Puerto Rican culture, a massive hiking scene, and some of the most oddly specific museums you'll ever find.
💡 You might also like: Juneau Alaska Extended Forecast: What Most People Get Wrong
If you’re looking for things to do in Holyoke MA, don’t expect a polished, plastic tourist trap. This place is real. It’s got layers.
The Outdoorsy Stuff Everyone Misses
Most people think of Holyoke and think of the mall. Big mistake. If you want to see what makes this valley special, you have to get high up.
Mount Tom State Reservation
Look, if you only do one thing, go to Mount Tom. It’s basically a massive basalt ridge that looms over the city. You’ve got 22 miles of trails here. If you’re feeling lazy, you can drive most of the way up, but the hike to the summit is worth the sweat. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Berkshires and even down into Connecticut.
There’s this spot called the Eyrie House Ruins. It’s the remains of a 19th-century luxury hotel that burned down because the owner decided to cremate some horses and things got out of hand. It’s creepy, cool, and has some of the best views in the state.
The Dinosaur Footprints
This is one of those things that sounds like a fake roadside attraction but is actually mind-blowing. Right off Route 5, there’s an 8-acre site managed by The Trustees. You walk down a short path and suddenly you’re standing on sandstone slabs covered in hundreds of Eubrontes footprints. These aren't carvings. These are actual tracks from the Jurassic period. It’s free, it’s rarely crowded, and it makes you feel tiny in the best way possible.
Ashley Reservoir
If you want a "locals only" vibe, head to the reservoir. It’s a flat, 3-mile loop that’s perfect for when you want to walk and talk without gasping for air. The water is crystal clear (it’s the city’s backup supply, so no swimming!), and the birdwatching is top-tier. You’ll see more ospreys and herons here than people most weekday mornings.
Why Holyoke is the "Paper City" (And Why it Matters)
You can't really understand Holyoke without looking at the canals. In the 1800s, this place was the silicon valley of paper. The canal system is a marvel of engineering—three different levels of water cutting through the downtown.
📖 Related: Finding Your Way: What the Map of Goa State Actually Tells You
Holyoke Heritage State Park
This is the heart of the downtown revitalisation. It’s a clean, green space right next to the old mills. You can walk along the canals and see the massive gates that used to power the machinery.
Inside the park, you’ve got:
- The Holyoke Merry-Go-Round: A massive, meticulously restored 1927 carousel. It’s beautiful, a bit loud, and cheap. Even if you don't have kids, it's worth seeing the craftsmanship.
- Volleyball Hall of Fame: Fun fact—William G. Morgan invented volleyball right here in Holyoke in 1895. He called it "Mintonette" at first, which was a terrible name. The museum is small but surprisingly engaging if you’re a sports nerd.
- Children's Museum at Holyoke: If you have toddlers, this is your home base. The water table exhibit is legendary.
Wistariahurst Museum
This was the home of William Skinner, a silk mogul. It’s a Gilded Age mansion that feels like a time capsule. They do these great tours where they don't just talk about the rich family, but also the servants who actually kept the place running. The gardens are stunning in late May when the wisteria (obviously) is in bloom.
Eating Your Way Through the City
Forget the chain restaurants at the mall for a second. If you want to eat like a local, you need to explore the downtown and the little pockets of the city.
Holyoke has some of the best Puerto Rican food in New England. Seriously.
- Crave Holyoke: Get the Boricua Bowl. It’s fresh, vibrant, and usually packed during lunch.
- Fiesta Café: This is where you go for the "Eat, Drink, Dance" vibe. The mofongo is the real deal.
- Holyoke Hummus Company: Started as a food truck, now a brick-and-mortar spot. Their falafel is probably the best in the Pioneer Valley. Get the "OG" wrap.
For something a bit more "old school Holyoke," check out JP’s Restaurant. It’s been there since the 80s. It’s the kind of place where the portions are huge, the service is friendly, and you’ll likely see three generations of a family eating at the table next to you.
🔗 Read more: Flights from Las Vegas to Paris: What Most People Get Wrong
The Big Events: Mark Your Calendar
If you happen to be here in March, be prepared for chaos. The Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a massive deal. It’s one of the largest in the country—we're talking hundreds of thousands of people descending on a city of 38,000.
In 2026, the parade is scheduled for Sunday, March 22nd. The 10k road race happens the day before. It’s basically a city-wide homecoming party. If you hate crowds, stay far away. If you like bagpipes and Guinness, there’s no better place to be.
A Few Realities to Keep in Mind
Holyoke isn't perfect. Like any old industrial city, some areas feel a bit worn down. You’ll see vacant storefronts next to trendy new lofts. But that’s the charm. It’s a city in transition.
Parking downtown can be a bit of a puzzle because of the canal layouts, so honestly, just find a garage or a spot near the Heritage State Park and walk. The city is more walkable than it looks.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Morning: Start with a hike at Mount Tom. Aim for the Goat Peak tower for the best "bang for your buck" view.
- Lunch: Head downtown to Crave or Holyoke Hummus.
- Afternoon: Walk the canals at Heritage State Park, then drive 5 minutes south to see the Dinosaur Footprints before the sun goes down.
- Late Afternoon: If you have time, browse the Holyoke Mall—it’s one of the biggest in New England, but honestly, the local shops like Pulp Gallery are way more interesting.
Don't just pass through on the highway. Turn off at Exit 15 or 16. Spend a few hours looking at the tracks, the mills, and the mountains. You'll realize pretty quickly that Holyoke is way more than just a pit stop.
Check the official Holyoke St. Patrick's Parade website if you're planning a March visit, as hotel rooms in the entire Pioneer Valley book up months in advance for that weekend.