Westfield offers several distinct ways to explore: a former railway line, a green space along the Little River, and places dedicated to local history and art. When planning your stay, you can decide whether outdoor trails, wildlife or culture will take center stage. The themes range from a route with named endpoints to collections and an 18th-century house.
Rail Trail and 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 adjoining residential neighborhoods. This gives the trail both a clearly defined route and a tangible connection to the former railway line: today’s route traces its path. This sets it apart from a stay focused primarily on museums and collections.
Near Sackett Street, the Westfield River Walk crosses the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail. This crossing is a useful landmark when distinguishing between the two Westfield trails or considering them together.
Nature and Wildlife
The Frank Stanley Beveridge Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary covers over 160 acres, with maintained trails and areas along the Little River. It is a refuge for many local birds and wild animals. Here, the wildlife and connection to the river are as central as the trail network; this focus differs from the Rail Trail’s route through downtown and adjoining residential neighborhoods.
Stanley Park covers nearly 300 acres and features trails, woods, picnic areas, recreational facilities and gardens. These are two distinct nature-focused experiences: the Little River and wildlife shape the sanctuary, while the park also has recreational areas and gardens.
Colonial History, Museums and Art
Built in 1735, the Joseph Dewey House gives visitors a place to learn about life in Westfield during the colonial period. It anchors this theme in a specific building, setting it apart from museums that present artifacts, art and history through exhibitions.
The Edwin Smith Historical Museum displays artifacts dating back to the period of Westfield’s colonial settlement in the 17th century. The Jasper Rand Art Museum features works by local and regional artists, as well as exhibitions on Westfield’s history. The two museums offer different perspectives: early artifacts at one, regional art and history exhibitions at the other.
The Carillon Tower adds an architectural detail to this selection: it is topped with a gold-leaf dome.
Which Themes Suit Your Stay?
When looking for hotels in Westfield, it helps to first weigh up your interests for the stay: the Rail Trail, wildlife along the Little River and the museums represent different sides of the city. Decide which of these themes matters most to you, then review the available hotels based on your own requirements.
Explore more destinations: Holyoke, Wilbraham, Springfield, Agawam, West Springfield, Chicopee, Ludlow, Wales
For the broader travel overview: Hampden.
