Libraries, Bookstores, & More: Springfield, MA

Dr. Seuss and his character, The Cat in the Hat.

The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum

Oh, the places one will go, can lead to a myriad of paths; to faraway places one can only dream. Or perhaps to places that are still unseen. Sometimes, we may find ourselves in places, that are not quite what they seem. This holds true for cities, such as Springfield, Massachusetts. The childhood home and birthplace of the illustrious children’s book author, Dr. Seuss.

A marginal city, it was first settled by Algonkian-speaking Native Americans. In 1636, the establishment of Springfield as a colony was done so by William Pynchon. Throughout its colonial years, the city maintained itself through fur-trading and agriculture. By the 19th century, with the addition of the Springfield Armory and the institution of Mills, the city had a major industrial boom, and soon became a major railroad center.

As a city, Springfield has seen its fair share of history and history makers—one of which, was Theodor Seuss Geisel. Born to a family of German descent on Fairchild Street in Springfield, Massachusetts, Geisel, who would later be known by his penname, Dr. Seuss, was a cartoonist, political commentator, and author. Known for his work in children’s literature and advocacy for literacy, he was the reason for our visit to Springfield.  

The Museum

Situated in a cluster of museums filled with art and history, is The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum. When you arrive, you are enveloped into the compound that houses the history and wonders of the city of Springfield. While one would expect to be engulfed by The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum upon entry, you will find yourself being enclosed by a quad of Museums. These include Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts; Springfield Science Museum; George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum; Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History; an entryway into the Springfield Central Public Library, and The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum.

Upon your arrival, you’ll find the ability to purchase tickets at the Welcome Center. Don’t fret about having to choose one museum over another, because your ticket purchase covers your entrance into all museums. Once your ticket(s) are purchased, you will only need the wristband provided to you to enter the museums of your choosing. If you come early, you can make a day of museum hopping, like we did.

Although we enjoyed walking through the other museums, our sights were set on a world filled with all things Dr. Seuss. As the newest museum on the quad, it is housed with an array of interactive and colorful exhibits. Walking through the first floor of the museum’s imaginative and visual displays, made us feel like we were strolling through the pages of Dr. Seuss’s work. While the second floor, allowed us insight into the man behind the books, generations have grown to love. If you’re in need of a break and want to delve into your own creative genius, The Cat’s Corner on the lower level is a perfect place to borrow a book to read or draw.  

 And if you’d like to have a book for keeps, Hanmer Museum Store has a myriad of Dr. Seuss’s work, as well as a variety of STEM related items for purchase.

For The Kids

Although The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum is targeted to those both young and old, considering the size of the museum, I would say that the interactive exhibits are better suited for younger children; while the second floor is befitting for those who want to get to know the man behind their childhood memories.

DaVinci Exhibit

Situated along the courtyard, visitors with young ones, can find fun at the Springfield Science Museum. Despite its smalls size, the museum offers an array of learning and interactive opportunities for all. Our favorite was the Leonardo DaVinci exhibit; it reminded us of our time spent at the DaVinci Museum in Rome, Italy. I also recommend a viewing of one of their shows at the Seymour Planetarium.

Places to Take Your New Book

If you purchased a fun-filled book, full of the adventures of Whos from Who-ville, and Thing 1 and Thing 2, the courtyard is an excellent place to find a quiet spot to read. Flowing with sculptures of Horton and Dr. Seuss himself, the courtyard also offers benches along a large garden space. Whether in need of a quieter place or a shield from the elements, the quadrangle also permits entrance into the Springfield Central Public Library, where you can have your fair share of peace and solitude with a book.

Dr. Seuss wasn’t the only history making resident of Springfield. In 1891, James Naismith invented what would become one of the most watched and beloved sports in American history—basketball. As the birthplace of the sport, the city of Springfield is also the home of The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. If you or your young ones are basketball history buffs or enthusiast, then the hall of fame is an excellent place to visit. It is fitted with memorabilia of greats, such as Shaquille O’Neal, Michael Jordan, and Naismith himself. However, we found the Kobe Bryant exhibit, exceptionally moving.

Feeling restless? Then head over to Forest Park. Reminiscent of Washington Park in Albany, NY, this Springfield city park, spanning 195 acres, houses an ice-skating rink; outdoor pavilion; duck pond, and bike and walking paths, as well as a modest zoo. There’s also loads of sprawling greenery to enjoy during the summer months.

For the more adventurous traveler, set your sights on MGM Casino for a night on the town and catch a show, or spend the day at Six Flags New England for some thrills and family fun in the summer.

Places to Eat & Stay

From Vietnamese pho to Caribbean cuisine, as an ethnically diverse community, Springfield offers a variety of food options. However, during our visit, we stopped at Plan B Burger Bar outside of Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and Jack’s Lobster Shack in Southend Market at MGM Casino.

In respect to places to stay, you can try your hand at MGM Casinos if you’re in the mood for an exciting night. Or, if you’d like something more low-key, then stay at the Valentine Mansion, where you’ll be encompassed by 18th century colonial architecture.  

All in all, if you’re a Who at heart and lover of all things Dr. Seuss, then a visit to Springfield, Massachusetts, is a place that you should go, just for you.