10 Places in Massachusetts You Need to Visit this Spring

Ahh, springtime in Massachusetts! Buds burst into leaves, birdsong returns, and every trail feels like a fresh start. The season invites us to shake off winter and reconnect with the outdoors. 

Whether you're craving wildflowers, baby animals, or scenic strolls under blooming trees, these 10 must-visit spots showcase the very best of the season—and they’re all right here in Massachusetts. 

1. Spring Lambs & Kids at Drumlin Farm, Lincoln

Every spring, the sheep and goat herds at Drumlin Farm welcome their new bouncing bundles of joy. Visitors can meet the newborn lambs and kids while watching them play and graze in the meadows, an unforgettable experience for younger visitors and adults alike.  

2. Wildflower Blooms at Habitat Education Center, Belmont  

Traverse enchanted wildflower-lined trails at this sanctuary nestled in a quiet neighborhood. Sections of the Turtle Pond Loop trail become carpeted with blooming white trilliums and mayflower in May, creating a serene and picturesque setting. 

3. Sunbathing Turtles at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, Topsfield  

Time to soak up the spring sunshine! Look for Painted Turtles doing the same at Ipswich River's Waterfowl Pond. The cold-blooded turtles bask in the sun to raise their body temperature, and can be seen from the vantage point of the sanctuary's scenic stone bridge on logs, rocks, and by the water's edge. 

4. Horseshoe Crab Spawning at Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, South Wellfleet 

Witness the ancient ritual of horseshoe crab spawning along the shores of Wellfleet Bay during high tide. These fascinating prehistoric creatures come ashore to lay eggs, supporting a vital food source for migratory birds. We are hopeful their spawning numbers will increase thanks to new regulations protecting Horseshoe Crabs from harvest during this critical period. 

5. Bird Migration Spectacle at Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, Easthampton 

This Connecticut River Valley sanctuary becomes a birdwatcher's paradise, hosting a wide variety of birds during migration. In fact, Arcadia claims the most observed birds in central and western Massachusetts on eBird. Their diversity of habitats within one location makes this a hotspot for birders looking for an eventful day of sightings. Check out the observation tower for a bird's eye view of what's flying!

6. Osprey Nesting Season at Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, Edgartown 

Osprey’s large 5.5 feet wingspan can usually be found hunting near water, since fish make up 99% of their diet. If you’re on Martha’s Vineyard, take the Biking–Walking Path adjacent to the entrance road of Felix Neck to access accessible viewing scopes. You can observe activity around two Osprey poles, watching the birds build nests, incubate eggs, feed their mates, and hunt in the surrounding waters. Can’t make the trip? Check out their live cam to catch the show virtually.  

7. Warbler Migration at Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, Natick 

Mid-May is prime time to observe the plethora of warblers arriving in Massachusetts and there’s no better place to look for them than the forest surrounded wetland at Broadmoor. Early morning walks may reward visitors with sightings of these colorful, migrating songbirds, but make sure you brush up on what to look for first. 

8. Urban Oasis for Spring Birding at Boston Nature Center, Mattapan 

Nature’s not as far away as you think. Boston Nature Center, a 67-acre sanctuary in the heart of Mattapan, offers respite for both birds and city-birders alike. With its diverse habitats—including meadows, wetlands, and woodlands—the sanctuary becomes a haven for migrating birds navigating the city landscape.  

9. Rainy Day Adventures at Blue Hills Trailside Museum, Milton 

Alright we’ll admit it—sometimes rainy spring days make us want to stay inside instead of adventuring out. Thankfully, there’s still indoor fun to be had at the Blue Hills Trailside Museum in Milton. Their indoor exhibits feature local birds, mammals, snakes, and honeybees. In spring, even more animals join the party, including a plethora of turtle species.  

10. Butterflies & Birds at Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, Worcester  

Broad Meadow Brook offers a unique blend of habitats that attract both birds and butterflies in the spring. Butterfly hotspots include their butterfly garden by the nature center, the Smiley Face Trail (look for Mourning Cloaks!), Barabara’s Meadow off the Cardinal Trail, and the Powerline Trail. Love what you find? Save the date for their annual butterfly festival in late summer for even more fluttering fun.  

Explore Massachusetts this Spring 

Don’t stop with these 10. There are 50+ additional Mass Audubon wildlife sanctuaries with their own unique expressions of spring. Explore your local sanctuary or embark on a new adventure to make the most of this transitional season.  

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