How To Explore Umass Amherst In 5 Easy Steps This Summer 2025

The University of Massachusetts Amherst, commonly referred to as UMass Amherst, is a public research university located in Amherst, Massachusetts. As the largest public university in New England, it offers a wide range of academic programs, research opportunities, and extracurricular activities. If you are planning to visit UMass Amherst this summer 2025, here are 5 easy steps to explore the campus and its surroundings.

Step 1: Plan Your Visit

Before you start your journey, it’s essential to plan your visit to UMass Amherst. The university offers guided tours, which are available from Monday to Friday, at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. You can register for a tour on the UMass Amherst website. Additionally, you can download the UMass Amherst mobile app, which provides an interactive map of the campus, information about events and activities, and other useful resources.

The best time to visit UMass Amherst is during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny, with average high temperatures ranging from 77°F to 82°F (25°C to 28°C). However, it’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast before your visit to ensure that you are prepared for any conditions.

Getting to UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst is located in the heart of the Pioneer Valley, approximately 90 miles (145 km) west of Boston. The campus is easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. If you are traveling by air, the nearest airport is Bradley International Airport (BDL), which is about 45 miles (72 km) south of Amherst. You can also take a bus or train from Boston or other nearby cities, with services provided by companies such as Peter Pan Bus Lines and Amtrak.

Once you arrive on campus, you can use the UMass Transit system, which provides free bus service to students, faculty, and staff. The system includes several routes that cover the entire campus, making it easy to get around without a car.

Step 2: Explore the Campus

UMass Amherst has a beautiful campus, with a mix of modern and historic buildings. Some of the must-visit attractions include the W.E.B. Du Bois Library, which is one of the tallest libraries in the United States, and the Fine Arts Center, which hosts a variety of cultural events and exhibitions. You can also visit the UMass Amherst Museum of Contemporary Art, which features a diverse collection of modern and contemporary art.

The campus is also home to several academic buildings, including the College of Engineering, the School of Management, and the College of Natural Sciences. These buildings offer state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, providing students with hands-on experience and training in their chosen fields.

Campus Recreation and Wellness

UMass Amherst offers a range of recreational and wellness facilities, including the Recreation Center, which features a swimming pool, gym, and fitness classes. You can also visit the UMass Amherst Bike Share program, which provides bikes for rent or purchase. Additionally, the campus has several outdoor recreational spaces, including the Pond Area and the Central Campus Green, which offer beautiful views and opportunities for relaxation and recreation.

Step 3: Discover the Local Community

Amherst is a vibrant college town, with a rich cultural scene and a variety of local businesses and attractions. You can visit the Amherst Farmers’ Market, which takes place every Saturday from April to November, and features local produce, crafts, and live music. Additionally, the town has several independent bookstores, including the Amherst Books and the Food for Thought Books, which offer a wide selection of new and used books.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Pioneer Valley offers a range of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, and kayaking. You can visit the Mount Holyoke Range State Park, which features several hiking trails and scenic views, or the Connecticut River, which offers opportunities for kayaking and fishing.

Local Events and Festivals

Amherst hosts several events and festivals throughout the year, including the Amherst Arts Night Plus, which takes place on the first Thursday of every month, and features local art, music, and food. You can also attend the Amherst Farmers’ Market Festival, which celebrates the local food system and features live music, cooking demonstrations, and activities for kids.

Additionally, the town has several concert venues, including the Calvin Theater and the Iron Horse Music Hall, which host a variety of musical acts and performances.

Step 4: Enjoy the Local Cuisine

Amherst is known for its diverse culinary scene, with a range of local restaurants and cafes. You can visit the Amherst Coffee, which serves specialty coffee drinks and baked goods, or the Loose Goose Cafe, which offers a variety of sandwiches, salads, and soups. Additionally, the town has several international restaurants, including the Flayvors of Cook Farm, which serves farm-to-table cuisine, and the Arigato Japanese Restaurant, which offers a range of sushi and other Japanese dishes.

For a unique dining experience, you can visit the UMass Amherst Dining Commons, which features a variety of cuisines, including Italian, Asian, and Mexican. You can also attend a food festival, such as the Amherst Food Festival, which celebrates local food and features cooking demonstrations, food vendors, and live music.

Local Breweries and Wineries

The Pioneer Valley is home to several local breweries and wineries, including the Amherst Brewing and the Element Brewing Company. You can take a tour of the brewery, sample local beers, and enjoy live music and food. Additionally, the region has several wineries, including the Black Birch Vineyard and the West County Cider, which offer wine tastings and tours.

Step 5: Attend a Summer Event

UMass Amherst hosts several events and festivals during the summer months, including the UMass Amherst Summer Concert Series, which features live music performances on the campus lawn. You can also attend the Amherst Summer Arts Festival, which celebrates local art, music, and food, or the UMass Amherst Summer Theater, which produces a range of plays and musicals.

Additionally, the campus offers several summer programs and workshops, including the UMass Amherst Summer Session, which provides academic courses and programs for students, and the UMass Amherst Summer Sports Camps, which offer athletic training and instruction for kids and adults.