Reviews of Springfield Armory National Historic Site (Museum)

Rhonda Andreani

First off. We walked in, it was very quiet. A gentleman approached us from the museum and welcomed us. He asked if we would like to see the 20 minute movie about the armory. He said it would be the best place to start. He was 100% correct. By watching the short movie it gave us a better idea of what we were looking at in the rest of the museum. It's not a big place, wished it had more that we could see and do. I did enjoy reading and seeing how the weapons building progressed over the years with the assembly line style. Seeing an old flint lock all the way up to the last weapon that are built was interesting.

Nadine Barnett

It's a must stop for gun enthusiasts if you are in Springfield, Ma. It's free admission. Great historical museum. Gift shop reasonably priced. You get welcomed by the staff. There is a 15 minute film you can watch regarding the history of Springfield armory.

Ryan Fawcet

Great view of the city.

addison whitworth

Excellent, allow plenty of time, maybe 3-4 hours if you want to read things and learn.

Galleywinter farm

Great place to visit and see the history of guns

Marc Ursin

Museum was great. Staff very knowledgable

Shane Thee

I learned a lot here. And there's a great organ made of gun muzzles. Definitely recommend.

Karen Ross

Awesome history!

Michael Glass

An amazing collection of unique and historic pieces. Definitely a museum with a ton of one of a kind sites. Even if you're not into Firearms, the history and stories of the machines is a phenomenal experience. I would not necessarily recommend walking to the site from the nearby hotels as it is set very far back in the campus, but the signs are very easy to follow. I would allow about an hour to two hours for the interested party, if just a casual look, the museum could be done in about 30 minutes. If you're an extreme Enthusiast, you could spend a day there and not be satisfied.

Robert Schutte

Wow if your a gun history person take some time and visit a national site. Nice helpful people running the place.Parking was the only down fall since its a active college campus.

John Terlisner

Great to see history preserved. The park guides were very informative. Some great displays.

Amber Davis

Good place with a lot of history on our gun development. Free and won't hurt to take a look.

James MacLaine

Terrific historical sight. Lots of great info!

Mark McDougall

Awsome!! Get out and enjoy our national parks!!

William Mccartney

If you are anywhere in New England, or plan on being, you need to stop and see this piece of American History. This museum is held together with care and it shows in every display and each one of the staff members that are ready to eagerly answer any and all questions you may have regarding the history of the building and the activities of America's oldest armory. My son and I were both fascinated by all the weapons on display and the evolution of machinery that went along with them. Too much to describe, you really have to see it for yourself. It's kind of a pain to get to because Springfield's highway system is jacked up, but it's totally worth the headache.

Georgette K

This was a great stop. Check it out

Patricia Flowers

Very interesting history. Also free to visit.

Mr. Victor W. Quebec

Displays are well defined. Easy to tour through... And give you an excellent sense of American and New England history and pride. The park rangers and general staff are very friendly. Always greet you upon entry, and have activities and shows over the course of the year. The parking and visitation is free. A++++ I always enjoy my returning visits.

Timothy Wing

History is awesome. Looking at the Springfield rifles that won the Civil War was fun.

Tarun Bangari

This is an amazing museum and historic site - in fact, it is a hidden historic gem. Fully recommended. Go to learn all about the hand held firm-arms of US right from the beginning. The live demos of the guns are out of this world!

SS T

A lot of different kinds of guns and machines. The place was not so big but well kept and a very clean place.

Godfrey Redfearn

Who knew that the Springfield Armory Museum is the longest continually operating museum in the US or that it contains the world's largest collection of historic American firearms. The interactive displays take visitors from 1777 until its closing in 1968. Life stories of the workers, inventors and superintendents provide a living history and underscore the importance of the Armory in industrial advancements in the US. Take time from your busy vacation to step back in time and expand your knowledge. There is no charge for parking or entrance fee.

Dan Harlow

Great place a lot of history about the industrial revolution not just weapons

Erik Rosekrans

Excellent museum with a lot of information about the history of firearms manufacturing and the evolution of firearms. From the armory's inception in 1794 until it's closing in 1968 most of our country's small arms were designed and manufactured here (e.g. the legendary M1 Garand, and serial number 1 Garand is on display here!). There's a good movie explaining the armory's history that's well worth watching (and in the theater there's an incredible display of machine guns). The rangers were very knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. The museum is free as well. An absolute must see if you're interested in firearms, and even if you're not particularly interested in firearms it's worth a visit to learn about manufacturing in Springfield and the building housing the museum and surrounding buildings (now being used by a technical college) are beautiful.

Joseph Cho

If you are near springfield it is worth checking the place out!

Hector Vazquez

Awesome place to go.. History in our backyard

Roger Crihfield

Terrible. Let down. Waste of time. You will not see the best it has to offer. Not even close. That is reserved for special events and VIP's. Our country's oldest arsenal. Built the arms that saved Europe. twice. All it has to offer now is a few weapons displays and a staff that has no knowledge of firearms or the production of arms. Nice gift shop though. Buy a T-shirt.

My Pretty Pink Poodle

I love this kind of stuff

Stephanie Godin

The DRC gave an amazing presentation of the watershops history!!!!

EGU

Amazing collection, amazing staff. What a great time

Dee tee

Really interesting and best of all it's FREE! Thought since it's rather small and hour and half would be plenty of time, but I only got about halfway through. Will definitely be back.

Wally DeVasi

Very interesting and lots to see

Mary Stasiowski

A must for visitors to the area. Should be on the top of your list!

Harry Rodriguez

Go here when they have other events if you just go just to see the museum you'll be in and out within two hours at the most

Karmie J

Wonderful staff! I contacted them after a visit and they were more than happy to help. Even if you're not into munitions, fascinating site that provides a chance to marvel (I loved the beautiful spiral staircase) and also appreciate the history. Kudos to Park Guide Joey for hooking me up with swag!

Terry Hamlin

Very cool. Wish they were able to display more if their vast collection.

Jane Ferrall

Very interesting and historic. Well worth the visit.

Michael E Bailey

I got there shortly before closing, and I need to go back with much more time. The exhibits were fascinating. The building was very nice with unique features. The staff was also very nice and helpful. The area that this is located in is very nice as well. This place takes time and it is time well spent.

William Hardie

Interesting and very well run with knowledgeable staff

Ken Ference

Wonderful displays, lots of history to be learned.

Sandra ULMER BOURGEOIS

If you like guns and history, this is the place to go! We strolled around the grounds after looking at their incredible displays inside the main building. There are beautiful old buildings and magnificent trees throughout the grounds. The wrought iron fence was made to look like some antique arms that were on display.

Matthew D

Worth a stop if you’re I. The area. Full of information and various firearms on display. Housed in a single building and was a little smaller then I expected. Helpful rangers if you have questions. Was free to visit.

Benston Churchill

Friendly staff, great exhibits, wonderful place to learn about the history of Springfield (and pretty much all) firearms.

Mark Elliott

This place is great! Had I known the extent of the place and it's history I would have allowed more time to see it. The armory was founded in 1777 by George Washington and Henry Knox, and American military arms were built and stored there until 1968. The museum houses an impressive collection -- mostly shoulder weapons with a few sidearms and heavier machine guns. The personnel at the museum consists of National Park Rangers and volunteers, all of whom seem very knowledgeable and communicative, quite willing to share their extensive knowledge. Parking and admission are both free, but contributions are accepted.

Lorenzo DelSanto

Awesome place with very knowledgeable staff (CARL!) Will definitely visit again!

mary thomas

Loved the gun displays and the machinery to produce.

Letha Morris

Start with the video it explains a lot. Great weapons to see. Nice displays. Watched a live presentation of war rifles by retired Navy Chief Carl which was very informative and hands on. Loved the whole Armory Museum. Proves George Washington wanted America to be independent and free. Weapons assures that. Thus our second amendment shall not be tread upon by those who wish to change America to a communist country.

Charles Lindsay

Amazing ,I have lived around the area and never thought to go!!

Matt S

This is a great museum! The exhibits are amazing, and the staff is really nice. Also admission is free.

lovenmysouthernlife

This is a great piece of American history that needs to be seen. Pearl the Park Ranger is extremely knowledgeable. The picture is of a machine from 1820's

Ken .DeWalt

Small but meaningful

Maria Capello

STCC Dental Hygiene pinning ceremony was awesome!

Gigi Lai

I wasn't sure if this would be suitable for children but it turned out to be a great experience. Half the museum was a display of guns the other half has machines that are operational and you can see how they work. The ranger is very informative and helpful. There were some kids activities that my kids enjoyed.

Christopher Black

I am impressed with each visit. The quality of the pieces rival any museum and the park rangers are some of the most knowledgeable and passionate of any national park I've visited. We received a class on civil war rifles, rifles muskets and muskets that was amazing. A must see museum!!

Joshua Kitenko

Awesome experience for the firearms history buff. Lots of unique history here. Thank you for keeping this piece of history alive and well presented!

Russ Urquhart

Every American needs to visit this place and see what we came from

Noel Viera

Nice

Lisa Anderson

Very interesting. So historic. I would recommend you go there if you're in the area. They have great stuff for kids.

Frank Fontana

All the weapons - a history lesson.

Anton Szymanski

Easily one of the better museum under care of the park service. The rangers are very knowledgeable and the history of this entire river valley is a foundation for American innovation and industry

Jennifer Godfrey

The museum is a museum...on armory. It just had me thinking about more then just the civil was...WWII...WWI...in this time in the country I guess I thought of how the Native Americans must have felt. Although this paved the way for math and science in the field not to mention business. The entire museum just made me think outside the box.

Erik Rosa

Took the kids to learn a rich piece of history in Springfield (for free), and the setup of the museum was very organized. They even had actual working machines so you can see exactly how it ran back in the day when they were producing all the armor for the whole country. Definitely took them on a blast to the Past :-).

Michael Forsythe

Great museum, even if you don't care to much about weapons and firearms, the descriptions of the manufacturing process was very interesting. The American History was informative and well presented.

Wendi Clark

I came with a group of cub scouts. The volunteer who showed our group around was extremely knowledgeable and good with the kids. They were thrilled that he let them touch a musket! It was a great place for the cubs to learn about a local place of historical significance.

Tomáš Koucký

Must see in Springfield. Friendly place with rangers that will turn your visit into great experience no matter if you're history enthusiast or if you're just passing by.

James Davenport

Springfield's hidden jewl

Garrett B

This is a must see location! If you're in the area, definitely drop by!

Gary Johnson

Well laid out museum . And knowledgeable staff .rest room needed cleaning , but a minor detail , parking at the door a plus .

Matthew Sr Pilon

Best kept secret in USA for Weapon enthusiasts/historians. Very friendly and informative Park Rangers. A great historical place to visit.

Michael Goldberg

Helpful staff. I never knew they were available. To bad the news doesn't give them some advertising

Barbara Nelson

Ron. Has been looking forward to this for a while

khoa nguyen

Ok

Dayan Siri

I loved the visit to the museum. Very friendly staff. Enjoyed seen the revolutionary changes in gun making. It was free to visit but there is a donation box if you are happy to donate.

Gary Tuthill

Guns, guns... So many guns, so little time. Actually there's plenty of time. Whether you are a "cold dead hander" or a "confiscator", there's something sobering about facing the hardware. Study the parade of incremental improvements and greater efficiency. A little more velocity, longer range, faster reloading, better MOA grouping. But the purpose has remained since the fire stick: convert chemistry into velocity and somewhere down range an animal sprouts a hole. This can be a very good or very bad thing. Here in the US of A, the guns aren't going away. "We, the people" have the right; let's exercise more care about who gets to use it. One (female) park ranger was particularly helpful, enthusiastic and knowledgeable. You'll have to go elsewhere for discussion of wars, history and our inclination to violence in general, but the Arsenal shows us the "brass tacks".

JC Baltz Wildblueyonder

Neat place

Brad Caney

Nice way to spend some time checking out the history of the long gun

Timothy Randhir

Historic site and museum of weapons

Nathan Dunford

Great historical site! We loved the exhibits. Not a ton to do for younger kids but we had a fun time playing out on the grass for awhile after our time in the museum. Worth a quick stop.

christina watts

The museum staff were very kind to my 2 year old son running around and playing at kids area. They were knowledgeable and helped my other child become a junior ranger. This place was very cool.

Randy D

Fun museum for anyone interested in military history and the evolution of firearms. Admission is free and most of the museum is a self-guided tour. They play an approx. 20 minute film in a small theatre every so often and a park ranger is present to help guide you and share some anecdotes if you prefer to ask questions, etc.

Luba Kantarzhi

Incredible place with lots to see!

Sherri Todd

Loved it.. so much history and great volunteers

Chad Bower

Neat place to visit. The ranger was very informative.

Wayne Geiser

A very interesting place. The park employee that met as at the front desk was extremely interested in the history and very excited to chat with visitors. This place isn't just for those with an interest in firearms (though it is a gun museum). It also tells some of the history of American manufacturing.

New York Conspiracy Theorist

Best place to go to see the history of Springfield weaponry and how the weapons are made. Definitely recommend the guided tour, not sure about the schedule, but there was a guided tour at 11:30 am on Saturday when I went.

Ivan Nikolaev

One word - amazing! The pictures don't show the whole greatness of this museum. An absolute must to visit for yourself!

Diane Albanese

To understand the role of weapons and ammunition is to begin to form a more complete picture of our nation’s history. This entire complex was originally created so that we could have an advantage in the Revolutionary War. General Washington said we must manufacture our own guns and Springfield was born. The video and museum are valuable towards piecing together American history.

Thomas Abaroa

Pretty interesting guns and manufacturing machines.

Katrina Leavens

This place is amazing! The staff was extremely friendly and informative. My young boys did the Junior Ranger program where they had to complete tasks and was then given a badge kit. They just loved it! Definitely worth stopping here to check it out.

Robert Funke

Very nice and informative staff. Clean and well maintained facility. If you look closely at some of the weapons, there are personalizations. Great job NHS!

Daryl Lewis

Excellent displays of not only Springfield Armory firearms but other national and international historical firearms. Well documented and presented history of the innovations in firearm technology and manufacturing

marc g

Very interesting, although some what small. Lot of history and cool exhibits

Jeff Seltzer

What's not to love. WEAPONS!!! Only liberals would skip this treasure

Kevin Murphy

Great experience. Friendly and knowledgeable guides. Awesome collection of firearms with historical information. Difficult to get to since it is located on the campus of a technical institute and the signage is not clear.

Luci Riegel

Very cool museum! Lots of interactive displays, plenty for all ages.

Tyler's DIY

Very nice museum. its free! lots of awesome weapons. some from 500 years ago!

Shane Schneider

Great collection of historic military firearms. Well layed out exhibits. Excellent display of machinery and equipment used for firearm production as well.

Justin Shira

This place definitely feeds the gun addiction in your inner child. So much history and knowledge of gun making at Springfield. You also get to see the rare m1 grand serial #1.

Bret Smothers

Great Museum... Plan on staying a bit.... The price is right but dont forget donations are accepted...

Jennifer Biggs

Very interesting part of American history!

Leonard Orth

Outstanding National Historic Park. Excellent exhibits. Truly outstanding Tangets working here. Every single one of them was super friendly and very informative. We loved our visit. Thank you.

cathy g

Very interesting exhibits, knowledgeable and engaging staff. Great place to visit if you're interested in guns.

Bob Garcia

There is a lot of history here. The staff are very knowledgeable and pleasant. I highly recommend a visit.

Kay Crawford

It's a nice area, was only there for a change of command... didnt get a chance to venture around..

Tom M

We LOVE the armory and the people who staff it. It is such a treasure to have it in Western Mass. It would be great to see the floor footprint expanded so more of the collection could be displayed. A case where 10 or so firearms could be displayed from the upstairs and rotated monthly would be great. Anyway, much thanks to the very friendly staff!

Lorri Kentner

Great museum. Interactive displays. Friendly National Park Staff.

John Doe

This place is perfect for anybody that can appreciate the History Channel or the tools that have helped make America what it is today. It is a quiet self guided tour through one of the original buildings on the property. If you can appreciate our great nation's history you will appreciate what the Springfield Armory has to offer.

Peter Mans

Cool place, firearms and manufacturing museum

Ashley Evins

Great if youre a firearms enthusiast

c88m1

Great little history lesson about our country and the area. You'll need to go back every so often to see the changes they make.

Michael Rucker

Great place to learn about the history of our Great Nation. It took guns by the way to say and do what you want to.

Robin Sanchez

The displays are very well done and Rangers are helpful

harmon1600

Beautiful site. Many collections. The staff is so friendly.

J Stenberg

Wow. What a surprise!!! I thought I would pop in for a short visit....whoa...this place is AMAZING! Dripping with history. The Park Service staff was amazing...super friendly and showed me some unique pieces. I will plan a return trip as soon as I can. THIS IS A MUST VISIT.

Maria Dominguez

I History. And it's very informative

Hunter Fulton

Great museum for gun stuff

cesar samarzia

Free and oh so cool. Donate if your able to do so.

Alan Seidner

Any gun or rifle owner or enthusiast would love this place

Paul Ronnie

This is a very neat NHS for anyone interested in American history, military or industry. The 15 minute video is worth watching prior to browsing the exhibits. While not a huge building to tour, there is much to see. One side is dedicated to the manufacturing and advances made at Springfield while the other side is chock full of the munitions invented and built by Springfield Armory. There are also plenty of munitions made by other American and international manufacturers. Lots of historical notes and facts accompany the exhibits. I know I spent way more time here then I thought I would. There are interactive things for the kids to do too.

Mike Jaeger

What an amazing park. The pieces on display are simply wondrous for the firearms enthusiast. All periods are covered except modern warfare, as the armory was shut down in recent years and arms made by private companies.

Eric Devlin

If you are a fan of fire arms and history this is the place for you. So much to take in and be wowed by. Absolute tourist attraction even if you are just passing through.

Neel Patel

I was blown away by this museum and site. I initially visited because I had several hours before I had to be at the airport, but this easily turned out to be my favorite thing I saw in Springfield! Amazing exhibits, fantastic and knowledgeable volunteers. A must visit if you're into history and firearms.

Matt Hiserodt

Really neat NPS site. Free entrance. Rangers very helpful as always. Not a large place - 1/2 devoted to the manufacturing process, 1/2 a huge display of weapons produced. If you are a military buff definitely stop. There's also an optional video you can watch, though as I was there with my kids, they weren't interested. We spent about an hour here which is probably what most people would spend. Not busy at all.

Mark Baran

Great small historical place. Stop by if you're in the Springfield area.

Dennis Derstine

Amazing history. Could spend a whole day here.

JT AllUpInIt

A lot of great historical information and they mix in some pretty cool ideas from time to time just to keep it fresh.

David Hauser

This place was awesome. The history alone was enough to bring me back, but the buildings were gorgeous.

DPFB

If history and firearms are an interest to you, then you will enjoy the old Federal Springfield Armory. If you are in the area, stop by. Admission is free.

Dave Robison

More history packed into this building than anyone might expect. Plenty of special events as they continue to be a vital part of the community!

Sandra Barton

Great place. Extremely informative. Found the dr. Suess political cartoon book there.

Joe Richard

Such a great place to bring the family amazing how much history is so close to home.

That Guy

if you're anywhere in the area you need to stop here. the items on display are incredible and the staff is knowledgeable and very friendly

Tom Kokay

An awesome museum that illustrates American small arms development from 1794 until the mid 1960's

Shneur

Cool historical place. Free parking and admission. History of all the guns and which guns were produced there. They have a gift shop and bathrooms.

Don Holdegraver

We got there late, but time to see the movie (must see) and look through the exhibits of weapons they manufactured for the military for 174 years. Mist visit!

Hillary Campbell Johnson

Really interesting place and the okd machines and women's factory work history exhibits are fascinating. Watch the film and listen to a talk if available. Really helps to understand what you are seeing.

Andrew Coulter

Great place for site seeing and history buffs alike

Brian Dible

Very cool museum if you are into history and weapons. Very helpful staff that is willing to go out of the way to answer any questions that you might have. You can spend about an hour or so looking at the guns and reading, more if you want to read everything.

John Watling

The display of historical weapons made at the Armory and beyond is amazing and a must see if visiting the Pioneer Valley.

michael grosso

Very cool and free to get I to. Knowledgeable folks there also

Maureen Rearick

What a great piece of Mass History. A hidden gem one of our National parks.

Harold McLamb

A good history of firearms.

Mark Kelly

A library of firearms and also early Industrial Revolution machines. If you love 19th century machine tools powered by leather belts from drive shafts hanging from the ceiling, check this place out.

Robert Mallett

Amazing to see so many long guns and how they were transformed from the Civil War to modern times. So much history here. So worth a visit and all for free. If you want to purchase a senior pass to the National Parks it is available here.

Regina Martin

They have so many educational programs there that you could go several times a year

Larry E Hoffman

Great place. Personal were really good at sharing all the armory info

John Osmialowski

Well informed staff and awesome collection of fire arms and tools/equipment for constructing them.

Tom Duer

Great museum! Lots of historical pieces and equipment. I learned a ton from being all the exhibits.

Greg Murphy

This is a MUST visit

Sarah Loukos

A walk through time of gun making! Lovely National Park!

firewolf

If you like guns and the history of guns then you will love this place

Larry Myers

Awesome museum of American arms. Well done, friendly personel, a must see for any early America enthusiast.

Brittany Miller

Wow. I’m not really into guns as I’m a pacifist yet the amazing collection of unique and historic pieces is impressive. The history and stories of the machines is a phenomenal experience but not accessible from the nearby hotels as it is set very far back in the campus. Spend an hour to two hours if your interest is piqued, or for just a casual look, 30 minutes. You can actually spend a whole day looking at old buildings in the sprawling ground. We did and delighted!

Alaina Swartzlander

Learned a lot and enjoyed the exhibits.

Steve Strong

An extensive exhibit. Interactive displays and videos. Showed our son, a manufacturing student the process and application of his course of study. A site on the national historical registry, so it also meets requirements for BSA citizenship merit badge. Worth the trip.

Mike Fairbanks

Last minute stop. I'm so happy I stopped. Great displays and friendly Rangers.

michael graber

Really cool how they showed the evolution of firearm manufacturing.

PAUL YUNG

Small museum with a lot of weapons and history. You will understand how America becomes independent of European arms manufacturers. Worth a stop. And it's free. However, do donate. I will recommend it over the basketball Hall of Fame (waste of time and money $$$).