The Pioneer Valley, Massachusetts, USA Tourism

The Pioneer Valley, a string of historic settlements along the Connecticut River from Springfield in the south up to the Vermont border, formed the western frontier of New England from the early 1600s until the late 18th century. The northern regions of the Pioneer Valley remain rural and tranquil; farms and small towns have typical New England architecture. Farther south, the cities of Holyoke and Springfield are more industrial. Educational pioneers came to this region as well to form major colleges and some well known prep schools.

Six Flags New England, outside Springfield, is New England’s largest theme park and water park with more than 160 rides and shows, including the tallest and fastest steel coaster on the East Coast. This theme park is closed during November to April.