West Springfield Travel Guide — Best Time, Things to Do & Where to Stay

Why West Springfield

West Springfield, locally known as "West Side," is a city situated in Hampden County, Massachusetts, directly across the Connecticut River from the city of Springfield. Part of the broader Springfield metropolitan area, the community recorded a population of 28,835 during the 2020 census. Its geographical position on the western bank of the river played a defining role in its establishment, early transport challenges, and eventual political separation from its eastern neighbor.

First settled in 1635, the west bank initially hosted farmland before permanent residential neighborhoods developed near Riverdale Street in the mid-17th century. Early travel constraints across the wide river caused ongoing friction, prompting residents to demand local civic services. This led to the approval of a separate parish in 1697 and full incorporation as an independent town in 1774. The area saw historical activity during the American Revolution, including the 1777 encampment of captured British and Hessian troops, some of whom settled locally. The first Morgan horse was also bred in the town between 1789 and 1790.

The 19th century brought rapid industrial and infrastructure growth. Early wooden toll bridges began spanning the Connecticut River in 1805, paving the way for modern spans like the Memorial Bridge, which opened in 1922. The arrival of the Western Railroad in 1841 transformed West Springfield into a pivotal regional transportation hub featuring extensive repair shops and major rail yards. Alongside the railroad, industrial development expanded along the Westfield River, where paper manufacturing and light industrial plants flourished.

Today, West Springfield is widely recognized for hosting the Eastern States Exposition. Originally established in 1917 to bolster regional farming, this annual autumn fair has grown into the municipality's largest tourist attraction, while the exposition grounds host various events throughout the year. The community is linked to neighboring regions via highway bridges spanning the Connecticut and Westfield rivers, with local bus routes and passenger rail connections in adjacent Springfield providing public transit options.