Lenox Museums
The Berkshires as a whole is renowned for its abundance of both natural and cultural beauty, with countless things to do, see, and experience for everyone. Lenox is no exception to that, especially when it comes to its rich cultural attractions. In fact, in Lenox alone, you’ll find three incredible museums that attract visitors from all across the country; the Mount, Ventfort Hall Mansion, and the Berkshires Scenic Railway Museum.
The Mount is located on the banks of Laurel Lake and was home to the famous American author Edith Wharton. The mansion is now a historic house museum and a cultural center, where visitors can explore the estate and fully immerse themselves and learn about the life of Wharton.
What’s more, the grounds of the estate are absolutely stunning, featuring an Italian walled garden, grass terraces, rock gardens, and much more, making it one of the most popular attractions in the entire Berkshires region! In fact, when you search for pictures of Lenox, photos of the Mount are guaranteed to show up in the top results!
Along the same lines, another historic museum in Lenox is Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum, located just outside of downtown. The mansion and museum is one of the best places to learn about the Gilded Age, the prosperous era of the late 1800s that had a profound impact on shaping the Berkshires into what it is today. Visitors will get a glimpse into the life and changes brought about by the robust economic growth of the period while freely exploring the beautiful Jacobean-style mansion.
Last but not least, we’d highly recommend paying a visit to the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum. Back in the days, trains used to be an integral part of life in the Berkshires, and you’ll still find the worn down railroad tracks all throughout the region. This museum seeks to preserve the region’s history of railroading, and offers fun and educational train rides on vintage railroad equipment. It’s definitely one of the most unique experiences you can have in town!
Additionally, the museum has worked to restore a small, hour-long round trip track in the town of Adams in the northern Berkshires. If you find yourself up that way during your visit, there’s nothing more relaxing than the scenic train ride through the rolling hills and sweeping landscapes on a nice day!
No matter what your tastes and preferences may be, there’s an abundance of museums and cultural attractions to choose from, both in Lenox and the neighboring towns. The only question is, which one are you going to pay a visit to first?
