Events

The Great Falls Discovery Center hosts community programs and events, rotating art exhibits in our Great Hall and a Coffee House hosted by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center.

  • Program Change: First Friday: Reading the Streetscape

    Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, United States

    Rather than having a walk today with the severe cold, we are transforming this program today to be a guided pop-up station at our welcome desk inside. Every mill town is like an open book, if you know how to read it. Learn about the unique architecture of Turners Falls.  Join other activities as part […]

    Free
  • Nice & Easy Walk

    Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, United States

    Easy-paced, 1 to 2-mile guided walk, along the Canalside Rail Trail or downtown Turners Falls, geared for seniors, but open to all. Enjoy natural and local history along the way. Dress for the weather with sturdy footwear and bring water. Inclement weather cancels. Meet at the main entrance.

    Free
  • Nice & Easy Walk

    Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, United States

    Easy-paced, 1 to 2-mile guided walk, along the Canalside Rail Trail or downtown Turners Falls, geared for seniors, but open to all. Enjoy natural and local history along the way. Dress for the weather with sturdy footwear and bring water. Inclement weather cancels. Meet at the main entrance.

    Free
  • UPDATE: First Day Hike is Cancelled. Hot Chocolate Reception is still on!

    Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, United States

    Update - unfortunately, icy trail conditions prevent us from offering a guided First Day Hike this year. However, we'd love to see you for a hot chocolate reception in the Great Hall from 1 - 3 p.m. instead!  We we will have an activity on mammal winter adaptations and scavenger hunts for our Connecticut River […]

    Free
  • Second Friday Winter Local History Talk: Keeping It Cool — Ice Harvesting

    Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, United States

    How much is a block of ice worth? It depends on the weather! Learn about the ice harvesting empire that started in Massachusetts. See the tools used by local ice harvesters, making it easier to preserve staples like milk, meat and fish. For ages 10 and up. Downtown Turners Falls’ monthly First Friday event is […]

    Free
  • Winter Local History Talk: The Strathmore aka Keith Paper Mill

    Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, United States

    The Strathmore (a.k.a. Keith Paper) mill was the phoenix of Connecticut River mills. Few other mills could rally themselves and the town to come back from the brink. Join DCR staff for photos, maps, and stories that showcase the determination, labor, and paper that kept the Strathmore mill in business for 122 years. For ages […]

    Free
  • Nice and Easy Walk

    Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, United States

    Easy-paced, 1 to 2-mile guided walk, along the Canalside Rail Trail or downtown Turners Falls, geared for older adults, but open to all. Enjoy natural and local history along the way. Dress for the weather with sturdy footwear and bring water. Inclement weather cancels. Meet at the main entrance.

    Free
  • Nice and Easy Walk

    Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, United States

    Easy-paced, 1 to 2-mile guided walk, along the Canalside Rail Trail or downtown Turners Falls, geared for older adults, but open to all. Enjoy natural and local history along the way. Dress for the weather with sturdy footwear and bring water. Inclement weather cancels. Meet at the main entrance.

    Free
  • Nice and Easy Walk

    Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, United States

    Easy-paced, 1 to 2-mile guided walk, along the Canalside Rail Trail or downtown Turners Falls, geared for older adults, but open to all. Enjoy natural and local history along the way. Dress for the weather with sturdy footwear and bring water. Inclement weather cancels. Meet at the main entrance.

  • Nice and Easy Walk

    Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, United States

    Easy-paced, 1 to 2-mile guided walk, along the Canalside Rail Trail or downtown Turners Falls, geared for older adults, but open to all. Enjoy natural and local history along the way. Dress for the weather with sturdy footwear and bring water. Inclement weather cancels. Meet at the main entrance.

    Free
  • Winter Local History Series: Quabbin Obscura — The Swift River in Black & White

    Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, United States

    From farm to canvas to camera, artist Burt V. Brooks (1849-1934) captured the landscapes and daily life in the “drowned towns” before the Quabbin Reservoir (today managed by DCR) was filled. Join DCR staff as we look back on Brooks’ work for answers about who he was and what life in the Swift River Valley […]

    Free
  • Nice and Easy Walk

    Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, United States

    Easy-paced, 1 to 2-mile guided walk, along the Canalside Rail Trail or downtown Turners Falls, geared for older adults, but open to all. Enjoy natural and local history along the way. Dress for the weather with sturdy footwear and bring water. Inclement weather cancels. Meet at the main entrance.

    Free