The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is home to dozens of charming small towns and quaint villages, each providing a wonderful escape to those who want to slow down for a bit. Set in the Berkshires along the Mohawk Trail scenic drive, Shelburne Falls is a village filled with beauty, natural wonders, and a thriving downtown filled with locally-owned businesses. Let’s have a look at this unique village in western Massachusetts. 

Shelburne Falls is a historic village, established in the 1760s, within the towns of Shelburne and Buckland in Franklin County. The village was once used by Native Americans for salmon fishing and later on, it became a manufacturing hub along the Deerfield River. Today, it has a thriving downtown and arts community and a population of approximately 1,800 people.
Roman Eugeniusz/Wikimedia Commons
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Shelburne Falls has maintained many of its historical sites and structures. Because it is also a community of cultural significance, it was also given the distinction as a Cultural District by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
LEONARDO DASILVA/Wikimedia Commons
The seamless blending of history and culture certainly makes this village one of the most unique in the state.
There are several notable sites, including two distinct bridges, the village is known for. Connecting the towns of Shelburne and Buckland is an iron truss bridge, built in 1890, that crosses the Deerfield River. This bridge was featured in several movies including "The Judge" and "Labor Day."
KrisNM/Flickr

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The second bridge of note is a former 1908 trolley bridge that was eventually transformed into a pedestrian bridge and garden.
L Eaton/Flickr
After the trolley bridge became obsolete in 1927, members of the Shelburne Falls Women's Club decided to take over and plant a garden. Today, people from all over the world come to see The Bridge of Flowers. It's become what Shelburne Falls is most famous for.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
There are plenty of things to do in Shelburne, Massachusetts. Whether you're a nature lover or a history buff, this charming village has a little bit of everything.
Shelburne Falls is also home to a set of natural and geological wonders. Along the riverbed of the Deerfield River are 50 glacial potholes that range in size between six inches and 39 feet in diameter. These natural potholes were carved into the granite rock during the high waters of the glacial age. They are quite a fascinating sight to see!
Daderot/Wikimedia Commons
To explore some of the transportation histories of the area, a trip to the Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum is a must. Visitors are even treated to a ride along an original trolley, Trolley No. 10, that was built in 1896.
Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum/Facebook
This museum is a wonderful place the whole family will enjoy.

There’s no other place in Massachusetts quite like Shelburne Falls! Have you visited the unique and lovely historic village yet? If so, what did you think? Let us know in the comments! For more information, visit the Shelburne Falls website. You can also read more about the Bridge of Flowers and the glacial potholes in our previous coverage.

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Shelburne Falls, MA 01370, USA