image description — There is a splash pad located at Clapp Park in Pittsfield.

Ways to Cool Off this Summer

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
12:01PM / Saturday, August 09, 2025Print Story | Email Story

Enjoy the splash pad at Noel Field in North Adams.

It's going to be hot this week, and if you'd like to beat that summer heat, here are some places to enjoy. Make sure to get outside during the tail end of summer and enjoy some of the water the Berkshires has to offer.

Clapp Park

Pittsfield

Clapp Park is a great area for little ones and even adults to cool off. The splash pads located behind the field are turned on daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Spend some time in the water as well as the small playground located next to it. Make sure to bring some sunscreen!

Noel Field Athletic Complex Splash Pad

North Adams

The splash pad is another great splash pad in the city where you can enjoy the water as well as the playground. Located at 298 State St and just a short drive from many places to get an ice cream or cool beverage to relax afterwards.

Lake Mansfield

Great Barrington

Enjoy a day of swimming and sunbathing at the lake this summer. Located by entering through Christian Hill Road. There are also plenty of picnic tables to sit around and enjoy lunch together before heading back into the water.

Burbank Park/ Onota Lake

Pittsfield

Take a day at this beach location and enjoy a swim. You can even catch a fish or take a boat ride out into the lake. The beach also has a toy box for people to use and donate while playing on the sand.

York Lake

New Marlborough

Enjoy this other family-friendly beach with picnic and grills. You're also welcome to fish or take a kayak out onto the water. It's located at East Hill Road off Route 183.

Wahconah Falls

Dalton

Located at 1 North Street, enjoy the breathtaking views of a waterfall that's easily accessible. Dip your feet in the water and enjoy the scenery as well at one of the picnic tables on site.

Clarksburg State Park

Clarksburg

Enjoy a day at the Clarksburg campground where you can launch a boat, fish, or even swim at the beach. Enjoy a nice lunch at one of the many picnic tables. The campground also has an abundance of hiking trails through the shaded greenery to explore.

Lenox Town Beach

Lenox

The Lenox town beach is used by residents only but others are able to visit town hall for a pass to go to the beach. At the beach you can enjoy swimming. There is also a covered pavilion to enjoy a nice lunch. Build sandcastles and relax. Just a short drive from the beach you can also launch a boat to enjoy a nice float through Laurel Lake.

Tags: lakes, ponds,

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Berkshire Museum Explores Ancient Egypt With ‘Soulful Creatures’

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
11:33AM / Friday, October 09, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Following its multimillion-dollar renovation, the Berkshire Museum is welcoming an exhibition unlike any it has been able to host before.

Marking the museum's first major exhibition since its renovation, "Soulful Creatures: Animal Mummies in Ancient Egypt," opening Saturday, Oct. 10, thins the veil between the ever-evolving history of Egyptian culture and society and modern day people.

"The most important thing about history is recognizing people from the past as actual people. Ancient Egyptians are no different than us," said William Dore, the museum's chief curator. "They have different cultures and beliefs and different viewpoints, but you can say the same thing about people today."

When audiences experience the exhibit, they will see the humanity in the people of the past, which in turn helps them connect with different views and perspectives around the world today, he said.

Combining archeology with modern scientific imaging, Brooklyn (N.Y.) Museum curators Yekaterina Barbash and Edward Bleiberg designed an exhibit that works to uncover the mysteries behind these objects and the beliefs and rituals that surround them.

"I think something that people kind of misunderstand about history is none of it's ever settled. ... History is a science that is constantly questioned,” Dore said. "It only works if everyone's constantly rethinking things, learning new things ... which is for me super exciting because as much as we know a lot about the ancient Egyptians, there's a lot we don't know.”

The installation features dozens of artifacts on loan from the Brooklyn Museum that explores the practice of animal mummification and the role animals played in ancient Egyptian religion.

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