2 LGBTQ+ Landmarks & Heritage Sites in Northampton, MA

You'll find locals and visitors snapping photos at this permanent rainbow crosswalk in downtown Northampton. Painted in April 2014 ahead of the Pride parade, it was the first of its kind in the U.S. and remains a vibrant symbol of the city's LGBTQ+ pride and history.

The Homestead sits quiet on Main Street, its brick facade unchanged since Emily Dickinson lived here. This is where she wrote nearly 1,800 poems and where visitors today can explore rooms that shaped her famously reclusive life. The museum includes both the Homestead and the Evergreens, a rare arrangement that tells the full story of the Dickinson family and their world. It's a literary landmark and a queer site — Dickinson's intense relationships with women, especially Susan Gilbert, are part of the documented history. Tours run Wednesday through Sunday, 10am to 5pm. The museum is family-friendly and casual, with a bookstore and gift shop on site. You'll want to check the tour schedule ahead of time, as same-day availability can vary. If you're in Amherst, the Rainbow Crosswalk is a nearby LGBTQ+ landmark worth stopping by after your visit.