Growing up in Kentucky, you can’t help but love the game of basketball. On a road trip last year, we had the opportunity to tour and explore the Visiting Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Hobbies on a Budget received discounts or tickets to facilitate this post. All opinions are my own. No monetary compensation was received. Amazon Affiliate links are included in this post.

Visiting Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

The city of Springfield is full of so many great places to visit including the Springfield Museums, the Springfield Armory and the Dr. Seuss Sculpture Garden.

In 1891, James Naismith invented an indoor game that could be played between football and baseball seasons for the local YMCA and the game of basketball was born. Naismith wrote and developed basketball’s original thirteen rules. A peach basket was the original hoop. At the museum you have the opportunity to shoot the ball into a peach basket and see how well you do at scoring.

The Basketball Hall of Fame is more than just a static museum for old school basketball fanatics.. You start the museum by riding the elevator the 3rd floor where you walk around the top of the arena and look at all the members of the Basketball Hall of Fame. It took us a while to walk around the track as we found familiar names and faces and some pretty famous pieces of basketball history.

2nd Floor Exhibits

The 2nd floor is full of interactive exhibits where you can test your basketball skills and measure yourself against the legends.

You can even test your skills as a sports commentator.

Do you have a favorite college or professional team? You can take your time and study the exhibits dedicated to your favorite coach and team.

And of course, one of the highlights of any visit to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is the opportunity to shoot some hoops down on the main court. You can’t dunk or play a pick up game of 1:1.  But there’s nothing quite like shooting with all the other visitors to the Hall of Fame.

Tip: If you are a pressed coin collector, don’t forget to pick up some e-coins for your collection in the lobby.

Have you ever visited the Naismith Hall of Fame? Let’s see some team pride in the comments! Did I call out your favorite coach or team? Who do you cheer for when basketball season gets underway? I’d love to hear!

Visit the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame
1000 Hall of Fame Ave, Springfield, MA 01105
Get Ticket Information Here

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