Sitting on a scenic 100-acre campus in the heart of the Berkshires, MCLA offers a close-knit community surrounded by natural beauty and creative energy. At the heart of campus stands Murdock Hall, built in 1897 and still a cornerstone of academic life. Nearby, you'll find essential student spaces like Eldridge Hall (home to the Student Success Center), the Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation, the MountainOne Student Wellness Center, and residence halls including Berkshire Towers and Hoosac Hall. In January 2025, MCLA announced the upcoming Campagna Kleefeld Center for Creativity in the Arts—a new, state-of-the-art space dedicated to creativity and interdisciplinary teaching.
The Amsler Campus Center serves as the social hub, featuring a Subway sandwich shop, coffee station, bookstore, gaming rooms, and plenty of spots to hang out with friends. Just steps away, Shewcraft Field hosts a range of athletic events and student activities. Beyond campus, MCLA’s presence extends into downtown North Adams with dynamic spaces like Gallery 51 and the Design Lab, creating even more opportunities for connection, exploration, and hands-on learning!
The College is easily accessible via a scenic drive and MCLA’s main campus is located on the Berkshire Regional Transit Authority bus route.
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
375 Church St.
North Adams, MA 01247
Tucked in the heart of the Berkshire Mountains, North Adams is a small city with a big personality. Located in the northwest corner of Massachusetts—just a few hours from major cities like Boston and New York—North Adams blends creative energy with small-town charm, offering students a truly one-of-a-kind college experience. It’s the kind of place where you can sip coffee at a locally owned café, explore world-class art at MASS MoCA (one of the largest contemporary art museums in the country), and hike a mountain trail—all in a single afternoon. The walkable downtown is filled with galleries, restaurants, indie shops, and vibrant community events that bring students and locals together—delivering something new and exciting around every corner!
Looking for adventure between classes? The Berkshire Mountains—aka “the Birks”—are your year-round playground! Hike epic trails, mountain bike through forested paths, or paddle board on crystal-clear lakes in the warmer months. When winter hits, grab your skis or snowboard and hit the slopes just minutes away. But it’s not just about the outdoors—the Birks are also home to over 100 world-class cultural attractions, from music festivals to modern art museums, plus a buzzing farm-to-table food scene. At MCLA, all of this is right in your backyard!
Check out our list of a few of our favorite things to do in and around North Adams! Need more ideas? Ask an Admission Counselor!
Gallery 51
MCLA’s student-operated gallery, located on Main Street in North Adams, features a
rotating program of exhibitions by established and emerging artists, along with student-produced
shows.
MASS MoCA
One of the nation’s largest contemporary art museums, MASS MoCA offers stunning galleries,
rotating exhibitions, live performances, special events and major music festivals.
The Clark Art Institute, Williamstown
Home to a renowned collection of European and American art, the Clark also offers
scenic trails across its grounds, perfect for walking or snowshoeing with views of
the Berkshires.
Mount Greylock State Reservation
Hike or drive to the tallest peak in Massachusetts for views stretching 90 miles across
four states. Explore the trails and historic sites at the summit, or enjoy a meal
at the rustic Bascom Lodge. (Facilities and the road close for the season Oct. 30;
trails are open year-round.)
The Cascades
This leisurely walk at the foot of the Greylock Mountain Reserve ends with a waterfall.
The trailhead is just two miles from campus.
Greylock Glen
Located in Adams, the Greylock Glen offers a variety of trails around meadows, marshes,
ponds and passes. Options are available for hikers of all abilities, as well as skiers
and mountain bikers.
Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort
A year-round destination for outdoor recreation, Jiminy Peak offers skiing and snowboarding
in the winter, along with hiking and alpine slides in warmer months.
Natural Bridge State Park
Located in Clarksburg off Route 8, this former quarry features striking rock formations
and scenic spots for hiking, picnicking and photography.
Bigg Daddy’s Philly Steak House
Located at MASS MoCA, this spot serves cheesesteaks and barbecue.
Casita
Also at MASS MoCA, Casita offers authentic Mexican cuisine for lunch and dinner.
Eagle Street Café
A quaint café on Eagle Street with a full breakfast and lunch menu.
Freight Yard Pub
A local favorite for more than 30 years, the Freight Yard Pub serves pub food, daily
specials and appetizers in a cozy historic setting.
Golden Bamboo
Downtown North Adams’ Asian fusion restaurant features Chinese, Thai and Japanese
dishes, along with sushi and boba tea.
Grazie
Known for Italian cooking, Grazie serves gourmet appetizers, flatbreads and family-style
entrées.
Jack’s Hot Dogs (cash only)
A classic lunch counter serving burgers and hot dogs in North Adams for more than
100 years.
Lickety Split
Located at MASS MoCA, this café offers breakfast, lunch and gourmet ice cream for
museum visitors and locals alike.
Nara Sushi
Close to campus, Nara is popular for lunch specials, noodle bowls and specialty sushi.
Public Eat + Drink
A downtown favorite serving small and large plates, burgers and flatbreads in a lively
atmosphere.
Ramunto’s Brick Oven Pizza
Known for brick-oven pizza, Ramunto’s also serves calzones, salads, burgers, sandwiches
and pasta.
State Food & Drink
A West Coast–inspired restaurant featuring local ingredients. Stop by on Tuesdays
for dishes by local chef Tu Le.
Tres Niños
Serving tacos, burritos and bowls, Tres Niños is located downtown near MASS MoCA.
Tunnel City Coffee
Located on the MASS MoCA campus, Tunnel City serves locally roasted coffee, baked
goods and beans to go.
Wigwam Western Summit
Just beyond the Hairpin Turn, this café and gift shop features baked goods and sweeping
Berkshire views.
413-662-5410
admissions@mcla.edu
