Herman Melville's Arrowhead
Step into the world of Herman Melville at Arrowhead, the historic home where he penned the iconic 'Moby Dick'.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate tours
Herman Melville's Arrowhead
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into the world of Herman Melville at Arrowhead, the historic home where he penned the iconic 'Moby Dick'.
"Guides are brilliant and wow our group with deep knowledge of Melville's life and works."
🎯 Guided Tours are Essential
Don't miss the guided tours! Guides are brilliant and share deep knowledge about Melville's life and works.
📚 Gift Shop Treasures
The gift shop has a nice selection of books, including children's books, and shirts.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Study Where Moby Dick Was Penned
Second Floor
Stand in the very room where Melville conceived and wrote his masterpiece, Moby Dick. Imagine the creative process unfolding.
Original Furnishings and Artifacts
Throughout the House
See authentic furniture and personal items that belonged to Melville, offering a tangible connection to his life.
Views of Mount Greylock
From the Study Window
Gaze out at the same landscape that inspired Melville, including the majestic Mount Greylock, a constant muse.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Deeper Dive
Embrace the Literary Atmosphere
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Guided Tours are Essential
Don't miss the guided tours! Guides are brilliant and share deep knowledge about Melville's life and works.
📚 Gift Shop Treasures
The gift shop has a nice selection of books, including children's books, and shirts.
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
The surrounding farmland and views, especially of Mt. Greylock, are inspiring.
👻 Consider Ghost Tours
Special events like ghost tours offer a unique, spooky perspective on the house's history.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Guided Tours are Essential
Don't miss the guided tours! Guides are brilliant and share deep knowledge about Melville's life and works.
📚 Gift Shop Treasures
The gift shop has a nice selection of books, including children's books, and shirts.
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
The surrounding farmland and views, especially of Mt. Greylock, are inspiring.
👻 Consider Ghost Tours
Special events like ghost tours offer a unique, spooky perspective on the house's history.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the knowledgeable and engaging guides at Herman Melville's Arrowhead, highlighting their ability to bring the author's life and works to vivid reality. The preservation of original furnishings and the atmospheric setting are also frequently cited as major draws, offering a tangible connection to literary history. While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some visitors note that the house itself is modest, emphasizing that the true value lies in the historical context and storytelling provided by the tours.
"Have always wanted to come here and was in the “neighborhood!”. Donna our guide was friendly and very informative. I always find these author houses interesting and Melville’s was not a disappointment. I wish I had time to visit Edith Wharton house which I hear is beautiful. Also Arrowhead has a nice little gift shop with shirts and books and a nice selection for kids."
Rick Corbo
"We were on a short driving trip around the Berkshires and we stayed in Lenox as a base. Each day we drove out for sightseeing and dining. One day we drove over to Arrowhead, the home of Herman Melville. It is a rather modest house in the country with some acreage. We did not have time to go inside as we had to go meet our friends."
THE EXPLORER
"Beautifully preserved testament to the life of Herman Melville. Our tour guide, John, was absolutely brilliant and wow-ed our group which included of two young english literature scholars. Definitely a must-visit for anyone in the area."
Mayowa Oke
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Arrowhead is located in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. It's accessible by car, and many visitors combine it with other Berkshires attractions. Parking is available on-site.
Public transport options to Pittsfield are available, but direct access to Arrowhead from the town center might require a taxi or rideshare service. Check local bus routes for the most up-to-date information.
Many visitors on Moby Dick road trips find Arrowhead a worthwhile stop, even if it's slightly out of the way from coastal New England sites.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees typically apply for guided tours. It's best to check the official Arrowhead website for current pricing and tour schedules.
While walk-ins may be accommodated, booking tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially for guided tours and special events, to secure your spot.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. Always check the official website for the most accurate and up-to-date information on opening and closing times.
Information on discounts for students, seniors, or groups is usually available on the official website. Inquire directly when booking.
Guided tours are the primary way to experience Arrowhead and gain insights into Melville's life and work. Self-guided access might be limited or unavailable.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
A typical visit, including a guided tour, can last about 1-2 hours. Allow extra time if you wish to explore the grounds or browse the gift shop.
Restroom facilities are generally available for visitors. Check with staff upon arrival for their exact location.
Photography policies can vary. It's best to ask your tour guide or check signage upon arrival. Flash photography is often restricted to protect artifacts.
Engaging with the knowledgeable guides is key. They bring Melville's stories and the house's history to life, making it a truly immersive experience.
Yes, Arrowhead hosts various events, including literary readings, audiobook launches, and even ghost tours, offering unique ways to engage with the site. 
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Arrowhead itself does not typically have a restaurant. However, Pittsfield and the surrounding Berkshires offer a wide range of dining options, from casual cafes to fine dining.
Picnicking might be allowed on the grounds, but check the specific rules upon arrival. Food and drinks are usually not permitted inside the historic house.
The Berkshires region is known for its farm-to-table restaurants and charming eateries. Ask your tour guide or local visitor center for personalized recommendations.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the exterior of the historic house, the views of Mount Greylock from the study window, and any interesting architectural details.
Photography rules inside the house can be strict to preserve the artifacts. Always ask your guide for permission before taking pictures of interior items.
The window in Melville's study overlooking Mount Greylock is a particularly iconic spot for photographers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage kids to imagine Melville writing Moby Dick in his study and to look out at the same views he saw. The grounds offer space to explore, and the stories shared by guides can spark their imagination about life in the 19th century. It's a chance to connect with a significant piece of American literary history in a tangible way.
📚 Literature Enthusiasts
Beyond the house itself, the surrounding landscape provides context for the natural imagery and vastness explored in his novels. Consider attending special literary events hosted at Arrowhead to further deepen your appreciation. The opportunity to hear acclaimed narrations or discussions about Melville's work in his own home is truly special.
+1👻 Ghost Story Seekers
These events combine historical context with chilling narratives, making for a memorable and atmospheric experience. It's a chance to explore the darker, more mysterious side of the author's life and the history of his home, offering a different kind of thrill for visitors.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Literary Significance of Arrowhead
+1The surrounding landscape, including the views of Mount Greylock, played a significant role in shaping Melville's imagination. The expansive fields and the distant mountains likely evoked a sense of the vastness and mystery that he would later explore in his writing. This connection between the physical environment and the literary output is a key aspect of understanding Arrowhead's importance. The house and its grounds serve as a tangible link to the author's life and the genesis of his literary genius.
Beyond Moby Dick, Melville also wrote Pierre, The Confidence-Man, and revised Typee and Omoo during his time at Arrowhead. The home offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and connect with the environment that fostered such prolific and groundbreaking literary work. The guided tours are particularly valuable for uncovering the stories and anecdotes that bring Melville's life and writing to vivid life.
Experiencing Arrowhead: Tours and Events
Arrowhead also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year that offer unique perspectives on Melville's legacy. These can include literary readings, audiobook launch events, and even ghost tours, which tap into the more spectral side of the house's history and Melville's own writings on the supernatural. These events provide an opportunity for deeper engagement and can be a highlight for many visitors, offering a different way to connect with the author and his home.
+2For those interested in a more immersive experience, consider attending an event that combines literary discussion with the historical setting. The audiobook narration of Moby Dick launched as a fundraiser for Arrowhead is a prime example of how the site continues to be a hub for literary appreciation and preservation.
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