Location: Plimouth Plantation is located in the southeastern section of the town of Plymouth, Massachusetts. The address is 137 Warren Avenue. Plymouth Rock, the National Monument to the Forefathers and the Mayflower II are located in Pilgrim Memorial State Park.
Time: You should plan on spending 4-6 hours in Plymouth at the various sites. Plimouth Plantation sites are open from 9 am - 5 pm daily from mid-March through November.
Cost: - Plimouth Plantation - $25.95 (adults), $23.95 (seniors), $15 (children 5-12)
- Mayflower II - $12 (adults), $11 (seniors), $8 (children 5-12)
- Plimouth Grist Mill - $6.50 (adults), $5.50 (seniors), $4.50 (children 5-12)
- The Heritage Pass (which includes admission to all three sites) - $36 (adults), $32.25 (seniors), $22 (children 5-12), $29.95 (students)
Description: Plimouth Plantation, established in 1947, simulates the daily life of both the Pilgrims and the Native Americans during the seventeenth century. Historical interpreters inside the replica village perform their daily chores as if they were really people living in 1627 - the backdrop setting for the village. Seasonal activities, celebrations and key historical events are recreated each year as if it were in fact 1627. If you ask them questions using modern terminology, they act confused since the characters they represent wouldn't understand the question. They do however explain what they are doing so that visitors can understand.
Next to the village, visitors can tour a recreated Wampanoag Homesite. Here modern Native Americans, wearing traditional dress, demonstrate and explain to visitors how the Wampanoag's ancestors lived and interacted with the Pilgrims. The Homesite differs from the village in the sense that they don't pretend that they are actually living in the 17th century. Instead they will openly answer any of your questions about life for the Native American people both then and now.
The grounds also include the Nye Barn, which keeps examples of historical breeds of animals used by the settlers and native people. There is also a crafts center where objects used in the village are created; a cinema for educational videos; a Colonial Education site for youth and adult groups; and the Hornblower Visitor Center with indoor exhibits and educational programs.
The Plimouth Grist Mill is the newest addition to the Plantation. It is a reproduction of the 1636 grist mill that used water power to grind corn. The mill operates twice a week to grind corn, but is open to the public daily. Next to the Grist Mill is a beautiful pond with snapping turtles and swans.
Off the grounds, visitors can visit Plymouth Rock - the traditional site where the Pilgrims are supposed to have descended from the Mayflower upon first landing in the New World. Although no contemporary accounts mention the rock, it was identified in 1741 by Thomas Fraunce, who grew up in the village among many of the original settlers, including his father. The authenticity of the rock has been questioned by many historians; nevertheless it became a symbol of the Pilgrims and of the English settlement of the Americas. Over the years, pieces have been chipped off the original rock until only about a third of it remains. It is preserved by the Department of Conservation and Recreation as part of Pilgrim Memorial State Park.
Near Plymouth Rock, visitors can also visit the Mayflower II. Historical interpreters interact with visitors explaining the various purposes of each part of the boat. Visitors are allowed to explore the boat in depth and even try on some of the props.
Rating: 5 stars (out of 5)
Things You Should Know: - Plimouth Plantation is open seasonally, from mid-March until the Sunday after Thanksgiving.
- Although the Living History Museum is officially closed during December, the Visitors' Center offers a selection of seasonal activities during the month. Use this link to peruse the December calendar.
- Combination tickets may be purchased for Plimouth Plantation and one other site, and may be used on consecutive days so as not to cut your stay short at either site.
- You can purchase tickets online to avoid long lines at the ticket counter - particularly on holiday weekends. To purchase tickets, visit the official website.
- The Grist Mill generally operates on Friday and Saturday from 1 pm - 3 pm. However, the schedule occasionally is altered due to special orders or repairs. To find out if it will be operational on the day you wish to visit, call 508-746-1622 ext. 8242.
- For group tours (of 15 or more), call (508) 503-2653.
- A Parent's Guide is available with tips on how to help your children ask the right type of questions to the historical interpreters at the living history museum. This will facilitate children getting the information they desire, while allowing the staff to stay in character. You may also want to review the safety guidelines page.
- The introductory film tells both sides of the story of Plimouth Plantation - from the viewpoint of both the Pilgrims and the Native Americans.
- The historical interpreters in the village each play the role of a specific person who lived at Plimouth Plantation during the year 1627. We were able to track down the person who was playing the role of one of our relatives, and ask her several questions about her family and family life. It made the experience more personal.
Nearby: Freedom Trail, Fenway Park, Harvard University, Cape Cod
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