Historic Homes and Sites

At Plimoth Patuxet, experience the interwoven legacies of the Wampanoag and English people who met in the 17th century. Explore the Historic Patuxet Homesite to learn from the experiences of the Indigenous People who have lived here since time immemorial. In the 17th-Century English Village, traverse the early Pilgrim settlement and interact with historical performers portraying real residents. Discover downtown Plymouth and climb aboard Mayflower II to hear stories about the 1620 transatlantic journey of the Pilgrims, or visit the Plimoth Grist Mill to learn about the importance of corn in the 17th century and today. Named the Best Open-Air Museum in the USA in 2024, 2025, and 2026 by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

Check out some more great things to do while visiting Plymouth County, MA!

You stroll through history when you visit Plymouth. Start with Plymouth Rock and the Mayflower II, the statue of Massasoit and the Pilgrim Sarcophagus, containing the remains of those who died in the first year after the Mayflower arrived. In the Plimoth Patuxet Museums, interpreters will talk about life in a 17-century English village and a Wampanoag homesite. (You might even help dig out a canoe or play a Pilgrim child’s game.) The 1749 Court House Museum is the oldest wooden courthouse and longest-used municipal building in America, and the Jabez Howland House is the only existing house in town where Pilgrims spent time. China Trade treasures are displayed in the Federal-style Hedge House Museum, and Pilgrim and Wampanoag artifacts are displayed in the Pilgrim Hall Museum.

Part of the property granted to two of the Mayflower's most famous passengers, John and Priscilla Alden, visitors can tour the family home of their descendants and explore the nearby foundation of the couple's 17th century homesite. 

The battleship Massachusetts, submarine Lionfish, destroyer Joseph P. Kennedy Jr., are among the World War II vessels docked at this location. Visitors will enjoy tours of the vessels and related exhibits.
Hours: Year-round, daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: Adults: $20; Seniors: $18; Children 4-12: $10; Children 3 and under: Free.

On the Fall River waterfront, this carousel was built in the 1920s and placed in Lincoln Park. It has been fully restored. It is located in a Victorian pavilion and has nearly 50 carved horses moving to classic carousel organ music.
Hours: Open seasonally.
Admission: $1 per ride or $5 for 7 rides
Information: www.battleshipcove.com/carousel.asp

A working antique carousel with authentic wooden horses. Visitors ride to music on a 1928 Wurlitzer organ.
Hours: April 1 to June 19, weekends, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; June 19 to Labor Day, daily, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Labor Day to Halloween, Friday, 4 p.m.-dusk and weekends, 11 a.m.-dusk. Closed Halloween to late March.
$2.50 per ride
Information: www.paragoncarousel.com

Monument to the pilgrims made out of solid granite. The largest of its kind in the United States. Free admission.

This Pilgrim home was built in 1677. Open for visitors most Saturdays 1-4pm.

A replica of a grist mill built on this site in 1636 and used by the Pilgrims to grind corn for flour. Visitors can see the water wheel turning and watch the miller grinding grain. Owned and operated by Plimoth Patuxet Museums.

A reproduction of the original Mayflower, the ship in which the Pilgrims journeyed to America. Visitors will get a sample of what life was like during their voyage in 1620.
Hours: Mid-March-end of October, plus Thanksgiving programming.
Admission: Adults, $10; children age 6-12, $7; seniors, $9. Combination tickets for Plimoth Plantation also are available.
Information: http://bit.ly/iYXlFA

The museum grounds host the 18th-century dwelling built by Edward Winslow. Behind the mansion are the offices and library of the General Society of Mayflower Descendants. The property overlooks a snug harbor where a reproduction of The Mayflower is moored.
Hours: Open occasionally; call ahead for hours of operation.
Information: www.themayflowersociety.com/museum

The real thing! Plymouth Rock commemorates the site where the Pilgrims first came ashore in 1620.

The Martin House Farm is a rare example of an 18th and early 19th century farm which still retains the character of its original setting. It consists of the house, two barns and cultivated fields surrounded by dry stone walls and woodlands. Check the farm website for many interesting public events through the season.
Hours: Open for tours on Sundays, early July through September, 1-4 p.m. Group tours can be arranged by appointment.
Admission: Adults, $5; children under age 12, free; active military and their families admitted free

These historic statuary gardens were designed as areas for meditation and worship. During the Christmas holiday a unique and decorative light display is offered. Information: www.lasalette-shrine.org

This schooner was built in 1894, and was used as a vessel for immigrants and exploration of the arctic. The ship now offers sails and educational programs. Docked at the State Pier, off MacArthur Blvd. near the Cuttyhunk Ferry terminal.

This 28-room Greek Revival mansion was built for whaling merchant William Rotch, Jr. in 1834. The house and formal gardens chronicle 150 years of economic, social and domestic life in New Bedford. Greek Revival in style, it was designed by architect Richard Upjohn. The gardens are well-planned and historically interesting. Admission includes a 30-minute self-guided tour of the Museum and access to the exterior grounds and gardens.
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, noon-4 p.m.
Admission: Adults, $6; seniors over age 65, $5; students, $5; children age 12 and younger, $3.
Information: www.rjdmuseum.org

Once a Colonial farmstead, the property was transformed into a country estate. The property includes a country house, landscaped grounds, and a complex of farm and estate buildings, manicured lawns, a walled garden, and a brick-edged garden. Visitors may explore more than 60 acres of meadow and woodland along three miles of trails.
Hours: Year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset. No charge.