Plimoth Patuxet Museums

Plimoth Patuxet Museums is located in Plymouth, Massachusetts, about an hour’s drive from Boston. The museum opened in 1947 is dedicated to telling the story of the Pilgrims, native people, and their lives in this historic town.

Plimoth Patuxet includes multiple sites to explore. Visitors can purchase tickets for all or select areas. If you want to see all the sites, I recommend allowing at least a half-day.

There is a whole lot to see and do at this museum. Most sites and exhibits are located at the main campus. However, the Grist Mill and Mayflower II are off-site.

Plimoth Patuxet Museums Visitor Center (Main Campus)

The entrance to the main campus of Plimoth Patuxet is through the visitor center. The visitor center includes restrooms, a gift shop, and an exhibit area.

While you are here, be sure to check out the display on how the Thanksgiving feast has evolved over the last 400 years.

Craft Center (Main Campus)

The Craft Center includes displays and demonstrations of period crafts and herbal remedies.

The Craft Center also includes a cafe and restrooms.

17th Century English Village (Main Campus)

The 17th Century English Village at Plimoth Patuxet Museums is a re-creation of a Pilgrim colony. At the head of the village is a fort looking over the community.

Guests can wander through the village homes and chat with staff dressed in period costumes performing and playing the part of colonists.

Historic Patuxet (Main Campus)

At Historic Patuxet, guests can learn about the life of the Wampanoag, the native people who lived in the area.

Visitors can see how the Wampanoag raised food, built canoes, and slept. Staff are on hand to share information and answer questions.

Mayflower II (Waterfront at Pilgrim Memorial State Park)

The Mayflower II is a replica of the original ship. What struck me most was the ship’s small size.

Somehow, 102 passengers and approximately 25 crew survived 7 to 9 months in the ship’s cramped quarters. As if that wasn’t bad enough, livestock was also on the voyage.

Plimoth Grist Mill (6 Spring Ln, Plymouth)

The Pilgrims built their first grist mill in 1636 for grinding grains. Until then, they had to do it by hand. A grist mill was immensely more efficient.

The Plimoth Grist Mill is a reproduction of the original mill. Visitors can see the grinding process up close and even take home some freshly ground cornmeal.

Touring the sites at Plimoth Patuxet Museums is a great way to experience this historic area and its inhabitants. Whether you’re here for 2 hours or a whole day, I’m sure you’ll come away with a fresh perspective on life in the 1600s.

Planning a Thanksgiving trip? Check out Thanksgiving in Plymouth.