Plimoth Patuxet Museum

When you think of Plymouth, images of Pilgrims, Native Americans, and the Mayflower naturally come to mind—and Plimoth Patuxet Museums (formerly Plimoth Plantation) brings all three to life across two immersive locations. Just a few miles from the iconic Plymouth Rock, the main site features four major exhibits: a museum, the Wampanoag Homesite, the 17th-Century English Village, and a hands-on craft center. As a retired industrial arts teacher, I found the woodcraft center especially fascinating. It’s reminiscent of the Old Yankee Workshop, with artisans working entirely without power tools. Nearby, skilled craftspeople also create pottery, offering a glimpse into traditional techniques. In the English Village, costumed role players portray daily life as it was during the Pilgrims’ arrival, while the Wampanoag Homesite is staffed by Native people who continue to practice and share the ways of their ancestors. You can even watch a Native man shape a "mishoon" canoe by burning and hollowing out a log using traditional methods. The Visitor Center includes a small museum and a cinema that screens first-run independent films, along with an introductory video for guests. Just 100 yards from Plymouth Rock, the second attraction is the Mayflower II, a full-scale reproduction of the ship that carried the Pilgrims in 1620. When visiting, we highly recommend purchasing a dual pass to experience both the Plimoth Patuxet Museums and the Mayflower II—a powerful and educational journey into America’s early history. (See our separate review for more on the Mayflower II.) 

137 Warren Avenue Plymouth, MA (508) 746-1622