Location: Plymouth
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What to do and see in Plymouth, Massachusetts (MA): The Best History Museums
It's no wonder that the Pilgrims fell in love with America when they landed at gorgeous Plymouth, set in the calm waters of Plymouth Harbor along Cape Cod Bay. It was here that the first English colonists made war and then peace with the Natives, celebrating their newfound cooperation with the first Thanksgiving dinner. Visit the landmarks that honor this piece of American history, from Plymouth Rock to Mayflower II to Burial Hill. Or just enjoy the sandy beaches and calm sea breeze.
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1. The Jenney
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 499 reviews
Historic Plymouth Tours and Educational Programs. Your journey into history begins here. Discover Plymouth's History - a Walking Tour: Hear about the people, places, and events that shaped the beginning of our country as you walk through the historic district of Plymouth. Forefathers Monument Tour - This hidden gem is the largest free standing solid granite monument in our country. The faith of the Pilgrims will become real to you as you learn what each of the five statues represents. Business Not as Usual - Pilgrim Economics and Conversations with a Pilgrim: Our guides help visitors learn all aspects of the Pilgrim family including economics, education, government, and faith. All tours require a reservation. Visit our website for tour times and information. Open seasonally.
Reviewed By E9625YOjonathanm - Tuxedo Park, United States
If one didn't know better, it would be easy to believe that Leo Martin was the 103rd Mayflower pilgrim (or perhaps the 105th depending on how you count, but let Leo explain that to you himself). It was a true pleasure to spend time with someone so dedicated to helping us truly understand what we thought we already knew. The museum itself has an abundance of simple, well-presented information. It is not an exhibit of artifacts, but one focusing on the ideals and principles that helps puts the events of 1620 and beyond in perspective. Although it is possible to visit the Jenney Museum without taking advantage of one of the excellent tours, my wife and I highly recommend the Plymouth walking tour which covered a remarkable amount of ground in a little over an hour. Stops included Town Brook, Brewster Gardens, Leyden Street, Burial Hill, and of course, the Rock in all its glory (again I encourage you to experience Leo's commentary for yourself). Leo's presentation was a near-perfect combination of fact, philosophy, anecdotes, and witty commentary. At the conclusion I felt that I didn't just know about the Mayflower pilgrims, but that I knew the Mayflower pilgrims. This was truly the highlight of our visit to Plymouth!
2. Pilgrim Hall Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 443 reviews
America's oldest public museum is dedicated to the preservation and presentation of both Native American and Pilgrim artifacts.
Reviewed By Stoneforest88 - Boston, United States
We visited this museum in nov 2018. It is a great museum to visit with lots of information about plymouth and pilgrims and puritans who initially landed in plymouth in 1620.....definitely worth the visit!
3. Mayflower Society House and Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 76 reviews
This museum is the headquarters for the General Society of Mayflower Descendants.
Reviewed By joa705 - Somerset, United States
Lovely docent tour for just $5 for AAA members and/or seniors. Otherwise just $7. About 45 minutes to learn the house history of this beautiful home. While there we met 12th generations of the Brewster heritage quite by accident who only learned of their heritage from a genelogy search. Tour are seasonal until October and run on the hour opens at 11AM. Up the hill from Plymouth Rock that have 10 minute tours and by the National Site near where the Mayflower was there are park ranger tours 3x a day.11,2 and 4 PM which are free.
4. PLIMOTH PATUXET
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,467 reviews
Commemorating the 400th anniversary of the 1621 Harvest Feast known as Thanksgiving! Plimoth Patuxet Museums is a living history museum of early Plymouth Colony from the perspective of both the English Pilgrims and the Indigenous People who have lived here for over 12,000 years. The museum features three separate exhibit locations. Plimoth Patuxet with the Historic Patuxet Homesite, 17th-Century English Village, Craft Center and Henry Hornblower Visitor Center featuring the exhibit "History in a New Light: Illuminating the Archaeology of Patuxet and Plymouth". Mayflower II (National Register of Historic Places) located at Pilgrim Memorial State Park on the waterfront in Plymouth, 2 miles from Plimoth Patuxet, you will need your own transportation. Plimoth Grist Mill, located in the heart of historic Plymouth is a short walk from the Mayflower. Select which ticket works best for you. Admission may be split over multiple days with Plimoth Patuxet as your first site.
Reviewed By wpchlc1 - San Antonio, United States
The grounds are beautiful, and make for enjoyable walking. The exhibits are tangibly full of history and authenticity. The actors within this place are the most knowledgeable we’ve encountered in a living history museum. Stop in every dwelling or house and talk to ALL of them. They are walking encyclopedias and the level of detail is staggering.
5. Hedge House
6. Mayflower II
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,241 reviews
On the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, Mayflower II is docked at historic Plymouth Harbor. Climb aboard and experience what the 1620 crossing was like for the Pilgrims. See the captains quarters, gallery and below deck where the English colonists were for that 66 day voyage. Modern-day guides are on hand to enrich your experience, sharing stories about 1620 and the history of Mayflower II. Did you know that the historic ship was presented as a gift in 1957 to the United States of America from England as a thank you for the countries friendship in World War II?
Reviewed By howardform
This is an expensive attraction, its not worth the $15 a person for a 10-15 min view. You can see it for free from the park near Plymouth Rock. I am giving it 5 stars after seeing it from this vantage point, you will get excellent photos from here without breaking your wallet
7. Plimoth Grist Mill
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 295 reviews
Located in historic downtown Plymouth, Massachusetts, a short walk from Mayflower, the Plimoth Grist Mill is a reconstruction of the first mill built by the Pilgrims in Plymouth Colony on the same site in 1636, using the water source of Town Brooke as the power. Explore the science, engineering, math and technology inside a working grist mill. Discover the accomplishments of America's early engineers. Learn about past peoples and cultures, and the ecology of Town Brooke. In the spring, see the annual Herring Run and learn about the herrings' significance to the Wampanoag and Pilgrim story.
Reviewed By kylebistline - Palmdale, United States
30 kids and adults from southern California on a history field trip. Very interesting alot of great information at the water wheel, in the grinding room and down below in the gear room. Learned some math and gear ratios.
8. 1749 Court House And Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By Little_Homer - Salt Lake City, United States
It is a great representation of what this courthouse was. Some reproductions and the floor isn't original but still standing!
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