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Plimouth Plantation. Photo courtesy of Neville10.
Located about an hour from Boston, Plimouth Plantation makes a great day trip. This historical attractions allow visitors to immerse themselves in one of the country’s most important time periods through a living museum. For those looking to visit Plimouth Plantation for themselves, here is some information and tips.
Getting there
For less than $20 round trip, you can take the commuter rail from Boston and then take a short, inexpensive taxi ride to the plantation. Your other option is to drive, which allows you to conveniently explore the other attractions of the area. Another convenient transportation choice that gives you a well-rounded experience is a Massachusetts Plimouth Plantation Tour. The excursion takes you to the Plimouth Plantation, as well as the Mayflower II, the area’s waterfront and possibly even Cole’s Hill. Best of all, you’ll enjoy round-trip transportation in a comfortable coach to and from your hotel.
What to expect
Plimouth Plantation is a re-creation of the original Plymouth Colony established by English colonists in the 17th century. These colonists — whom later became known as the pilgrims — came to America to seek religious separation from the Church of England.
This great Boston day trip features the colonial Plymouth Village with its timber-framed houses with thatched roofs, a Native American Wampanoag village, and actors of all ages trained to speak, act and dress like 17th-century pilgrims and Native Americans. Visitors walk in a self-guided fashion from building to building; inhaling aromatic kitchen gardens; watching women cook and make butter; looking on as artisans work with stone, wood, clay and other natural materials; seeing locals take care of livestock and go about their daily life; and more.
Plimouth Plantation is extremely family-friendly, and the child actors will often ask young guests to come play old time games with them like marbles and hand games. This level of interaction really makes you feel like you’re part of the village and not just a spectator. Moreover, visitors can ask the pilgrims and Native Americans any questions they’d like, from what they’re wearing to what the laws were like back then. Each character has a unique story to tell, so make sure to ask about it. Before leaving, spend some time perusing the informational exhibits and seeing a film in the Visitor Center, the historic breeds of sheep, goats and cows at Nye Barm, and the working Plimouth Grist Mill, which uses water power to mill corn into cornmeal.
One interesting event they do each year is at Thanksgiving. The Plimouth Plantation puts on a dinner theater show where actors get into character as pilgrims and Native Americans and re-enact the first Thanksgiving dinner. They focus on authentic Thanksgiving dishes, with the main dish being lobster, which wasn’t always the luxury food item it is today.
Near to Plimouth Plantation you can also explore the Mayflower II, docked near Plymouth Rock. On board you’ll interact with actors in character as pilgrim sailors from the 1620s. You can also visit Cole’s Hill, where you’ll find the first cemetery used by the Plymouth pilgrims.
Plimouth Plantation conducts ongoing research to make sure the environment they create is authentic and true to what was experienced in the 1600s. The immersive attraction is educational, cultural and provides a glimpse into the respectful yet tumultuous relationship the pilgrims had with the native Wampanoag. It is one of top attractions near Boston.
Plimouth Plantation is located at 137 Warren Avenue in Plymouth, Massachusetts, about three miles south of the Plymouth Center. Admission is $25.95 for adults and $15 for children 6 to 12, although you can purchase combination tickets to also visit the Mayflower II and Plimouth Grist Mill for $35 for adults and $21 for children. Plimouth Plantation is a seasonal attraction, and is open from late March through the Sunday after Thanksgiving from 9am to 5pm daily.
-Jessica Festa