Historic places in Plymouth

12 historic buildings, sites and memorials in Plymouth.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.

See
Brewster Gardens and Town Brook
Created in the early 1920s, the park covers the original garden plot that was granted to Elser William Brewster in 1620. Located in the park are several historical monuments, as well as a pretty nature walk along Town Brook, which originally supplied water to the colony. Events are held here often, including a rubber ducky race down the brook.
Free
Do
Dead of Night Ghost Tours
Twilight lantern tours through cemeteries and haunted historical areas. Scavenger hunt for the young and young at heart.
See
Harlow Old Fort House
Built in 1677, the Harlow Old Fort House is one of the few remaining 17th century buildings in town. Tours and educational programs are offered seasonally. A series of festive special events is held at the site each year, including a range of craft demonstrations and the annual Pilgrim Breakfast.
See
Hedge House
Formally called the Antiquarian Society House. Historic museum of a sea captain's house. Tours available by appointment and during special events.
See
Mayflower II and dockside exhibits
A historically accurate, full-scale replica of the 17th-century vessel the Pilgrims arrived aboard. The reproduction was made in England using traditional shipbuilding methods in conjunction with Plimoth Plantation. Upon its completion, it set sail on April 20, 1957 from Plymouth, England across the Atlantic to Plymouth, Massachusetts, recreating the original voyage.
9AM-5PMTickets are sold packaged with Plimoth Plantation admission. Adults $28; Children $18; Senior Citizens $25
See
Pilgrim Hall Museum
A gallery museum displaying the actual possessions of the Pilgrims as well as temporary exhibits related to Plymouth history.
See
Plimoth Patuxet
formerly Plimoth Plantation
A historical farm and educational site renowned among academic historians and history-recreation buffs alike. Includes a 1627 living history reenactment of early colonial life where visitors can roam the village, enter the homes, and interact with colonists who stay in character. If visiting in summer, find a Plantation employee to describe the various home garden plants and what they were used for - the explanations are fascinating! There is also a recreation of a Wampanoag homesite of the period staffed with interpreters who trace their ancestry to Native tribes, although they will speak with visitors as themselves rather than as characters. You can also visit a 17th-century craft center and observe various clothing, candles, pottery, and other items being made by hand using traditional techniques.
Mar 22-Nov 30: 9AM-5:30PM
See
Plymouth Rock and Pilgrim Memorial State Park
Pilgrim Memorial State Park commemorates the landing site of the Pilgrims in 1620 and contains several historical monuments, a craft shop run by Plimoth Plantation, and the portico enshrining Plymouth Rock. Locals will roll their eyes if you express disappointment with the fact that Plymouth Rock is, in fact, just a rock. "What did you expect?" is the reaction you are likely to receive. To be fair, the rock is small, with the year "1620" engraved on it as its only decoration. The rock was once much larger, weighing over 20,000 lb (9,100 kg). It was displayed at several different locations in town over several hundred years, but was broken in half by transport and several large pieces of it were taken or sold. A 40-lb. piece resides in the Plymouth Church of the Pilgrims in Brooklyn Heights, New York. Smaller pieces were reportedly chipped off and stolen as "souvenirs." The surviving Plymouth Rock is only 1/3 of the upper half of the original stone, so keep that in mind before passing judgement.
Always available
Do
Priscilla Beach Theater
The historic Priscilla Beach Theatre is the oldest barn theater still in operation in America. Founded by Dr. Franklin Trask in 1937, the theater quickly became one of the most respected schools of theater training in America. In its heyday, as many as 150 actors and actresses were in residence, including Paul Newman, Pat Carroll, Peter Gallagher, and Rob Reiner. Today the renovated theater performs professional summer stock plays and musicals and also offers classes and workshops for children and adults. Summer stock season runs from May-October.
Eat
Rye Tavern
Rural restaurant in historic tavern building, specializing in "farm to table" dining. Highly variable seasonal menu with exceptional food quality, more reminiscent of Nantucket than Plymouth. Beautiful gardens out back. Great place for a romantic date, and easily the most upscale restaurant in town. Taking a drive down Old Sandwich Road is an adventure onto itself; road follows an ancient woodland path that connected Cape Cod to the mainland in pre-Mayflower days.
Do Not mapped
Pilgrim Belle History Cruise
Cruise Plymouth Harbor aboard the Pilgrim Belle, a Mississippi-style paddlewheeler. Get a narrated account of this historic town and seaport and a mariner’s view of Plymouth Rock, Mayflower II, Plymouth Beach, Clarks Island and Gurnet Lighthouse. Pilgrim history, maritime lore and fascinating information about commercial fishing & lobstering await you on this 1-hour-and-15-minute cruise.
Do Not mapped
Plymouth Lantern Tours
90 minute guided walking history tour in downtown Plymouth, with lessons about the Pilgrims, Native Americans, statues, and monuments of the area. You also get to carry around a metal lantern. Tours depart from the John Carver Inn.
Regular tours Apr-Nov 7:30PM, Dec-Apr tours available upon advance reservation.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Plymouth (CC BY-SA 4.0).