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Home » News » Explore Plymouth’s Outdoor History Trails
Shoulder Season
April 2, 2025
Plymouth, Massachusetts, is a town where history comes alive. This spring and summer, take a journey through time with an outdoor history trail that guides you through centuries of remarkable stories, from the arrival of the Pilgrims to the industrial innovations that shaped the region. Walk along the waterfront and explore charming downtown streets as you uncover Plymouth’s deep historical roots.
On a beautiful day, you’ll want to experience Plymouth’s waterfront as you take your self-guided history tour. Luckily, there’s an abundance of beautiful monuments, statues, and even a replica of the Mayflower that you can explore, all with the fresh sea breeze in your hair. Use this map to follow the trail, or pick a few points and make your own route.
235 Water Street
Begin your journey at a picturesque park along the harbor. While today it’s a relaxing waterfront escape, Nelson Park also sits near the historic shoreline where Plymouth’s early settlers once fished and gathered resources for survival. It’s a great spot to soak in coastal views before diving into history.
79 Water Street
One of the most famous landmarks in America, Plymouth Rock symbolizes the Pilgrims’ landing in the New World. Despite being broken, relocated, and eroded, the rock has persevered and has been a welcome sight to visitors young and old alike.
72 Water Street
The elegant Pilgrim Mother Statue pays tribute to the courageous women of the Mayflower who endured hardships to help establish the Plymouth Colony. It’s a reminder of the resilience and strength of the Pilgrims beyond their famous leaders.
75 Water Street
Step aboard the Mayflower II, a full-scale replica of the original Mayflower, which was the ship that carried the Pilgrims to the New World. Staffed by costumed historians, this vessel brings the 1620 journey to life, offering visitors a hands-on experience of what life was like at sea.
30 Water Street
Recognizing the waves of immigrants who followed the Pilgrims, the Plymouth Immigrant Memorial celebrates the diverse cultures that have contributed to Plymouth’s rich history.
35 Carver Street
Standing atop Cole’s Hill, the Massasoit Statue honors Massasoit, the Wampanoag leader who formed a crucial alliance with the Pilgrims. His role in ensuring the survival of the Plymouth settlers cannot be overstated. However, there are two sides to every story. Beside the statue is the Native American Plaque, which acknowledges the Wampanoag perspective on Plymouth’s history. Understanding their story adds depth to your exploration of the town.
35 Carver Street
A monument containing the remains of those early settlers, the Pilgrim Sarcophagus ensures that their sacrifices are never forgotten. It’s a must-visit for those wanting to honor Plymouth’s first European inhabitants.
72 Allerton Street
Towering above its surroundings, the National Monument to the Forefathers is a magnificent statue which honors the Pilgrims and their core values. It’s one of the largest solid granite monuments in the world and an essential stop for anyone exploring Plymouth’s history.
10 Loring Blvd
Discover the industrial side of Plymouth at the Plymouth Cordage Company Museum. Here, you’ll learn about the once-thriving Plymouth Cordage Company, which supplied durable rope to the world’s maritime industry. Step inside to learn how this 19th-century company shaped the economy and the town’s workforce.
1 South Spooner Street
Though a more modern landmark, the Plymouth 911 Memorial Monument is still an important part of the trail. This memorial honors the lives lost in the September 11th attacks, serving as a poignant reminder of the town’s enduring connection to national history, making it a meaningful stop on your journey.
Downtown Plymouth is a fantastic area to walk around, with shopping, restaurants, and more to enjoy. However, if you’re a student of history, it’s also ideal for visiting museums and historic houses. Use this map to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the architecture, exhibits, and atmosphere of America’s Hometown.
126 Water Street
Hedge House was built in 1809 by shipowner William Hammatt. This Federal-style mansion showcases the elegance of early 19th-century living and Plymouth’s transformation into a prosperous port town.
75 Court Street
America’s oldest continuously operating public museum, the Pilgrim Hall Museum houses artifacts from the Mayflower voyage and early colonial life. This 200-year-old institution is a treasure trove for anyone interested in the Pilgrim story.
26 Court Street
Built in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the Pilgrims’ landing in Plymouth, the 1820 Courthouse & Town Hall is a testament to Plymouth’s long-standing civic life. This historic building is where important town affairs have been handled for another two centuries.
4 Winslow Street
A grand colonial home, the Mayflower Society House offers a glimpse into Plymouth’s 18th-century aristocracy and serves as the headquarters for Mayflower descendants today. The General Society of Mayflower Descendants estimates that there are 35 million living descendants of the Mayflower worldwide and 10 million living descendants in the United States, so this house is a worthwhile pilgrimage for anyone who can claim Mayflower ancestry.
27 North Street
One of Plymouth’s oldest surviving homes, Spooner House is a charming, preserved home that tells the story of a Plymouth family that lived there for generations. Walking through its rooms feels like stepping back in time, as five generations of family heirlooms are on display.
4 Town Square
The 1749 Court House Museum is the oldest wooden courthouse in America. Now a free museum, its exhibits provide insight into colonial justice and governance. It’s a small but fascinating stop for history lovers, as it houses a fire engine from 1828, the town hearse, items from Parting Ways settlement, and a display of gifts from Plymouth’s sister city Shichigahama, Japan.
42 Summer Street
The oldest surviving house in Plymouth, Richard Sparrow House offers an intimate look at early colonial architecture and daily life. Richard Sparrow was granted a house tract of six acres in 1636, which required him to construct a house within four years. Today, the house remains standing, which is a testament of its construction, and acts as a museum.
33 Sandwich Street
The Jabez Howland House is the only remaining house in Plymouth where Pilgrims actually lived. This rare piece of history brings visitors as close as possible to the colony’s early days. You’ll be able to view 17th-century fine period furniture as well as artifacts, letters and documents, letters from famous descendants Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Winston Churchill, and more.
