Mayflower II — Attraction in Plymouth

Whether you’re a history buff, a curious traveler, or just someone looking to touch the wood and rigging of a time long past Mayflower II is absolutely worth the stop.

Docked along the calm Plymouth Harbor, this full-scale reproduction of the original Mayflower is part of the Plimoth Patuxet Museums, and stepping aboard feels like you’re slipping back 400 years to an era of resilience, survival, and new beginnings.

What Stood Out:

The Ship Itself The craftsmanship is incredible. The towering masts, coiled rope, and carefully restored woodwork give you a real sense of what life might’ve been like on that 66-day transatlantic voyage. You can walk the cramped quarters, peer into the hold, and picture just how uncomfortable (and brave) those original passengers were.

A Balanced Narrative The museum signage and storytelling have come a long way from the one-sided Pilgrim myth. The partnership with the Wampanoag communities through Plimoth Patuxet Museums brings context, balance, and truth to the history something that makes this visit not only powerful but necessary.

Friendly Staff Whether you’re chatting with costumed interpreters or just asking a question at the ticket booth, the staff is welcoming and clearly passionate about what they do. They’re happy to explain everything from sailing techniques to the social dynamics onboard.

Great Photo Ops Cloudy or sunny, the Mayflower II is a stunner. With the ship framed by the harbor, it’s hard to take a bad shot here. From the pier, the angles are dramatic especially with those brooding New England skies.

Final Thought:

The Mayflower II isn’t just a replica, it’s a reminder. Of sacrifice, of missteps, of courage, and of the complex story that built this country. A walk on that deck will leave you thoughtful, grateful, and maybe even a little more connected to the real people behind the history books.

#MayflowerII #PlymouthMA #LivingHistory #PlimothPatuxet #HistoricHarborViews #WalkThroughTime #ItsTheLittleThings...

Although the boat was in great condition, my rating reflects our experience and disappointment with how information was shared and what we learned during our visit. We went with the expectation that actors would be in character sharing stories of their experience on a historic journey. Instead, we talked to folks who had brought the boat over from Mystic; information shared was mostly technical and focused on specs of the boat with a few details of what happened on the boat historically, but it felt more like a lecture than a step back into time. My family, the adults and children, were disappointed. Our 5 and 7 year old had enjoyed talking to folks at Plimoth Plantation earlier in the week and were hoping for more of the same on the Mayflower II. When information is presented to children in the form of a story, as if it's present day, it is as if you're speaking their language, that of stories, allowing them to really engage and understand.

If you want to go see a ship and hear facts about it's voyage, then I guess it might meet your expectations. In a world where facts are easily accessible by book and the Internet, it seems to me now more than ever, an engaging living history museum would truly be of value. I hope the staff considers this before completely discontinuing the use of...

Inspired by our child's reading of "Pilgrim Boy," we made the Mayflower II our first stop in Plymouth. It was a fantastic experience for the whole family! The friendly staff was eager to share their knowledge about the ship and answer our questions.

We spent about half an hour exploring the Mayflower II. Compared to my busier visit on Thanksgiving, this time was much more enjoyable. The volunteers and staff were incredibly helpful, bringing the history of the ship to life. Stepping aboard felt like a time capsule, transporting us back to the Pilgrims' voyage.

The Mayflower II's size was surprising – it's hard to imagine over 100 people living on this ship! This experience made us appreciate the basic necessities we often take for granted. The crew and volunteers were fantastic, readily answering our questions and engaging in conversation.

While parking might be a challenge, there are options within a short walk. Overall, the Mayflower II is a short but enlightening exhibit. It's a powerful reminder of the hardships faced by the Pilgrims and the ingenuity required for...