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Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge

4.6
#1 of 12 in Things to do in Sturbridge
History Museum · Educational Site
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Experience what rural New England life was like from the 1790s through the 1830s at Old Sturbridge Village. The largest living museum in New England, it spans more than 80 hectares (200 acres) and encompasses more than 40 original buildings. Explore homes, meetinghouses, shops, a school, and a bank. The working farm features animals that would have been found here almost 200 years ago, such as chicken, sheep, oxen, and pigs. Throughout the village, staff in period costumes make crafts, garden, and demonstrate cooking techniques throughout the day. Don't miss the village's collection of Early American antiques, including firearms and glass. Choose from plenty of dining options or bring a picnic to enjoy on the grounds. Wear comfortable shoes. With our world travel planner, Sturbridge attractions like Old Sturbridge Village can be center stage of your vacation plans, and you can find out about other attractions like it, unlike it, near it, and miles away.
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Old Sturbridge Village reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
1,448 reviews
Google
4.7
TripAdvisor
  • We learned a dance from the 1830s with 6-10 other tourists, saw lambs jumping 2 feet in the air, enjoyed hearing music played on instruments unique to the time period, watched maple syrup being made.....  more
    We learned a dance from the 1830s with 6-10 other tourists, saw lambs jumping 2 feet in the air, enjoyed hearing music played on instruments unique to the time period, watched maple syrup being made.....  more »
  • Night of Illumination is an event in which the whole of the village is lit only by candle light in order to give the visitor an insight what it was like before the advent of electric light bulbs. We....  more
    Night of Illumination is an event in which the whole of the village is lit only by candle light in order to give the visitor an insight what it was like before the advent of electric light bulbs. We....  more »
Google
  • This place was wonderful and very educational. It really is like it's own little village. There are some small hiking trails where you can see some awesome views. Watching the staff with the oxen was awesome and informative. I want to go back in warmer weather for the boat ride. The only thing I wish was that there was more "characters" dressed up. I am thinking maybe because it was cooler or because of COVID. The "characters" who were there were fascinating and knowledgeable. We spent a few hours here and it was lovely.
  • We went in March and were able see how people who lived in the 1830's were able to collect and boil down maple sap to make molasses. All the houses were open and though the people who worked there wore masks they were not required of visitors. The village was a true village with blacksmith, saw mill, school etc. The guides were friendly and knowledgeable with the wagon ride being interesting and full of history as well. There were outhouses for visitors to see but 21 century plumbing for visitors to use. There were changing tables in the restrooms. The walking was easy and stroller friendly. The roads were sandy/gravel. A good pair of hiking shoes would be fine here. The chickens roam freely here. The cafeteria had sandwiches but there were no posted limits on outside food, the menu changes with the season so check their website before you go. Overall the experience was educational and laid back. We will be going back in warmer weather.

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