Old Sturbridge Village Reviews

A lot of walking. Dusty. Lot of trees for shade and benches scattered throughout. Friendly staff. Some buildings had 3 people others had none. Many original buildings from surrounding area. Food available. Various events scheduled. Good into video and nap given as you pay.

Very nice place to walk around and learn about history from early America.The staff is very knowledgeable and friendly.

No long lines. Clean public restrooms. Lots to see, experience and eat. We happened to schedule our visit for the 4th of July and were lucky to see a naturalization ceremony! It was awesome and very moving. The sites and people dressed up in period clothing are interesting and informative. I highly recommend for families with 8-10 year olds- they will get the most out of it because they are still inquisitive. The gift shop is also really nice though pricey- though the money you spend there supports the village. A weekday visit is less crowded and high noon can be hot!

My first visit to Old Sturbridge Village was not memorable. It was in the middle of the day and full of tourists. I took advantage of the ticket that allows you to come back within 7 days. I started my next trip at 9:30am as they opened up and had much better luck taking photos without all the tourists.

What a great way to spend an autumn day in Connecticut! The grounds are beautiful! This is very well done and maintained “living museum”.

I brought my seven-year-old son and four-year-old daughter and both children loved it. Unfortunately, the day we came they did not have many/any? of their outside children’s games set up which have been lots of fun for the kids but I attribute that to the season. Lots of walking and fairly spread out but we just took our time and stopped as needed to explore or rest at the exhibits.

We brought some sandwiches and drinks for a mid visit break and then bought a hot tea, hot chocolate and fresh baked cookies on our way out to warm us up on the drive home.

Recommend: comfortable shoes, obviously weather appropriate clothing, snacks, water, stroller (if needed) and lots of time.

We arrived about 11:45 AM and left five minutes after they closed at 4pm. I think I was at my daughters limit anyways, so the time frame worked out. If the weather was warmer we probably could’ve easily used an extra hour just to stop and play with the outside activities (that they did not have on this visit).

I personally felt our visit was worth the ticket cost. If you buy tickets online you get the $2.50 discount per person.

I highly recommend “Old Sturbridge Village” for anyone and everyone who loves history and the outdoors.

Sturbridge Village is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon or morning. The grounds are huge and there are lots of walking areas including the town itself and the many trails. Everybody working there has good historical knowledge of the time period. The buildings are kept in great condition and there are a lot of buildings to walk through. We've gone multiple seasons and each time is great! Summer has more actors working, but it's just as beautiful in winter.
We recently went for the Sleepy Hollow event and it was really awesome! Didn't know what to expect and we loved it! It was cold, but the great acting and production distracted us.
The gift shop is also a must... they have a ton of great stuff!

We spent a lovely day recently visiting Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts. Since Williamsburg in Virginia is one of our favorite places, I was sure I'd enjoy this visit. Although they represent times that are 100 years apart they are very similar. There weren't as many people in period costume as there are in Williamsburg and there aren't any extra tours and presentations like Williamsburg offers. But exploring on our own and talking to a couple of the"re-enactors" was very interesting. And we loved the wagon ride so that we could see several of the areas that we didn't get to on foot.

Came here back when I was a kid. Forgot how fun it is. So cool to see how life was like back then. All the workers are awesome. Take the horse carriage ride, very informative regarding the village and how it was put together. Teachers bring your ID, 1/2 off 2 adults if you have proof your a teacher in New England.

One of the most enjoyable things I did on this year's trip to New England. Expect to stay about 4 hours and have fun interacting with the local craftsmen and woman. The place is absolutely gorgeous. From the pond, the waterfall, covered bridges to the forest. Such a great place to visit with the entire family.

Fans of history will love the original buildings and artifacts that have been brought to Old Sturbridge Village. Costumed interpreters are friendly, knowledgeable, and interact well with visitors. Farm animals, a stagecoach ride, and a ride on the lake all give the feel of an 1830 village. I couldn't pass up the cranberry stuffing at Bullard's Tavern. If you decide to go more than one day, get the season pass. It'll save you a few bucks.

This historically accurate living history museum is a treat for all ages. The grounds are impeccably kept and truly beautiful. The costumed historians demonstrate the life skills and trades appropriate to the 1830s. They are highly engaged with visitors and share a great depth of knowledge. I was particularly impressed with the historians. They offered a wealth of information while truly connecting/engaging with visitors of all ages. They had wonderful people skills!

There were a few exhibits that were undergoing necessary maintenance, so if a particular building or trade is of interest, you may want to call in advance to make sure that exhibit is open.

There is a small cafeteria style restaurant and a gift shop for souvenirs (some made on site) but no blatant commercialization which is a treat as the village's authenticity and charm is not compromised.

In sum, a great place to spend an afternoon. Kids and adults will enjoy!

I last visited in 1966 and was surprised just how much the village includes...perhaps it has grown. As a fan of Colonial Williamsburg and other recreated colonial villages, I found many general similarities but enough differences to really get a lot out of our visit. The staff was very accommodating and the period attire added to the experience. This is well worth a visit of about half a day.

This is a great place to visit and learn. A place for young and old alike. The docents are dressed in period clothes. They are very knowledgeable and anxious to share stories about how it was to live in those times. The map you get when you buy your tickets is very helpful. It not only gives you directions around the village, but there is also a brief description of each building you will visit. You will want to take your time. You can easily spend a minimum of 3 hours, and you can spend even more time. There is one "restaurant" that has a very limited menu. The food is just okay. But you can also bring your own lunch.

I came here on a Sunday morning to enjoy a mainly outside activity given the current environment. The museum is taking all the right precautions to keep people safe and still have a good time. We spent at least 2 hours in park and saw most of the exhibits. Some things were closed due to the close quarters but that was to be expected. Overall still a good time and I'd recommend visiting, they are still doing events for holidays and throughout the year!

Visited on the "Rebels and Redcoats" weekend. Fun to visit the encampments and see the demonstrations. Also great interaction with interpretive staff at various buildings.

After researching, we bought our tickets ahead of time online and saved some money doing so. Printed out our tickets and had no problem getting in when we arrived. There were many demonstrations and daily events to choose from on the exhibit schedule and map they hand out when you check in. Truly a living museum. We went to the printing office and the gentleman inside answered all of our questions and was very knowledgeable in his craft. This was true for all the presenters throughout the village! We also enjoyed: ghost stories at the Fitch House (needed more space- and the story teller needed to speak a bit louder because the visitors coming and going were noisy), watching the grinding of apples by Ox-power at the Cider Mill, the bonnet making demonstration at the Parsonage, speaking to the villagers tending the garden at the Salem Towne House, the musket firing, the forming of an Apple-corer at the Tin shop, Asa Knight store history, the textile and produce demonstration, the apple tasting at the Bullard, and how to grow/ produce apples slide show! Also took a horse-drawn ride around the Common. There’s so much to take in, not to mention the beauty of the village itself. We thought we’d only spend 3 or 4 hours here, but ended up staying until closing (4pm)! Had to get some souvenirs made at the village (pottery and tin icicles for my tree!)
Definitely a wonderful trip back to Historic New England and well worth the trip. Highly recommend- but be ready to walk around all day! 💕

Haven’t been to the OSV in too many years. Now that I am older and wiser I can honestly say that I enjoyed and appreciated it more than ever.

Get there early, check the daily schedule and plan your day so as not to miss one of the presentations and re-enactments. The costumed historians are very knowledgeable and passionate about what they are doing and will bring you right into their world.

Plenty of places to sit a spell if you need a break and lots of room for the kiddos to run off some energy. Pack a lunch if you want to save a few dollars. You can come and go from the park throughout the day. Just don’t lose your receipt.

Listen and learn. You won’t regret it.

Our visit to the living history museum of Sturbridge Village was very interesting and a great way to spend a day. The grounds are lovely and laid out well to visit each site. The staff was friendly and very helpful, and the costumed re-enactors were very knowledgeable. The area is handicapped accessible (we saw several visitors in wheelchairs). We enjoyed a nice lunch there, and thoroughly enjoyed our day, learning a lot about 1830's New England life.

We stumbled on Redcoats and Rebels weekend. It takes place each year and corresponds with the Pan Mass Bike each August. Period costumed soldiers, tents, open cooking, horses, gun shots - the whole experience was educational and enjoyful. Also took the boat ride around the river and learned about the Villages history - very interesting.

Excellent job at this village. Employees were great remaining in character and offering good period related information. It was a very entertaining day!

We had our wedding reception here at Old Sturbridge Village. The entire thing turned out amazing. Our wedding coordinator and the staff were so accommodating. There wasn’t anything we were unhappy with. We would recommend having your reception here! Affordable as well.

Took the family (wife and 3 kids) to Old Sturbridge Village for a day during our vacation. We had been there before but several years ago, and we liked it enough to want to come back. We were certainly not disappointed! My family and I love this sort of thing (we have been to Colonial Williamsburg many times, for example) and the quality of the experience here was superb. The interpreters were very helpful and knowledgeable, even a lady in the general store who was on her 2nd day as a volunteer interpreter was fantastic! We especially enjoyed the lawyers office (!) and the blacksmith as well. Great gift shops, and even the cafe was good for a light lunch. Thoroughly enjoyed our visit, and I would recommend to anyone who is into US history/historical sociology to make the trip. The kids will also love the old houses and barns, the animals, and the interpreters. Highly recommended.

We went right after a good snowfall and it was beautiful! We bought hot chocolate and took a sleigh ride through the village. They had sleds near one of the farms too. Well worth the money, trip and time. The only complaint is it was hard to find solid food around the property. We went to a local hotpot restaurant and were starving by the time we got there.

We had an amazing time during our visit to the 1800’s New England. Our BoyScouts troop had a sleep over; so far is the best we have had. The kids learned how to make cookies, made a pottery activity and had a scavenger hunt. The guides made the adventures very fun. All the kids participated and enjoyed the experience while learning

Our recent visit to old Sturbridge Village was quite nice. I had not been Sturbridge Village for about 15 years and it has expanded quite a bit since then it seems. The staff was very knowledgeable and explained many of the different buildings to us as far as where they came from and what they represent in the village. I deftly recommend old Sturbridge Village to families and/or just adults.

I love the history. I was disappointed when I realized there were only sheep to interact with. There were no activities to engage children as you see with Plymouth Plantation. Many of the structures were empty to allow for self guided tours I imagine. A gardener was available. Not much else. I intended to take my 8 year old granddaughter next time, but unfortunately there will not be a next time. I do believe after a half hour she would be bored. We loved the Mill demonstration but so many people crammed in that we could not see or hear anything. I would perhaps consider someone waiting outside the door to monitor entrance and time for leaving so others can come in to actually see and hear what is going on as the two guides were wonderful. The guide for the Salem Town House was the most knowledgeable. I am a history teacher. We were able to discuss wallpaper, furniture, so many other aspects of the home. She knows her stuff! 8/15/visit.

wonderful experience - great historical highlights - characters re-enacted the past so well making us believe we were actually experiencing that time in history - beautiful setting - loved it

We thoroughly enjoyed the show of the headless horseman at Sturbridge. The actors were very talented and the way you move from place to place in the village under the dark moonlit fall sky is the perfect setting. It made a fun evening of entertainment and was worth the drive from Boston.

Early 19th Century NeW England village comes to life. Thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it. The wonderful people who make this village come alive are phenomenal. Not usually my type of activity, but I loved it. You won’t be disappointed.

First, I've got to admit that we are suckers for living history museums. This felt much less "authentic" than many others. Frex, Colonial Williamsburg.

We did love the craftspeople, and spent, no exaggeration, the better part on an hour -- each -- in the ceramics studio, the blacksmith, the cobbler, etc. But otherwise not much going on.

The static displays in the houses were seriously "meh." I mean, the "fashion" one. Come ON! I can learn more from just looking at the pictures of a seventh grade history book. I was disappointed that the cabinetry building -- which had a splashy advertisement on the brochure -- was only a display. However, (big shout out to Josh Klein of Maine!) the videos of hand-working were fabulous! But you gotta wonder...why go to OSV if I can watch his videos or buy his magazine?

We were a diverse group; two people in their eighties, two middle-aged 50s-60s people, a few twenty-somethings, and a teenager. We all had similar responses. One of our older members has mobility issues. Although we borrowed a wheelchair, she was very limited in what she could see because it kept getting stuck in the soft dirt and sand of the paths.

In short, OSV is an eye opener for school kids in the area. For adults with any life or travel experience, a big ho hum.

We have attended Christmas by Canvdle Light for the past 10 years. Up until covid it was fantastic. Of course covid changed the experience for that year but we were understanding. This year however some of the things we looked forward to were not as enjoyable. First in the tin smith shop there was no sign of ornament making. Each year we have "made" a tin icicle and put it on our tree at home. I guess the event has gotten so big it is hard to do that with thousands of people. There were no carolers as there used to be. Instead they had a presentation in the Brewer Theatre. It was great but the carolers in the village created a much more festive ambiance. Also it was hard to ride on the carry all. In the past they had two carryalls and this time there was only one! As for the entertainment in the meeting house this too was a huge disappointment. It was two sisters playing their violins and hawking their "new CD". There were little to no Christmas songs. IF I wanted to hear Irish Music I would have sought out a pub! I miss the various men's choirs and glee clubs. We did not stop to watch the other act because there was not enough time.

All in all it was a fair experience. I realize that the event has grown but it is hard for me to hide my disappointment at the things that were missing!

We came here over school vacation and my kids (10, 8, and 4) loved it. They were bummed out that you couldn't go into most of the buildings due to Covid, but they still enjoyed interacting with the staff and seeing the cooking demonstrations and learning about the time period. It was a rainy day, so it would have been nice to go inside the buildings to get out of the rain, but even with the weather, the kids loved it. We were also disappointed that the main gift shop was closed. Hopefully they will get everything opened back up soon. If the kids liked it so much in the rain with a lot closed, they will love it in good weather and when things are back to normal.

I've been to Old Sturbridge Village 3 times so far, each time, I learned more about the town of Sturbridge, the place has a wonderful atmosphere and the people who work there are always ready to give guided tours, perfect for groups or families to visit!

I work in historic preservation and public history so I loved everything about Old Sturbridge Village...almost. The buildings, atmosphere, and work put into all the historical details are incredible. However, I noticed that there was very little engagement of visitors with the history being presented, especially children. I know this can be difficult to do, but there was a level of just running around and treating it more like a history zoo than a historical site. I work with kids a lot so it didn't ruin or even lessen my experience, I was just saddened to see people not learning and engaging. Some of the interpreters were great, others gave very little context and didn't try to answer the question of why. As someone in the history field, I have held up Sturbridge on a pedestal for many years but was disappointed to see the interpretation that often fell short. Being that I work in the field, my criticisms likely aren't relevant to the general public and I still think everyone should go to this amazing site.

We visited Old Sturbridge Village the second weekend in November, so it wasn't crowded and it was just a delight. My husband is a native New Englander and had been to Sturbridge a few times before, but our daughter and I had not. We were not disappointed. The ticketing staff was friendly, welcoming and kind, and we even got a discount with our university IDs! The costumed guides were amazing in every house we visited--friendly, informative and welcoming. We learned so much and just soaked in all the history in every space. Sturbridge is totally walkable and easygoing with so much to see, but it's not overwhelming. We took our time and enjoyed every minute of our time there. We spent 3 hours looking around. From metalsmithing to beekeeping to glass and seeing how people lived in 1830s New England, it was all just magical. The gift stores are filled with lots of cool souvenirs and food items, and aren't overpriced. I've visited New England many times over the years, but Old Sturbridge Village instantly became one of my favorite places. Well worth a visit!

We expected a great "Living History Museum" and we got exactly that. Volunteers and paid staff created a great experience. Good explanations giving good insights into life in the 1830s, in a rural New England town. lots of buildings to look around with good explanations. Many interesting demonstrations of pottery, shoemaking, woodworking, tin craft creation, cooperage, blacksmith and butter making. Using a scythe to cut the grass and pitchforks to load up the ox cart showed how labour intensive life was. Loved the Midwife talk of how she was called by God into the role as successor to the 88yr old midwife, and she remained in role (in 1830) throughout the talk. The "Carryall" rides were supplemented by another cart ride up to the far reaches of the museum, with great insights from the driver. Summer camps meant lots of children as well as adults in period costume, all enjoying themselves.
The only downside is the biting insects so cover up with good mosquito repellent to discourage those large hungry critters.

It has changed! Some of the houses arent even decorated as houses anymore. They are museums dedicated to a particular craft! Not a fan of the changes. Still pretty great but no longer five star 🌟 to me. There were always interpreters in the houses cooking, making candles etc. At least Freemans farm is still doing that. I also liked it better when the people wouldn't stray from their life story instead of talking about what they used to do. Also 2 interpreters let it slip that there was a modern downstairs under the houses...the potter even said that they have modern pottery equipment down there. Maybe i was naive not to figure that out and the wisdom and necessity of the facilities but still....

Old Sturbridge Village is a great place to visit. The historical buildings and working farm locations tell the story of years past in a pleasant environment. All of the homes and buildings are depictive of the period with character actors telling the story of different trades such as shoemaking, tinsmith, wool carding mill powered by a mill stream, with demonstrations of the trades. We thoroughly enjoyed touring the village and would definitely recommend it.

My family and I went to the Sleepy Hollow experience at Old Sturbridge Village. I had been looking forward to this since July when we bought the tickets. Due to the weather that day (rain and wind) we were informed that they would be doing a modified version indoors. I was already really disappointed that we would not get the full experience but decided to keep an open mind. We arrived at "Ichabod's Tavern" and had their clam chowder and a drink. The clam chowder was good and the portions were huge.

Unfortunately I am only giving this 3 stars due to the large/tasty portions of the food and the talent of the actors/actresses. If it were not for that I would be rating the overall experience as a 1-2. All of the actors/actresses had beautiful singing voices, solid acting, and there were a lot of funny moments. However, doing it indoors is definitely not ideal. I left feeling so underwhelmed/disappointed by it. All of the reviews stated that the ending is by far the best, well, due to it being inside we could not experience that whatsoever. The ending dwindles down to Ichabod walking on stage under red lights, seeing the headless horsemen (the audience also sees him too for about 10 seconds) then they both walk off stage while a recording of yelling/a knife slicing plays. Then the actors sing one more brief song and it ends. I looked around once the lights came on and multiple people were commenting on how the experience was underwhelming. While I understand that it had been raining all day, they really should try harder to either reschedule the performance or give people a discounted rate. It is a performance that is made for outdoors, and the natural elements of the outdoors is also what makes the experience that much more great. If you are not able to do that, then I don't think the answer is an indoor performance. That certainly was not worth $45 plus the high cost of food and beverage. Overall, just very disappointed.

We had a great day at Old Sturbridge Village. The interpreters were informative and friendly. We learned a lot and thoroughly enjoyed our day.

There are all different kinds of buildings around the property that show what life was like in those days. There are also a couple of farm areas and a museum by the visitor's center. The interpreters do a nice job explaining what they're doing in the buildings that they are assigned to. There is a schedule with events that are going on each day. They have a horse and carriage that takes you from one end to the other end and back. The guy that drives it stops and explains to you the history of some of the area.

Love this village. Looking in the buildings or just walking around it is an enjoyable experience. Docents are informative. Some displays are hands on especially with kids (potter esp). In the spring there are the lambs and calves.

This village is amazing. Set amoung mazestic trees with lots of shade on a hot day, strolling through the streets was wonderful. The buildings are impressive and well staffed with actors depicting daily life form the 1800's. Farms are being worked, gardens planted, wool being died and craftsman of ever kind at work in their authentic shops. Had a fun ride on a stage coach. We spent the whole day here which allowed us to see inside all the buildings, have lunch and even shop the souvenir store.

What a great place! I love OSV as the locals call it. I have lived up the road from it and now moved a town over but I still love going there it’s never boring and I love what they do near halloween!

Fun and educational! There were costumed guides showing how people lived in that time period. The village has home and businesses and everything was very authentic. We enjoyed watching pottery being made along with the blacksmith, the bank and livestock. The guides were very knowledgeable and friendly. It’s great for kids and adults.

Into time.

What an awesome place. The educators (they're not actors) really make history come alive. You're free to ask questions and it really helps one understand and appreciate the past.
We always drive by this place to and from NYC and finally made it a point to stop in from an unexpected trip in Upstate NY. We're so glad we did. My kids really enjoyed it and never got bored once. Definitely block out at least 3 hours to visit. It is worth every minute. I only wish there were more exhibits open. I was a bit surprised considering it was a Saturday, but the exhibits that were open were awesome.

Wonderful recreation of historic village living. Beautiful scenery and well laid out. Enjoyed the information posted at each location as well as talking with various individuals recreating their roles in the village.

Lots of fun especially on independence day weekend, come early when they open as not to miss any of the days activities. Reastraunt on site to eat at as well as general store . Does require some walking . But the lower section does have a horse carriage shuttle and makes frequent stops. Does get muddy in spring and during rain as streets and paths are all dirt so wear something more than sandles or flip flops. Lots of activities for the kids more geared twards younger kids and tweens. Your able to get discount museum passes at almost all your local library's also.

Another great visit to the OSV Christmas by Candlelight event. Kids loved Santa and seeing all the gingerbread houses on display (you can vote for your favorite) as well as the Christmas train display. Everyone was super friendly and dont miss the hay ride!

We visited during summer several years ago, (sorry for the late review) it was hot & the demos reflected a summer life style of New England in the early 1800s. Some of the demonstrations I enjoyed were; the blacksmith, tin shop, & the pottery. I also enjoyed the shoemaker. The period costumed staff were excellent as they greeted us to all demos & their explanations were very informative. The grounds were well kept, colorful w/ flowers & very clean.
Be sure to stop for coffee or soda & snack at the "Village Cafe" & grab some Cookies & Pastries to take back to your hotel from the "Bake Shop".
Old Sturbridge Village is both Family & Kid friendly.

Lots to see and learn for all the family. A great way to start the Christmas .holiday,especially when at dusk the Christmas tree lights are turned on. Observe the industry village life from shoe making to candle making.Wrap up well and enjoy the experience.

This is a replica of a town from yesteryear - like 1700-1800's. They demonstrate how life was in early colonial America. The town has a working farm, and many other things - like a tin smith, a lawyer's office, a village smithy, a cabinet maker, a mercantile store, meeting house, a church, a bank etc. There are costumed people who demonstrate things, explain and answer questions. It is wonderful for history buffs and people who are curious about hand made items. You could easily spend a day or two if you want to see everything. I thoroughly enjoyed the day we spent and will probably go back at some point.

Easy to find with ample free parking. No Triple A discount but does take senior. Beautiful setting where you can easily spend the day. TIP: When you first get there look at the events for the day calendar and plan what you want to see. Many specialty talks besides demonstrations going on at different times. I saw wood being cut by water action at the saw mill, a pot coming together from a ball of farm clay, and a nail being made by the blacksmith at the forge. Take the horse drawn buggy ride which takes about a half hour to get the lay of the land and is included in the price of admission. Great photo ops of the various animals like the lambs, loud proud rooster, chicks and cattle. Talk to the town lawyer in is little office house or learn about how no one really learned at the district schoolhouse used mainly for reciting. If you get hot, buy a cone of ice cream at the ice cream and popcorn building. There is also dinning and a cafeteria on the premises. I was there for 5 hours and was able to get into every building plus the horse tour. Each building has docents in costume who talk about their roles. Some are baking cookies or creating a runner on a loom. There is a house from a wealthy landowner that you can walk through 3 floors to see how they lived and decorated. While I was there during the middle of the week, hundreds of school children were also visiting on field trips which can be quite chaotic but be flexible as their enthusiasm can be contagious. After you exit, enjoy walking through the amazing herb garden and then browse the museum stores with plenty of goodies. They sell items made on site from the tin and pottery guys. Love the t-shirt sayings too. Definitely recommend. Enjoy!

We were a large group (8 of us) so buying the tickets online saved a goodly amount. Our group included 4 adults and 4 little children -- ages 2 to 6. We chose what to see by where there were demonstrations being held. Despite going on a Friday in mid-October (an 'off-season' time), there were plenty of demonstrations to keep us busy during our day-long visit. The demonstrations which the children loved the most were:
1. the blacksmith shop; 2. the muzzle-gun shooting; and 3. the grist mill. The one disappointment was there was no one manning the shoe shop despite it being listed as 'open and being demonstrated' on the daily calendar. (Our hope was not to walk anywhere not listed as 'open' with demonstrations because the little ones can't manage unnecessary walking and Old Sturbridge Village is large and spread out.)

The biggest surprise fun was playing with the hoops and sticks at a play yard at the village. The children had to be coaxed to move on! There was much laughter and fun on the part of all.

Other demonstrations that were well liked included the carding mill (the water supply was not sufficient to show the usual operation, but the demonstrator very impressively put his shoulder to the wheel and worked it 'by hand'), two different kitchens, and the bank. We have a 5 year old who is very interested in money and she loved the bank. Kinda funny, huh? I didn't know about 'bank notes' from the era, and so I learned a lot, too. It was more interesting having someone right there to explain it all to you. OH, I forgot to mention the delight of the children in getting to 'pet' sheep, in seeing wild turkey in the woods as we walked from place to place, and in climbing up on the fence to observe the two oxen up close. The animals were pretty great. We missed the horse drawn carriage ride because it quit operating fairly early (I think it quits around noon or 1 pm).

Our whole group left for a late lunch. After that, Mom and Dad and the two oldest kids returned to the village for more fun. It closed at 4 pm. Grandma and Grandpa took the two youngest back to home base for naps.

You'll love Old Sturbridge Village -- especially if you can go in the fall when the crowds are light and the brilliant foliage is decorating the old village in lovely shades.

No matter the season, from mid-summer to Christmas, this place has a special feel. You can experience the pace of life in the period 1790-1840. Guides are in costume and in character at all times, from artisans to merchants to families. A geat way to get lost in time.

I love history, and living history museums. This place was one of my favorite one's I have visited. So much to see, and in a beautiful area. This is a must see!

We spent 7 hours here, mostly on our feet, but we enjoyed it. We walked into every building, talked to the staff in costume, took a horse-drawn ride, and ate some delicious snacks. The most interesting demonstrations were the shoemaker, printer, and tinsmith. The staff/volunteers were very helpful and told us interesting historical facts. We also enjoyed seeing the farm animals. There is something for all ages here.

This is a place with something for everyone. I have been here a few times and each time is different. I wander down another path, I take the left instead of the right fork in the road, I ask a few more questions, and I learn a whole lot more.

A living history museum, you will encounter people in authentic costumes engaging in the typical activities of the day from a time long past. Learn about food, clothing, farming, building, printing, banking, sewing, gardening, etc. Make sure you visit all of the buildings. It’s pretty impressive that they have painstakingly moved these structures from all over New England to create this village.

View performances, sit through lessons in the schoolhouse, take a horse drawn carriage ride for guided tour, or get on a boat that meanders on the river. Check out their website for dates and times they are open. Visit during the December holidays for special celebrations. You can book your next party or celebration here, even weddings.

This was my second trip to Old Sturbridge, and did not disappoint. The Phantoms by Firelight program is a combination of history about death/grief practices as well as performances by fire/acrobat/contortionists in a human circus of historical entertainment. The team at Sturbridge are wonderful, the decorations and music in the covered bridge are spooky fall fun (particularly on Friday the 13th), and the evening flies by. The wake and the demonstration of hair art as remembrance were touching. If you have to choose between the Christmas and Halloween programs, I would go with the Christmas experience as all the buildings were open and staffed, there were more demonstrations of crafts, and better food/dinner options (Christmas had a full dinner service, but Phantoms only had soup/wrap options). The parts that were open for Phantoms were great, but I was bringing a guest who had not been and felt we missed out on more of the history this time. As a second visit, it was fantastic and the special performers were absolutely top notch and amazed the crowds. Go and support this great organization as often as you can--it is a rare treasure and a place to make memories.

Whats terrific experience! The characters were friendly and happy to share their knowledge as well as encouraging picture taking. The grounds were clean and well maintained for walking. Rest rooms were clean and easily accessible and available at various spots along the exhibits. You would really need 4 to 5 hours to see everything. We would definitely go back!

There was a good amount to see and do here. The buildings (moved from around New England) were on a fairly large area and nicely done. Be prepared to walk. You can pick up an information pamphlet and map at the visitor center. Only snacks and drinks are offered in the park. We were here for 3 hours and didn’t see it all. There are many crafters in the buildings to demonstrate their skills. The boat ride was not running when we were there.

What a great way to spend some time learning about American settler history. There are guides in the majority of the properties telling you about the people who lived and worked there. It's a beautiful place too. I wasn't so interested in the exhibitions, they needed a bit of livening up, but the rest was great.

Marvelous ambiance and relaxed tour with highly informative signage and interactions with role players at work throughout most exhibits. Shoe shop and regional history and the military/muskets display and regional history were exceptional-- not to be missed. And definitely do the wagon ride.
Then go to Southbridge to visit the Optical Heritage Museum-- a truly unique experience covering the extraordinary rise to global importance of American Optical or AO as it was known .Amazing technical and regional history and exhibits.

This village is a living testament to those who worked to save the various buildings on the grounds. But those that bring this to life are the volunteers who in costume and character enact the 1830's. If going, talk with the volunteers, they have a world of knowledge about life back then. However, try to avoid going at the end of the school term! 5 school buses full of rambunctious children somehow take away from the pastoral setting.

Always a comfortable place to visit. Nothing pretentious about the buildings or the location. Very rural, as it would have been 200 years ago. Be sure to take the horse wagon ride out to the farm.

One of our favorite day trips. Great place to just wander, enjoy nature, and learn about life in the 1800’s. This time we brought foreign visitors with small children and they loved it. They were especially impressed with the printing press demonstration and the vast knowledge of the staff member there. The chocolate chip cookies from the bake shop are outstanding.

This place is historically accurate and was alive! From observing a family in period costume with period foods in a period farmhouse eating the actual meal to watching a cobbler make shoes or taking a stagecoach ride around the square. So much activity going on. Don't forget to stop by the ticket counter on the way out to get your free return pass!

My wife and I visited Old Sturbridge Village recently along with our 11 year old granddaughter. We spent the entire day and were among the last to leave at days end. If you follow their suggestions then you will find experts in almost every building to explain their particular trade from the period (all is based on 1790 to 1830). Our granddaughter found all of them interesting and asked many questions. She learned farming, animal care, shoemaking, type setting at the printers, banking, cooking and many other things. We also took a midday break and ate at their restaurant for lunch. Surprisingly the food was excellent and reasonably priced. A very nice break from snacks and fast food. We will certainly be back again.

Haven't been to OSV in decades. Decided to take our younger children to check it out. The staff were fantastic and the family actually spent almost four hours there ( a record for our family). Exhibits were educational and entertaining, and the grounds looked great for a mid August day. We will definitely be back soon!!

A fun way to spend a few hours. Well done depiction of what it was like to live in the 1830s... some of the stops even had people in period costumes doing various chores and explaining what they were doing. Multiple shows and such at the Village as well and the gift shop is huge and amazing!

We had planned a three day visit to Sturbridge, Monday-Thursday only to find they are closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Their next day free has also ended. Overall I still love ths place.

This was my first visit. I was very impressed. The grounds are nicely kept up. There are a large variety of buildings. I found the costumed staff to be eager to talk about their character. One can return the next day without paying an additional admission fee. There was so much to see that we came back the next day to finish. There is ample parking. The grounds are reasonably accessible. I spent too much money at the museum store but that was my fault not theirs -- the store had a lot of very compelling offerings.

OSV is a living museum like Colonial Williamsburg or Plymouth Plantation. Each of these museums have their own time frames that they represent. Here at OSV, it is the 1830s. Walk the village and meet all the skilled craftsman’s and women who still practice their trade. Watch the tin man work, the shoe maker nail on the heel, or the cooper make his buckets and barrels. It’s an educational experience perfect for home school families. They have a small play ground for younger kids and farm animals and nice exhibits for all ages. We really enjoyed the history and the characters. Active military get in free for them and up to 4 dependents. Closes at 5pm. Food and bathrooms available.

I have been going there since I was a little boy in the late 50's, This is a living, working Colonial town. You can tour the grounds, see the mill.,walk over the Covered Bridge and visit the Clock Room. When I was very young I was stung by a bee when I was there. My father was a doctor and they took me into a building that served as the colonial infirmary. They put my arm in a small trouf and put water and dirt in it to form mud and placed my arm in it. The cool water made the swelling go down right away. But the "Doctor" who treated me was dressed in Colonial garb. There is a restaurant in the village which is excellent and a gift shop. Much better than Wiiliamsburg and less commercial

I'd been wanting to come here for ages and was excited to finally have the opportunity to do so. This large recreated village is a wonderful way to learn more about New England in the 19th century; it has everything from printing to metallurgy to farming, and live actors to explain more about day-to-day life. We got to watch the actors actually practice some of the trades as they were actually practiced in the 19th century - we especially loved watching the gentleman running the printing press, and he patiently answered all of our questions. The paths were clear and easy to walk, and there were plenty of benches to sit and enjoy the views. We were here in early March, so some of the warmer-weather areas (like the herb garden and the bee shed) were still dormant - we're looking forward to coming back here in warmer weather to enjoy everything else. The restrooms were very clean, and they have a tavern here where you can sit and eat. This is a super big village and is very detail-oriented.

The one drawback I'll mention is that I wish there had been more signs throughout the village. There were signs to tell us where to park, but then there weren't any signs pointing to the main entrance, so we had to guess. Also, while we did get a map of the village at the main entrance, some of the buildings weren't labeled, so we had to guess which building pertained to which number on our map. We also didn't know which buildings had live actors, so we might have missed an opportunity to interact with more of the actors because we didn't know where they were located.
For example, the Richardson House, the printing office, and the metallurgical press all had live actors, but the bank and the law office were surprisingly empty - those would have been great opportunities to learn more about how banking and law were practiced in the 19th century.

We have driven past Old Sturbridge Village many times to visit family on the East coast and finally took time to stop and see it. The village and area are worth the stop, and during the summer are apparently an antique hunter's feast. The village itself is made up of buildings from all over New England and placed in a mid 1800's setting. The costumed Docents are a rich source of information on life during the colonial times, and there are daily demonstrations of period printing, metalwork, pottery making and other skills. This is a rich learning experience for young students (Candles? No IPad?). Plan to spend most of the day here. There are good places to eat on site, both outside the entrance and within.

I recently went here with my boyfriend and we had a blast, despite the fact that it was during COVID. The staff did their best to make everything safe but immersive and educational. I was very impressed with the amount of space and how maintained the fields and pastures were. While walking through the village I did feel as though I was transported back in time. I would have liked to come here prior to covid to see what it was like but it did not disappoint today. Highly recommend!!

We thoroughly enjoyed this well organised experience. The recommended time allowance was 3 hours but we spent over five hours there. There were over a thousand school children there at the same time as us and, although there were a few who seemed to be there under sufferance, the majority were having a really meaningful and enjoyable trip. Having said that, it was particularly nice having the place almost to ourselves once they'd gone home, but the area is so vast that at no point, even at its busiest, did it seem crowded

Half price for Senior September! Very interesting with so much to see. Great docents and exhibits. Lots of maps around with numbered buildings, but it would really help if the buildings had actual numbers on them too.

I had a great time at Old Sturbridge Village. We visited the actual museum part for a while, then walked around the peaceful grounds. I enjoy how you can either follow a guide, which we did on a horse-drawn carriage, or you can wander around and take in the sights. The place really makes you appreciate how people of that time lived.

Major complaint: Very dirty conditions in food service areas, filthy bathrooms. We travel often and to many similar venues. Never have we seen anything this bad. Otherwise, the recreated village is interesting and worth the trip.

This is a gread getaway, especially during covid. They did a great job with social distancing but still have the experience! I do miss walking through the school house however!

Two families toured through the village. You need at least 2-3 hours, longer if you have younger children. Some of the buildings are very hot, so be prepared with water. The buildings were very well done. The volunteer in the general store was very knowledgeable, as was the tin smith. Some of the docents could have done a better job at staying in character if that is what they ar supposed to do as “actors” in the village. Had a huge pretzel and some beer about halfway through.

My husband and I visited Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, MA. on Friday, September 17th, 2021. We really enjoyed our visit this time, especially because we were able to go through all the buildings, which were open this time, but closed last time that we visited on July 17th, 2020. The weather was cloudy and a bit cool but this made it a nice comfortable experience at the village.

The museum’s collection of clocks in the J. Cheney Wells Clock Gallery in the Visitor Center is amazing, all the clocks being well preserved. The collection of items in the Glass House Gallery, Militia and Early Lighting Buildings are definitely worth seeing and quite interesting, including the historic perspective provided in the associated write-ups giving context to what is on display. This was all quite educational and very comprehensive background information, including the timeline provided in the Early Lighting Building and all the many different topics covered in the Militia Building. The Exhibit ‘New England on Parade’ in the Visitor Center, Countryside Gallery and Militia Building provided good information about the history of parades in the region and their many purposes and was definitely a nice exhibit worth seeing.

Our visit was a very nice walk back through time with the many well preserved historic buildings depicting rural life in New England during the 1830s, a time period of much social and technological change with a goal towards greater efficiency, as depicted throughout the village. It was a very interesting and educational experience with knowledgeable interpreters doing demonstrations and explaining their various pieces, throughout the village, which were all well done. The interpreters were very friendly, polite, and helpful and definitely very interesting, providing great overviews and other details about their respective areas. We did not need to have advanced tickets, which offered much flexibility in terms of when we were able to arrive, but we were able to still effectively practice social distancing and feel safe because there is plenty of room to walk around at the village.

There were two horse drawn carryalls available for rides around the campus, including rides around the Mill Pond and the Common and Countryside. Rides were included in the price of the admission. However, we wanted to walk around the village for exercise and it was a very nice scenic walk, which was between two to three miles in length. We were glad that we wore our comfortable walking shoes. This walk would have been a lot longer had we taken the Woodland, Pasture and River Environmental Walks, which I believe were all open.

The gardens throughout the museum grounds, in particular the Herb Garden, were still beautiful and were a very nice way of connecting us to the past through plants from the time period. The gardens nicely illustrated the wide ‘diversity of plants, cultures and techniques represented in the food culture, medicine and floriculture of 1830s New England’.

The schedule of happenings at the village provided at the Visitor Center was a helpful guide along with the map on the other side of the paper that the schedule was printed on. There was definitely a lot of activities going on, including multiple performances and garden tours at specified times. The performances included: ‘Common Curiosities’; ‘Uncomfortable Truths’; a narrated tour of the River Walk and Mill Neighborhood; and ‘Music at the Towne House’. The garden tours included: ‘Children’s Chores’ and ‘19th Century Root Cellars’.

Interpretative markers/write-ups throughout the village grounds provided good background information about each building, making our experience very educational. Shopping was not available at the Museum Store and Bookshop, near the Visitor Center. Both stores were temporarily closed at the time of our visit. But I believe shopping was available at the Miner Grant Store and Bake Shop. . The Bullard Café was also open for hot and cold meals at certain specified hours as well as the Scoop Shop..

This time all the houses, barns and other buildings were open, exhibiting various crafts and trades, including: making bread, sewing beautiful dresses, playing musical instruments, as well as a Blacksmith making tools for the village Cabinetmaking Shop and a Cooper making round wooden containers and much more. The processes that they demonstrated were all quite interesting to see. The village includes a great representation of many different buildings from the 1830s time-period, including meetinghouses, a store, an attorney’s law office, a bank, a farm with a variety of different animals and crops, a cider mill, a nut mill, a gristmill, a sawmill, a carding mill, a blacksmith shop, a cooper shop, a tin shop, a shoe shop, a pottery shop, a powder house, a school, a graveyard, a print office, a beautiful picturesque Vermont covered bridge. and much, much, more. Nice details about each building were provided through write-ups, including definitions and how the buildings were used, where appropriate.

Multiple well-preserved houses and barns were also on exhibit, including architectural details about these buildings, where appropriate. I loved the furnishings in these houses, including the beautiful curtains and the interesting details that the costumed interpreters provided about the houses. There was also an interesting Musket Demonstration as well as performances at the Towne House. All the exhibits provided a good idea of how the people lived in rural New England in the 1830s, including such things as their work, common crafts, leisure time activities, goods that they purchased, the crops that they grew and the vegetable varieties that came to New England.

It was great that we were able to walk inside the buildings to see all the rooms and furniture at this point in time. That part of the experience was missing last time but was present this time and made our visit more complete. However, the River Ride, which is normally a small added cost, was closed, at the time of our visit.

Our visit was a very nice scenic walk back through time that took about two and a half hours. However, we went through the village rather quickly, due to the amount of time available to us. We probably could have spent a whole day there because there really were many different activities to do. There was a lot with plenty of free parking next to the main entrance and Visitor Center, which was very convenient.

We recommend a visit to this village and hope that you have the opportunity to enjoy it as much as we did. We hope to be able to visit again sometime soon.
 

We haven't been to Old Sturbridge Village in a long time since we moved out of state. We went with other families to the Christmas by Candlelight exhibit. Well with the price of the ticket. Supposedly the tickets were sold out for the day but it wasn't too crowded. And some of the exhibits are top notch. The first exhibit was the Small house where the interpreters were making christmas stockings and gave a very informative history of christmas stockings. Next was the Meetinghouse where the exhibit was a miniature nativity town. The two gentlemen answering questions and explaining the exhibit were really informative and the exhibit of small figurines was really good. The other 15 or 20 stops along the way were all just as good and the exhibiters were all very informative and friendly. The tour took us about 2 1/2 hrs.The food concessions were on the high side-$4.25 for a coffee of hot cider is more like Starbucks. Definitely a "to do" event at the Christmas season.

A magical place to experience the real meaning of Christmas with your children. A beautiful small town atmosphere with everything you could possibly think of to make it a memorable family tradition. Wonderful food, friendly and informative villagers & a beautifully lite town common.

Hi. Stayed here for the night. The next day we did a tour of the village. Ery authentic with folks dressed in period clothes.

We had an enjoyable time and spent the better part of a day here. Our biggest complaint is that not all of the exhibits were open, and that some were only open part of the day. Also, a few of the buildings weren't manned. We prefer to have docents to help with stories and explanations of history. There is still plenty to see and do. We saw musket demo, pottery demo, and the fabric dyeing. We would have stayed longer and walked to the outer sites, but my wife was still recovering from double hip replacement and had mobility issues. Because the place is so big this was an issue for us. We brought our own snacks though items are for sale inside.

The cost of admission is not worth what you get -- at least not now. Most buildings weren't open and not all the demonstrations/reenactments were open. I remember this place as a child and I would happily pay what I paid for that, but if you're going to close exhibits off then don't charge full price. Im angry feeling like I got taken for a ride.
Also, the woman's bathroom at the Bullard Tavern was disgusting even for a public bathroom. The food was way over priced and we got charged - no kidding- for 5 ketchup packets for hotdogs.
We pretty much paid over $80 to take our two sons to see antiques and ride a carriage for 10 min.
Plus the mask policy they have on their website doesn't coincide with the signs up once you get there.
And the gift shop, after we walked around in 100° heat -- like most everything else -- wasn't even open.
I feel taken advantage of.

Visited OSV with our local library museum passes and saved on admission. Great program only became aware of while planning trip to OSV.

Was with 12 year olds for first visit and kids were actively engaged asking questions and running from one structure to the next! Highlights for us were so many including all the live animals (roosters, sheep and oxen) horse drawn ride, parsonage, tin shop and printing office. Costumed historians all were excellent and provided unique interactive experience for kids growing up in digital age. Great gift shops and chocolate chip cookies too! Only disappointment was no bees in beekeeping and no info on why. Our visit was three hours and we did not get to explore entire village. When leaving kids asked when we can come back. Thank you OSV for great day trip and look forward to coming back!

I visited Old Sturbridge Village for the first time 15 years ago. I loved it then and love it now. I visited on a Thursday afternoon on a perfect fall day. Not too many visitors today, so it was very enjoyable. There’s a 15 minute boat ride that is fun. Loved walking the grounds and watching the craftsmen work. I had a wonderful 4 hours exploring. Old Sturbridge Village is New England’s version of Sweden’s open air museum Skansen located in Stockholm.

There was something rather ”luke warm” about this place: very little information about the concept; little information in the exhibits; the staff in those that were staffed were unenthusiastic, seemed unable to go “off script” and answer questions, and, frankly, did not seem too knowledgeable.

Might I suggest the directors are sent to the UK to visit Beamish, near Durham; The Black Country Living Museum, Dudley; Blists Hill, Telford and St Fagans, near Cardiff to see how well these kind of museums can be presented?

Old Sturbridge Village is full of history. Very enjoyable place to visit. People in period dress - telling stories as if they were there. Great for the whole family. Entertaining and educational. If you don't like history and the beginning of our country you won't enjoy this. We had a great time!

This was a difficult attraction to review. A nice living history museum, some buildings were not open and the grounds seemed cluttered. During our visit, there were so many children that distracted from our enjoyment.

What an incredible time my wife and I had sharing our memories from when we were children to now our children. What a beautiful and educational place to go to. So much history to see. The staff were incredible. They loves showing their skills and talents in making things like they used to do back in time. They were all so wonderful. Loved coming here and can't wait to go back! Make sure you get there early to give you enough time to take your time and see everything there is to offer! Thanks Sturbridge village for allowing my family to continue making memories for generations to come!

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 in stages and saw a printing press among so many other activities and sights. We went to Williamsburg last year and it was so interesting to see the progress in civilization from 1775 to 1830 (the time period of this village.). Also, to see the difference between the South and North in this time period. We loved this experience. It is worth the drive from Boston for tourists :-) I enjoyed it more than the Freedom Trail only because it was so much less hurried and less stressful.

We came to New England on our Spring Break (March in the South.) I highly suggest visiting New England “off-season” if you can. There were hardly any crowds and still snow in the ground for us. My kids loved it.

I thought this was going to be amazing. But #1, it is SO overpriced! $30 and thats $10 MORE than you have to pay to see original Norman Rockwell paintings at that museum in Stockbridge! And then I thought the very short but quaint horse and carriage ride was free w admission, but NOT, that's the BUCKBOARD rough ride for getting around, the "stagecoach" carriage was $4 PER PERSON for about 7 minutes. The shops were all overpriced wares, most of which you could buy at any tourist trap. Their ugly in-house pottery looked like something from a 70's garage sale. I left half-way thru. And one old "character" there just made things up as she went along. It was embarrassing and a waste of money. Horrible.

A trip to this event was my birthday gift from my husband. We traveled from NY and stayed overnight at a local hotel. The whole experience was a lot of fun. A little cold out but that was part of the experience. We went into each house looking and participated in all the activities including the horse and buggy ride. Very nice event worth seeing.

Haven’t been here since a kid 55 years ago. Brought back some memories. A lot of walking and was very hot today but learned a lot about how this country was right after we were formed. The workers there were very helpful and knew their history well. A lot of walking with some hills and was about 90 degrees today so somewhat trying. Good food area as well. Have to do once to appreciate how we once were. Very good history lessons here.

We bought tickets in advance, online although when we arrived, which was rather late, there wasn’t a line. There is quite a lot to see and we only saw perhaps half of it, as we were (unexpectantly) short on time. This is a great place for those interested in history and/or school children learning about American history. The docents wear period clothes and give a quick talk/history of the building and family that had lived there. The printing press, tin maker, wood shop, etc. were actively making items that could be sold/used. All in all, it was quite interesting and exceeded expectations. I would like to return when I have more time.

I went here as a child for my school field trip. I just the other day returned here for my daughter's field trip. It hasn't changed a lot though they did add a learning center with some pretty cool activities. My daughter age 8, really enjoyed it. She wanted to stay longer. It is a lot of walking so be prepared. As a parent, if you know enough about the colonial era or do some research before hand, you can really make this a super fun and educational experience. My daughter was truly amazed watching the blacksmith actually making something. Lots to see, learn and experience.

Went to the Christmas by Candlelight this weekend and left disappointed. We didn’t encounter any staff actually in character as expected, but rather people just manning exhibits. They seemed overwhelmed by the crowd so instead of what could be a fun experience at each house, it was more of a disappointing march from house to house. Also we learned as we walked in that Christmas wasn’t celebrated but rather they incorporated more modern traditions. Not sure the event even makes sense then. Our first time to Sturbridge so it was challenging to find where to go in the dark and difficult to see in the houses.

Great event walking the candlelit paths of OSV with the kids and stopping in each structure to see how preparations were made for the holidays, which food was prepared and when and enjoying hot mulled apple cider. The horse drawn "sleigh" (no snow so more of a haywagon) had the kids thrilled. Santa was awesome, as was the staff. Dont forget to stop and see the train sets or the gingerbread house contest.

We visited OSV over April vacation and had beautiful weather. The kids loved seeing all the old buildings and how people lived. We had lunch and also had ice cream on property, and both were good. My son really enjoyed the Musket firing demonstration. We spent 4 hours on the property and only missed a few of the buildings. The kids both enjoyed the blacksmith and wood working demonstrations also. The buildings and property were both well taken care of.

Our family has visited Old Sturbridge Village many times and have found it to be a really special place to visit, especially because of the great interpreters and trades people who bring the past to life in interesting ways. They're the main reason to visit. But the entire village is almost therapeutic to visit and allows visitors to forget about their worries in modern times by stepping back into the past. With that said, the Christmas By Candlelight program is extraordinarily well done. This year, it ran from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Fri. through Sun. and was chock-full of programming, like carolers, readings of children's classics, etc. Most of the trades people were working at their respective workplaces and other interpreters manned other buildings. Sheep, cows and chickens were in a barn. There were bonfires, hot chocolate, holiday decorations, and horse-drawn "trolleys". All is all, a great way to spend a pre-holiday evening to get in the spirit of Christmas. Due to the packed programming and lots of things to see and experience, we'd recommend getting there by no later than 4:00 p.m. We didn't get there until nearly 5:00 p.m. and didn't get to experience everything due to a lack of time.

This was our third visit to this annual event. It gets better and better each year. They have a wonderful Santa who really takes his time to talk with each child. Two restaurants requiring advanced reservations, but you don’t need reservations for the cafeteria style restaurant located in the lower level of the Bullard Tavern. Big bonfire, hot chocolate (adult beverages too) and snacks available. Choirs, dancers, carolers and horse drawn carriage rides...and of course lanterns and twinkle lights everywhere. It is considered a museum, so most of the historic buildings have employees in period clothing to tell you a little history and answer questions. Our grandchildren, ages 3 and 9 loved it! They dipped candles, made scented sachets and helped make a tin icicle for the tree. Fun for all!

My family (48yo husband and 10/6yo daughters) and I (48yo) visited Old Sturbridge Village (OSV) in late March, as part of a family Spring Break road-trip.

As a child in the mid-1980s, I had the chance to go to OSV several times and remembered how much I enjoyed it. Fast forward about 40 years, as we were passing through the area, I proposed to my family that we go. I was a little nervous, as many places I enjoyed in my childhood have not maintained so well, and I am very pleased to say that it was even better than I remembered. The grounds were beautifully maintained, many of the farm animals had recently delivered, so there lambs and piglets, the buildings were wonderful glimpses into the past and had many amazing/knowledgeable, costumed docents on site that added so much to the experience. I had only anticipated our staying for a couple of hours, thinking the kids would get bored, and we ended up being there for over 4 hours. We walked all over the entire village, road on the horse-led carryall and just enjoyed ourselves.

We had lunch at the onsite restaurant, Bullard's Tavern, for which we thought would be institutional-type food and were very excited to find that this was not the case. The food was all made on site and was fantastic. I would especially recommend the clam chowder and the macaroni and cheese.

Visited Old Sturbridge Village recently . Had a relaxing stroll and were glad the nature trees added shade.Most everyone was knowledgeable about their particular trade. We both thought the man at the printing press had an abundance of facts and information about his trade. It was very enjoyable listening to him describe the machine ,paper ,and type.
A few of the other craftsmen were not the greatest. The pottery house was fun to watch with the potters wheel,,older gentleman was also excellent and informative.
I think this is a great place to take kids 7 and up . Vegetable garden s and roaming chickens . Some sheep and cows .
Get off the phone and dial into history in this outdoor museum

We visited Old Sturbridge Village & attended their Candlelight Christmas. A light dusting of snow gave everything a magical glow. We visited many old homes, tasting hot apple cider & cookies. We enjoyed a horse-drawn sleigh ride, watched a magic show at the Bullard Tavern, and listened to Christmas carolers. This is an annual event from end of November until last weekend before Christmas. Don't miss it!

Beautiful colonial village with a lot of talented craft people. My family visited the Old Sturbridge Village last week, and we had a wonderful time visiting old colonial structures and learning about the various professions. My daughter, who loves animals especially pigs, was delighted by the sight of moos and oinks. There were a lot of activities, ranging from the horse carriage rides to chatting with the book binder. We were especially impressed with the knowledge of the people who worked there. The entire experience made us feel that we were transported back in time to 1830's.

We've stayed at a hotel in Sturbridge and this sight was only a three minute drive away. Kids were free in August, but I would have payed for them anyway, as they really liked walking around, looking at everything (especially the animals) and especially enjoying the round trip with the horses. My wife and I also really liked learning about New England in the 1830s, so definitely a must see if you're nearby.

We’ve visited Old Sturbridge Village dozens of times and have been a member for many years. We often take walks through the Village and fields, and the nature tails including the River Walk, Pasture Walk and Woodland Walk. It’s beautiful to see the old buildings, costumed staff, and farm animals. It’ very peaceful and serene, reminiscent of a simpler time.

Their website says that Old Sturbridge Village is the largest outdoor history museum in the Northeast and depicts a rural New England town of the 1830s. There are more than 40 original buildings including homes, meetinghouses, a district school, country store, bank, working farm, three water-powered mills, and trade shops situated on more than 200 scenic acres. Visitors can talk with authentically costumed historians and see heritage breed farm animals.

For those who have not been here, be sure to check out the Tin Shop, Sawmill and Gristmill, the Small House (to see the space a typical family might live in), Printing Office (which is often demonstrating printing on their working press), Salem Town House, the Asa Knight Store and the Honey Bee Hive (seasonal).

This living museum is a great place to spend the day for adults and children alike. It’s quite stroller friendly other than the River Walk, Pasture Walk and Woodland Walk.

We spent Mother's Day at the Village and had such a great time we purchased a membership and look forward to going back. The wagon tour was awesome and interactive. The gentleman did a great job, was funny, and encouraged questions. The "guides" were fabulous. I was surprised at how engaged my children were - asking lots of great questions. The four year old was really interested in the general store and the guide was patient and helpful. My seven year old loved the tin shop and I think the guys were just as happy to chat with him as he was with them. My teen daughters each had a house that caught their attention and the guides all took time to chat and answer questions and go in depth on anything they showed interest in. Oh yeah, my seven year old son was intrigued by a kitchen at one house and the ladies were happy to oblige him. He told his dad all about the kitchen tools used "back then'. lol! My kids asked when they could go back again. The adults had a great time too. Learned a lot and enjoyed it.

The Village is very well thought out and it is apparent that a lot of work has gone into the development, maintenance, and improvements. OSV is such a gem, we recommend it to all our friends.

We look forward to our next visit and learning more. Thank you for such a great experience and memory!

This place was very nice, however I found it lacking. A lot of the houses were not manned with People in period dress. I thought there would be someone explaining the Shoe shop, the law office the Taverns or the Meeting house I was very disappointed not to see this. We had lunch at the Bullard Tavern and it was delicious. I had vegetable soup in a bread bowl, it was out of this world and my boyfriend had the corned beef panini also delicious. We then went to the bakery only to be disappointed as there were no freshly baked goods to be had. It should not be advertised as a bakery. Then a trip to the gift shop, also disappointing as the prices were outrageous. After paying $25. admission expecting to see period actors giving you a history of this place I was very disappointed. I remember a trip I had taken there in the early 80s and is was so much better then than this.

We visited on an evening of illumination. You get a tour of various buildings that would either have had some kind of illumination (candles or oil lamps) or would be working thru the night or had something to with illumination (like the tin smith or store). You are led around by a guide in front of the group and someone coming up the rear. Both carrying candles lanterns and in period costumes.
While you feel uncomfortable walking around with little to no light everyone safely transported themselves safely.
The costumed people work here were just so GREAT.
Other then it was SO COLD it was just a great evening. Now i just need to visit again during the day so I can see everything they have to offer during day light.

Normally this is a great place to visit. But I'm not sure what happened the day we went to Old Sturbridge Village, but other than the ticket takers there was only one other employee we spotted with 2 trips around the village. She was the entirety of the outside "displays" and it was just a woman sitting in a rocking chair speaking to 2 other people. We only saw 3 other groups of patrons, (2 couples and a trio), so perhaps this was the reason the park looked absolutely closed. Of course the building which were one of the main attractions to the park were unfortunately closed off from both entering and viewing. We could have had the same experience were we to simply drive on by. It felt like spending $60 to go to Six Flags but they had all the rides closed. But you know...you can look at the rides. As long as you don't get too close that is. Avoid this place until we're past the pandemic. This is currently just a money grab.

Went with 2 kids; I really liked it! They made good use of the village buildings, so that you could stroll around but duck in for warmth or various activities (book readings, music, a magic show). I thought the magician was particularly good, funny, and informative--the jokes/history probably were aimed at people slightly older than my young kids, but I really liked it and then the magic itself was engaging for all ages. Their Santa is wonderful! I really liked him, he was really kind and great with the kids. The gingerbread house competition, model trains, cider, and horse-drawn "sleigh" rides were also a huge hit. We didn't get to hear the live music, unfortunately, because the fiddlers they had on when we were there are stellar (Elizabeth and Ben Anderson). It's nice that it's in such a big open space because there are plenty of places where kids can run and move.
The lines for concessions were long and the food expensive, but we stuck to the hot chocolate and that wasn't too bad. I'd definitely come back again, and i'm also looking forward to taking the kids in the summer.

Went here with my seven and nine year old. It’s a good place to spend a few hours and learn a bit. All the staff is friendly and are happy to answer questions.

A wonderful place to wander round a working museum and to gain some insight into the hardworking lives of people who lived in that community. To see the shoemaker, the forge worker, the woman striving to make butter obviously makes the visit much more insightful and enjoyable, but it also brings the realisation that we take for granted too many modern appliances.
The village is well worth a visit, and a second and a third if you live close enough, as the workings of the village and the attractions will change with the seasons

Fall is a fine time to visit Old Sturbridge, but in any season and in any weather, you will find something fascinating and memorable here.

For the two of us, the best feature of the "Sturbridge experience" was the availability of so many "interpreters" able to explain exhibits and to answer questions in a way that appeals to any level of experience and any age group.

These people really know their stuff.

If you are interested in learning about the mysteries of running a home in near-wilderness conditions when distances were great, winters were fierce, comforts were few, and most goods for domestic use had to be handmade from whatever local resources were available, these women in historic dress will fill you in, sometimes with demonstrations of cooking, sewing, candle-making and other domestic chores as well as recreations.

Among all the very talented interpreters, we had two favorites.

One was the gentleman at the old bank. We managed to squeeze into this small, crowded place to catch a fascinating display along with Qs and As on the history of our American currency. Little kids were standing on tip-toe to see all the interesting bills, and the interpreter was keen to answer their questions in ways that seemed to fascinate them. He also responded to adults' comments and queries with ease and expertise, not surprising, since we found out later that he had had a career in banking.

The other interpreter whose presentation we really enjoyed was the gentleman at the Armed and Equipped Military Exhibit. Clad in a handsome uniform appropriate to the times, he chatted easily about every aspect of the display, from uniforms to weapons to military celebrations and a host of other pertinent topics, such as the inclusion or non-inclusion of different national or ethnic groups in such matters.

We especially enjoyed learning about the fire companies and the big parades for annual patriotic celebrations. There was a considerable amount of information covering ethic competition and even animosity. These may not be pleasant topics, but they are necessary ones, and we were happy that they were covered in a straightforward way.

But we also enjoyed very charming displays, such as the patriotic costume worn by a little boy IHO Bunker Hill Day in 1876, and then passed down to his daughter, who wore it for Fourth of July in 1923. It had a skirt, not uncommon for the attire of a male toddler before the invention of disposable diapers. That's just one of the historical tidbits observed here; there were many, pointed out by our interpreter.

We were amazed at the great condition of the historic apparel that we saw here, and we felt grateful that families had lovingly preserved these items and then seen fit to allow their display here at Sturbridge. Ditto, the great variety of weapons. and the great expertise of the interpreter in explaining how/why they were designed, made, and used, and with what effects. The evolving technology, including some very oddly designed pieces, was fascinating.

We didn't have nearly enough time to see everything. Plan ahead, a whole day if you can manage it, to see it all, plus shop in the stores and maybe grab a bite for lunch. You can't do better than spending a day here, especially in Autumn, when you can really appreciate the beauty and interest of the place.

Highly recommended.

So well maintained, it’s truly a trip into what our past looked like, and smelled like. At any point you can smell the cooking, watch them making plates, cups etc..., see the animals as they once roamed on the farm. Everyone working there is kind, approachable and knowledgeable.

The evening spent at Sturbridge Village with the family was enjoyable! The kids had a blast. Well laid out lots to see and so pretty at night all lit up. It was xss a little difficult to get it all in with 12 people. Hard to keep everyone moving, next time we have to have a better execution. Great family event

I visited today during one of three Members Only days. Advanced bookings were needed. Visits will be open to the public soon. The staff has done a great job following state requirements. EVERYONE wore a mask. Everyone was respectful with social distancing. Lots of hand sanitizer stations. Many picnic tables in the Bullard Tavern area. All had plastic tablecloths. Two employees walked around wiping down the tables as people left. You can buy food at the Tavern or bring your own. I brought my own. Bathrooms are open there. No electric dryer. They have paper towels. Most buildings are closed, but there are many wonderful outdoor demonstrations outside the buildings. Gift shops are open with limited number of shoppers.Because of social distancing, your party pretty much had one on one time with interpreters. The wagon ride around the property was great! The woman driver was SOOO knowledgeable about both the village and also the horses. I have owned horses for over 4 decades, so I know she was spot on. Appreciated that she gave the horses plenty of shaded rest and water during the ride. I have visited the Village since I was a child in the 1950s and this woman told stories I had never heard before. My favorite was a comprehensive history of the Covered Bridge. It was great! That your Sturbridge Village employees for all you have done.

We were in the area for a family wedding and our trip to OSV was an unexpected highlight. It is so tranquil and a perfect alternative to today’s digital world.

The staff (all in costume) are very knowledgeable & friendly. There is almost too much to do in a single day. Highly recommended.

This is the third time we visited Old Sturbridge Village, the first time in 1998 without kids, the second time in 2014 when the kids were younger and now again. We spent about 1.5-2 hours en route to Boston. We spent time in the tin shop, the Towne house (butter & cheese making), the saw mill, the blacksmith and the shoe shop. Talking to the actors/guides remains essential to get the story and the feel of the place. If it is a first visit you can easily spend hours here.

We had a beautiful day here today. Visited all most all of the exhibits. Fun to see how the area looked in the 1830s. The horse drawn carriage ride was great and informative. Watching how things were made back then is always interesting.

Wife and I drove out From Framingham to visit the village and see the foliage. Haven't been there in about 30 years! Have pictures of our sons when they were young playing in the leaves. The foliage was beautiful and we really enjoyed touring the village. Lots of interesting things to see and the employees (villagers) were very informative. Re-enactment of basic chores and activities were interesting. Lots to see, well worth the trip.

Totally enjoyed The Sleepy Hollow Experience they put on in the fall. A professional acting troupe performs the tale with words and music as you move through areas of Sturbridge Village at night. Very well done and the finale is great. It sells out so buy tickets early. We returned in December for Christmas by Candlelight and, while it was enjoyable, it was very crowded and more suited to families with children.

I remember coming here as a child and wanted my kids to experience it as well. They all enjoyed seeing a working farm and interacting with the people that worked and “lived” here. It was a really good day to spend there with lots of memories.

went with regular and jogging stroller, definitely the jogging stroller recommended, we love to see the animals, my grandson loves them, yet the playground is for older kids and there is little for the 2 years olds (besides the animals)

My family and I attended Christmas by candlelight last weekend. While the idea is great, there certainly needs to be some adjustments. The environment was so packed with people that it is nearly impossible to see displays, and maneuver around the historic homes. There was no organization at all when it came to maximum capacity and how to approach the crowds.

When you are walking around outside in freezing weather there needs to a respite area with appropriate heat if little ones need to warm up. This is marketed as a family event.

We did not get to enjoy any aspect of Sturbridge Village Because of poor organization. It's unfortunate that our first introduction to the area had to be such a negative experience. I will not be returnung to Christmas by candlelight

We really enjoyed our visit today. We are both history fans and they have a great overview of life in 1840 New England. The food offerings were fine and not overpriced but I would have enjoyed a more historic food experience. Wear comfortable shoes - we walked for almost 4 hours touring the village!

Old Sturbridge Village is museum in village setup. There are demos on by pottery artists, blacksmiths etc. There are many old modeled houses as well. It is a setup which will show you how the life used to be 150-200 years back in USA. It's good for kids to learn about the history.

The people who work at OSV are the very hospitable and helpful and they really know the historical context of the place.
We had a wonderful time here. The layout is not like a museum - it is a real town.
We visited twice. The first visit we enjoyed the various locations and talked to the people at the buildings. We were very impressed. There is so much to see that it takes all day to see everything.
Then we came back the next week when they were having a Revolutionary War re-enactment. That was just superb. One of the best events of it's kind we have ever seen.
Highest praise for Old Sturbridge Village. It rivals Colonial Williamsburg.

Old Sturbridge Village remains an iconic museum! Everything is in working order, and the re-enactors are wonderfully knowledgeable.
A great place to show the younger generation life in the past!

hadn't been here in over 30 years so I was excited to relive the experience. it was a quiet day but there were interpreters in most of the buildings who were happy to share their skill with us. shout out to Tom who took a lot of time to show us how to make band boxes and even gave us some materials so we could do it ourselves at home. our favorites, besides Tom, were the Cooper, the blacksmith and the lady in the general store. they really love what they do and their enthusiasm comes through. won't wait so long to go back!

We got there late and only were able to spend 2 1/2 hours but felt we saw the majority of the park. It would’ve been better to have three or four hours to really take our time and see everything. The docents that worked at the park were fantastic. They provided a lot of detail is to help people lived in the 1800s.

Were in the area for a weekend wedding and went to OSV with 3 generations of the family. It was a great activity for all the age groups! Something for everyone. We watched a board cut at the saw mill, the blacksmith work on a hammer head, and the tinner made a round cookie cutter. The kids loved the farm animals. The workers know what they are doing and share interesting information. Definitely memorable and worth the price of admission.

I hadn't been to Sturbridge for about 30 years! I was surprised to find a school adjacent to the property. Also, it was winter, but on a bright and sunny day, there was not much going on. The few activities planned were streamlined and some canceled. There were not many enactors and not much description shared. It is a microcosm of an early New England community. In the past, it appeared much more vibrant.

Had a wonderful time with my niece and great nephew. It was fun to visit the houses and receive treats from the village interpreters. So many fantastically costumed children were excitedly gathering their treats in the safety of the villages vehicle free common.

Spent a magical evening at Old Sturbridge Village. There were lanterns and candles lighting the pathways. Several of the craftsmen were doing their trade. Fun to watch. There were sing a longs and Christmas stories. Two horse drawn wagons. It was really a perfect night experiencing an old fashioned New England holiday.

We visited there for the kids' winter break, but because there was low attendance due to winter, the number of docents working and number of activities there was very low. Due to the low number of attractions available, we should have received a discount. Just seemed overpriced to wander around a village in the middle of winter for an hour with nothing to do except watch guys chop wood or the guy in the print shop explain how the printer works.

I enjoyed my afternoon at Old Sturbridge Museum. There is plenty to see and I like that the docents and srtisans, dressed in period costumes, interact with the visitors. This is indeed a great way to learn about our American history. The clock collection is incredible. I suggest that anyone who enjoys this type of venu visit Greenfield Village in Michigan where this is done even better.

Th most amazing part was some of the structures were original. The presenters and workers were dressed in period costumes. They were friendly, knowledgeable, and interesting. We learned so much, it was incredibly informative and enjoyable. We were only able to tour about half the site (because we are old!). We plan to return to see the other half.

Visiting Old Sturbridge Village was fun and informative. Had been here about 30 years ago with children but going with an adult friend this time allowed us to wander, visit with staff and read about the village. Would like to give a shout out to Gloria, Pat and Edward.

Old Sturbridge Village is a re-creation of an 1830s settlement. It is a great place for family fun, and for any history buff. There are different buildings from New England in the 1830s, with costumed staff playing different roles at each site. They also run horse carriage ride. We visited during December and enjoyed "Christmas by Candlelight," from 3-8pm select days. On these nights, you can experience New England holiday traditions such as live music, storytelling, sleigh rides, festive foods, and a bonfire.

This is a charming, very old inn with lots of atmosphere. The rooms outside the main in are updated and spacious. The dining is good, but nothing special.

This was a last minute excursion and we definitely enjoyed it. Grounds are clean and buildings interesting.

We have been to OSV numerous times and have always enjoyed it. As it had been some time since our last visit, we decided to go again on this trip to Sturbridge. We couldn't see everything as we had a limited amount of time. Enjoyed the people in their colonial garb and their "stories". To try something different this time, we took the river boat ride. It was a relaxing break while walking through the village. We hope to ride the stage coach next visit if we have more time.

This village is similar to that of New England in the early 1800's. There are homes, farms, craft shops, shoe store, pottery, blacksmith, printing office, community center, school. The "residents" are dressed in the time period, The craftsmen give demonstrations, explanations and courteously answer questions. I highly recommend starting with the stagecoach tour so you get an overall view of the village, then go to places of interest. The coachman gives information about the sites. You can get on and off at different stages.

Gives you a very great appreciation for what life was like back in the 19th century and it WASN'T EASY! Allow plenty of time to listen and interact with the staffers in the various buildings. They are extremely friendly and are subject matter experts in whatever they are doing. For example, we spent a half hour hearing how books used to be printed and assembled before electricity. Fascinating!!! Everything they do is "in character"; they were repairing a stone wall and were using oxen and a cart to move the stone. Be sure to visit the museum when you first get through the gate. It has a huge collection of 18th & 19th century clocks plus rotating exhibits. Parking is plentiful. Don't miss the horse drawn cart ride; the driver shares a wealth of information and cheerfully answers all questions.

The village itself is a visit back in time. On this day, we were treated to the opportunity to see people actually weaving cloth, printers laying type to print a paper, bonnet making , starting ,etc. There are stagecoach rides for a mere $5.00. All in all, an enjoyable Sunday.

I'm a big fan of the Halloween events at the real Sleepy Hollow, NY. I was a bit skeptical at first, but the promotional video peaked my curiosity. We found out from our hotel's front desk person that this event is totally separate from Old Sturbridge Village, even though it appears on their website. The parking and entrance are on a different road as well. We arrived and went in to Ichabod's Tavern where you could get food and drinks. The building looked like summer camp. I'm starting to think this is going to be hokey, then we assembled and walked to the start of the performance. The pathway was dark, lit only by torches. We travelled over a bridge and you could hear the water rushing below you. The village was effectively lit with stage type lighting and
fog for special effect. Erie background music was all around you. So, now I'm starting to be impressed. We make our first stop and the cast appears and begins to sing. They introduce the story, all the while nature is making it's strange sounds from deep within the woods. This is SO PERFECT!!! The presentation ends on a covered bridge with the headless horseman making a ride across it. I am now a fan! Totally worth it.

The Village is very well done with folks in period costumes in almost every building narrating, demonstrating and working on appropriate activites...the potter making bowls that day, the blacksmith working on a hinge, a woman setting up a loom, another spinning...

The disappointing part of the visit...Even my wife a retired teacher who has accompanied many children in past on field trips was somewhat taken back by the number of school children running amok the day we visited. Yes the school year is almost over but perhaps symptomatic of too few teachers and too many parents unable to volunteer in today's America?

Great day out.

Family horse trailer rides. Loads of information from the staff. We learnt soo much. We could have asked for more

We went during the Christmas by candle light,and y it t was amazing! This was our 3rd time going but still SUPER FUN!!! My daughter and I lived the magician though he was a little cranky😬. We also saw the tree lighting with an amazing good flute player ❤️! We made a wish and put it on a tree,fingers crossed they come true lol! We saw Santa (old Saint Nick) at last. This experience was amazing (as always!) Can’t wait till next year! 💛💛💛💛💛

Beautiful historic village in western Massachusetts! I hadn't been in 15-20 years so I was excited to come back as an adult. We went on a hot summer day (88 degrees!) and there were still lots of spots in the shade. The village has lots of interactive games and stations for kids. They also have horse drawn carriage rides and hiking trails. We ended up walking almost three miles!

The one disappoint was that the River ride was not operating. We were really looking forward to that one, especially on a hot summer day! Hopefully that comes back soon!

Re Covid safety precautions: As of June 2021, masks were still required for any of the inside areas even if you are vaccinated. You could take your mask off as you walked around outside!

OSV is a great experience for young and old. Along with being a gorgeous history park / museum, take the time to speak with the enactors and craft specialists, to make the eperience more fulfilling and educational. The enactors all have great knowledge and even the dry sense of humor folks from that period may have. The park is easy to walk and access no matter your physical condition. Food offerings are good and a good value for what you get. Bathroom spaces are clean and located strategically throughout the park. We attended during a special event, their Beer & Music Fest, and I hear their other special event weekends are also fun to attend.

My husband and I have visited here several times. It is a wonderful example of living history from the early 19th century. We like watching all of the craft demonstrations, such as blacksmithing and (as I recall) barrel making. The old church is simple and inspiring. We took the carriage ride but not the boat ride. Love the costumed re-enactors. You can learn so much about early New England history here. My only criticism is that their cafeteria closed at 3 pm on the day we were there, but the village was open for longer than that. We didn't realize that, so we couldn't eat our late lunch. The cafeteria should remain open for as long as the whole village is open.

We visited the Old Sturbridge Village for about 2.5 hours, which is enough to get a good look at everything, but you could definitely spend more time there. The outdoor experience is great, the staff and actors are amazing and really nice. They will tell their story and also answer all the questions you might have.

First visit to the village and we loved it, managed to get on the horse drawn trolley and had a beautiful and very informative ride around the village, once finished we walked it ourselves. Attention to detail is awesome. Everything is so well kept and the staff and volunteers couldn't have been nicer. There is a stunning covered bridge which was just a delight to be driven through on the horse pulled trolley. There is plenty of parking and a tavern for snacks and lunch. If you are in the area and you like history it's def worth a wander.

We visited on a Friday in mid June and I was afraid it would be packed. The facility is large so it probably can handle a pretty large crowd.
Some have complained of large groups of kids taking away from the enjoyment. We had one large group head to the next exhibit we were planning to see. Instead we made a small detour to a less crowded house and never saw them again.
The free, ample parking was close in and convenient. If you choose to bring a picnic lunch there are plenty of places inside the museum, as well as outside of the entrance to enjoy that. Some, but not all are shaded.
They offer a generous veterans discount, remember to bring proof of your service, my ticket was 1/2 price and my wife's was 25% off. A savings of $21.
Having said that, the other complaint of $28 being too expensive is way off. This is a large complex that cost a fortune to keep running. While I appreciated the discount they offered me I would have not felt I paid too much at full price.
The village has lots of homes and shops on display. Most with costumed staff on hand to answer your questions. We were amazed at the number of teens on staff who have given up their phones for a hoe or knitting needles.
Watching the blacksmith make one nail, then realizing how many a small house required for building, and you really understand how easy we have it modern times.
Nothing was easy.
Hands down the best display was the sawmill, make sure you check out the schedule and see that.

I visited OSV today and full disclosure I am a member. Honestly, it was amazing to see what they have done to try and make the experience authentic for the guests considering the constraints which have been placed on them by the state. Some of the things I noticed were first they provided just as much if not more in the way of interpreters in each of the buildings. Ingeniously, they opened the windows and doors and had the interpreter stand inside in order to maintain the necessary distance. All were as usual dressed in costume and were more then happy to impart information. When the building would not work for this method of presentation they erected a variety of canopies all looking as if they had been made out of a muslin or canvas which fitted in beautifully with the time period. They all seemed unique which made it look like each household had created their own. These were roped off to maintain the appropriate distance but this was hardly noticeable.

As for masks they made sure that each person who was presenting had a mask that coordinated with the outfit so it was actually not even noticeable as if it were natural for the wearer to have a face covering. The blacksmith had on a simple muslin type mask while some had calico and others colonial prints that fit in perfectly. It is this attention to detail that helped make the experience enjoyable. This is something I cannot say for any of the places I have visited this summer and certainly so much better than the embarrassing presentation at Mystic Seaport.

I would also like to mention the people who work and volunteer there. This stands out more than anything. Having a love of history and being a teacher, I have visited many living history museums and by far and away the people who work at Sturbridge are the most approachable and frankly nice! They do not project the elitist attitude which I have encountered in Williamsburg, Plimoth and Mystic Seaport. They are always willing to answer the questions my grandson asks and he asks many!

Now more than ever these living history museums need to look at the way they portray themselves if they wish to survive. I love the way OSV has presented many types of entertainment which use the village as a backdrop such as Christmas by Candle Light, Legend of Sleepy Hollow, and even Charlotte's Web for my grand children.

I went today with very low expectations due to the mandates issued by the state and was more than pleasantly surprised. I only wish that we could have gotten the chocolate chip cookies, but one cannot have everything. PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE VISIT! This place is a true gem and you will not be disappointed. I have written several reviews of OSV over the years and I really feel like they listen to their patrons.

Nice little re-creation of what village life looked in early 1800s New England. If you walk the whole village takes 2-3 hours. There's a cafeteria, ice cream store and little store selling cold drinks and gifts. Enjoyable afternoon if you're a history buff and like that sort of thing, sort of a New England version of colonial Williamsburg, but not as in depth as Williamsburg. Not sure it's worth a special trip, there's not much else to see and do in the area, but definitely worth a visit if you're in the area. Most of it is on gravel path and step ups and downs into building, not recommended for someone with mobility issues and would be a good workout if you're pushing a stroller.

This village was a wonderful jump back into our history. The buildings were wonderful to visit and the people were interesting and knowledgeable. Plan to spend the whole day, pack snacks and drinks, and wear good walking shoes.Great experience.

Maybe it was the weather, cool and misty, or maybe it was that I arrived only an hour before closing but I was truly underwhelmed by OSV. The buildings could use more explanation and more staff. The gift shop actually charges $10 for 4 oz. of maple-flavored popcorn. Really?

Haven't been here since a school trip back in the and a great place to re-visit as an adult. Enjoyed the many exhibits/houses/stores on site. The map given at the entrance is very helpful in coordinating your route. The exhibitions with characters were true to form as they spoke of their labours back in the day and how life must have been. Be prepared as there is quite a bit of walking to do in the outer areas but not to intense. Was disappointed the walking trails were closed due to hunting season.

Researched online and looked like a really neat place. After we paid our admission and entered “the museum”, we began to notice several areas were just sitting unattended - the sawmill, cider mill, etc. It would have been nice to see them in action. Also, the river ride was closed because of inclement weather although it was partly cloudy with an estimated 10 mph breeze. The best part of our shortened experience was the preservation of the old structures which were very interesting. In my opinion, they should inform you in advance of all the things that are closed.

I have always seen the signs on the highway whenever we drove through Massachusetts and finally got to visit. We always enjoy bringing our grandson to historic sites and Sturbridge village did not disappoint. We were able to walk through and visit different sites which had individuals dressed in time period clothing discussing what life was like and how they lived dying the 1800s. The buildings and displays were excellent. The fact you could talk to the people and ask questions about daily life, work and other questions made it educational for me and my grandson. The displays are well maintained. I would suggest you bring comfortable shoes because there is plenty of walking. The village has several places you can get snacks, a bite to eat and refreshments. You will definitely enjoy it but I suggest you take a look at the weather; you may not want to do a visit on a rainy or cold day.

Stepping back at Old Sturbridge Village is stepping many steps forward in the long run, for learning about our past provides a basis for shaping our future.

After stopping at the Oliver Wight Tavern for a meal outside the Village gate, prepare to leave the world of telephones, electronics and gas-powered automobiles for a glimpse of how people in New England lived nearly 300 years ago.

Mills for preparing textiles, grinding grains into flour and making cider were at the center of everyday life. Gardens, their plants’ medicinal and culinary benefits sadly lost to time, fascinate and inspire deeper study.

A horse-and-buggy ride in the crisp New England air followed by a steaming cup of mulled cider and some Indian Pudding at Bullard’s Tavern satisfy young and not-so-young alike. Visiting homes representing the various strata of Village life and the Congregational Church for some of that old-time religion give meaning and perspective to the mores of the time and the voyage New England has made over 3 centuries.

The OSV staff enhances the experience with a lengthy list of promotions driven by the season. Special meals at Bullard’s Tavern have long been a staple on the family calendar: a sumptuous Thanksgiving feast, Christmas dinner featuring wandering carol singers, autumns at the cider mill and springtimes preparing rocky New England fields for planting.

What New Englanders were in 1830 was the essence of what we’ve become. Fully understanding what it means to be New England born and bred begs a step forward into the past.

The day we went happened to be very rainy; but we had such a good time, anyway, and despite the mud. Many of the buildings were open, and we learned a lot. Not all the activities listed, seemed to be happening as and where scheduled.

Most of the workers were great, and happy to explain what they do, and answer questions. Just the wood-worker, at one of the first places, was not particularly interested in talking to us, or in answering the question I asked.

There's a lot to see!

Just know that a lot of walking is involved, and that at least some of the roads are dirt roads. Many of the buildings have stone steps leading up to them.

Be prepared to spend the whole day for a living tour through our American history as it was lived and worked

This is a living museum of a community setting in 1830ish. There are multiple antique buildings, demos, employees in period garb, covered bridge, horse drawn carriage rides... The demos in the lumber mill, grist mill and carding mill are just wonderful. There are live animals all around, vegetable and herb gardens... i would highly recommend the experience to one and all.

The storyteller was fabulous, I highly recommend attending her lively stories. The music performances were a little lacking though - I have been to other historical villages and the few they had were just OK. The 4 PM opportunity to go here and try the instrument was pretty great, I recommend the village continues that. The children’s activities were well planned and had nothing to do even on a weekday. The build your own board game activity was very affordable and fun.

I really enjoyed it. My kids were grumpy because it was hot and humid the day we went, but I think they would go back as would I.

If you’re in Boston for a week, it’s definitely worth a visit to Old Strubridge Village with or without children.
A meticulous reconstruction of the life of an early 19th century Quaker village.
Beautiful walk in a beautiful wooded environment.
Impressive authenticity!

We spent about four hours here, which included lunch in the restaurant. The reinactors/ on-site staff in each of the buildings we visited were well informed and fielded visitors’s questions with an impressive depth of knowledge. I would have liked to enjoy the boat ride, but it was an extra fee to do so. Not sure about the carriage ride. The restaurant service was fine, but the food was unimpressive and overpriced.

Lots to see, do & learn with kids. Old Sturbridge makes history come alive. We learn something new every time we come. Really fun.

This place is wonderful. I've always had a soft spot for everything old timey and rustic and this place didn't let me down. It's huge. There's so much to see and do here. You learn about all kinds of skills/crafts that people did in these old towns way back in the 1800's. I wish I didn't live 5hrs away or else I'd be signing on as a volunteer!

We had a wonderful time. It had been over 30 years since we were there last. Alot has changed and for the better. Location is very close to a lot of restaurants and shops.
We stayed at the IHG hotel, and it was very nice as well. We had made arrangements to go, but COVID shut the world down. It was great to get away.

Our g’son was married in the garden. The wedding planner was terrific. The reception was held in the building outside garden. It was a fabulous venue.

We had been looking forward to our visit and duly arrived as it opened as did at least 20 bus loads of energetic but totally disinterested students. For the first two hours we were pushed and joustled in each site we visited. Even the restaurant was full of the unsupervised students.
Eventually at about two pm peace descended and we were able to enjoy the history and beauty of the site. By now the guides has time to answer questions and give information about the various houses and their history. It is sad that most of the day was wasted.

Visit was a great success. Girls loved it. Historic interpreters were engaging and very knowledgable. We will definitely go back for some of their theme events.

Everything about the night was incredible. It was cold and windy, and you could smell the bonfires in the air. It was masterfully done. From the hooded guides holding lanterns, to the actors, the journey around the village, right down to the horseman finale. Highly recommended. My one issue was that maybe during the intermission you don't offer beer. (Coffee, cocoa, cider) As I witnesses, some people don't know when to turn it off and walking in the dark tipsy could be an issue.

I’ve heard about Old Sturbridge Village for years and finally made the trip across the country and checked it out.

All of the employees seemed very knowledgeable and legitimate, as far as knowing their history.

It’s clean, beautiful, natural and beautiful, all around! There is so much history there that you can walk around for hours and never get bored. They have seemingly well-cared-for animals that all seemed happy and vibrant.

This is a gorgeous place and a must-see for New England.

OSV is more than a stagnant museum. As one visits, you walk through the pages of history and see original building from the time period. Interpreters bring OSV alive and you are transported back to a simple time that is amazingly filled with the technology of the day. OSV presents a slice of the socioeconomic strata of the day and depicts what living and working conditions would be like. THIS IS A MUST SEE and EXPERIENCE!

I have been going here for decades & it keeps getting better. There is plenty of free parking, although few spots in the shade. I bought a season pass - $35 and it is good through November - not much more than a one day admission, so well worth it. The village is well laid out with several dirt trails flat & wide enough for the horse-drawn wagon, so easy for walkers to navigate. There are a few walking dirt trails that are also flat, but narrower, that go through very scenic paths. There is a lake and river with small falls just outside of town that feature covered bridges and many scenic places to enjoy. Most places I found to walk had plenty of shade from trees. All were well-kept with no trash to be found, although horse droppings were in a couple areas (as expected). The buildings were dispersed throughout the village, with pastures and live animals inbetween. The buildings include all occupations & public buildings common in the mid-1800's as well as a few residences. Many of the buildings had staff in period costume demonstrating their historic craft, telling stories and answering questions. The paths make a wonderful place to walk, although the surface would be too rough for a wheelchair (unless motorized). Those pushing strollers were getting a workout. The animal noises added a nice background noise (rooster crow, sheep bah). There was no heavy animal stench; I greatly appreciated the cleanliness of the village. There are places to buy snacks and light meals both at the entrance and inside the village. I saw one outside drinking fountain. Most people brought their own water. I imagine it would get quite muddy on a rainy day. One can take a horse-drawn wagon ride around the village and a small boat ride on the river. There is a daily schedule showing demonstrations with a village map on the back. The gift shop was quite crowded with a well-mannered group of teens (I saw three school buses outside). There is so much to learn and enjoy, so I just see a bit each time I go. I mostly go for the walking and it is wonderful: safe, peaceful, pretty and interesting. I was not bothered by bugs, which surprised me with the combination of woods and water. Toilet facilities were well-placed, clean and accessible. Most buildings are accessible without steps. The staff is very helpful, friendly & professional. The actors did not seem insulted when I did not want to stay and listen; it can be awkward walking into a building just to peak and not be willing to listen to the stories. Sometimes I'm in the mood and sometimes I just want to keep walking, so I appreciate their flexibility. The village has something for all ages, although one has to watch kids closely around the animals. Highly recommend for an hour or a day, alone or with family & friends.

We visited this wonderful museum whilst on vacation from the uk during the redcoats and rebels weekend. It was interesting to talk to the reenactors, many of whom had fantastic knowlege of the revolutionary period. The battles were spectacular... just a shame the redcoats didnt win!

A real old time village with demonstrations and many buildings to see and people to tell you about life as it was back in the day. Takes about two hours to walk through and take your time. It’s very informative and a beautiful place to walk through. Great for kids and adults.

This was our first visit; it was wonderful.
We really enjoyed the old buildings, especially the stone blacksmith shop. But the best part was speaking with the various craftspeople. It was fascinating to watch them work and explain their crafts. We saw a potter, blacksmith, typesetter, linen maker, wool dyers, cooper, typesetter, and more.
All the craftspeople obviously enjoy their work and are quite talented. We learned a lot about how hard people had to work to get by.
The village was well laid out, and easy to get around. Not all the buildings were staffed, but most were.
The Salem Towne house tour was well-presented and informative. I am glad we were able to do it.
It was fun,too, to see the farm animals .
We didn’t have a meal there, but enjoyed a drink and good molasses cookies.
We spent about five hours here and saw a lot.
I would like to return to see even more.

We have been to many historic villages, both in Canada and the USA. Old Sturbridge Village is certainly one of the better ones. It is very well done and we quite enjoyed touring this property. It was obvious that our cousins who live in Sturbridge enjoyed it also. We are grateful to them for suggesting this visit and for accompanying us as well.
Long before this was a museum, the mill pond (dug with a team of oxen and a scoop in 1795) provided waterpower for various mills, including the sawmill, grist mill, carding mill, etc. Old Sturbridge Village is a living museum located in Sturbridge, Massachusetts, which recreates life in rural New England during the 1790s through 1830s. It is the largest living museum in New England, covering more than 200 acres (81 hectares). The Village includes 59 antique buildings, three water-powered mills, and a working farm.

Old Stubridge Village is a wonderful place to explore living history of this region. There are a variety of programs and activities. You can learn about everything from how to make shoes to how maple sugar was made. There are story tellers and actors who really can show what life was like. Highly recommended. Come early and plan to spend the whole day.

One in awhile it's nice to travel back to our roots as New England Americans and see the way things were on an everyday basis. What we find as really hard people back in the day found it self rewarding.

This was so cool….the different homes and time period pieces…they are renovating certain areas so not everything was open… but this is worth the visit is you love history

Fabulous entertainment. The actors are extremely talented. The scenes, the music and interaction was engaging and fun. It is a must see!

We spent the day with breakfast at the onsite buffet. It was excellent. We then then to enjoy all the offerings of the village. It was lots of fun and very interactive. This village has been continuously operating since 1946. Its unbelievable all the history about the early 1800's at this village. If you like history, I highly recommend checking it out!

This is a good site for young children and require a lot of walking....we borrowed a wheelchair but the paths are not smooth....difficult to get around. While we enjoy history and there was not enough curated information strating with the visitor center film was very short and did not give a enough background. The costumed staff was pleasant with the exception of the driver of the horse tour.....barking information and not a welcoming guy. Families with children are the best audience for this place....be aware accessibiility is an issue .

We spent the entire day visiting the large number of historic buildings (well preserved and filled with interesting artifacts), interacting with well training and enthusiastic guides, enjoying the beautiful scenery... wear comfortable shoes and bring your picnic lunch in a backpack. The flower and herb gardens are some of the best we've seen.

Inadequate, repetitive food/drink samples, fewer costumed interpreters, no carolers. Had multicultural displays

Old Sturbridge Village provides a good glimpse into the life of colonial New England. The buildings are well taken care of and provide a view into both home as well as farm life in the colonies. I would allocate at least 2-3 hours to get through most items but one could easily make a full day if they desired. I did think the admission was a bit on the high side ($28/adult) but maybe there is more going on during the peak season. We attended in the fall so some of the village's attractions might have been scaled back a bit.

Old Sturbridge Village, an actual farm and village, is an enjoyable place at any time of year! The well-costumed docents are helpful and very informative. There are so many different buildings and demos. Activities vary with the time of year; sheep shearing in the spring, farming in spring and summer; others, like the mint, bank, shoemaker, and blacksmith are all year around. Some of the demos are hands on. There is a cafe and a bake shop for snacks. Special events like "Dinner in a Country Village" allow the participants to prepare dinner as it would have been done in the early 1800's. There is always something new (or previously unnoticed!) to enjoy. Members are invited to special events and can also register for classes to learn some 19th century skills!

I’m a 54-year-old trial lawyer and my nephew is 23. He graduated from college (University of Wisconsin) and for his road trip wanted to tour historical sites in New England. Old Sturbridge Village was one of those sites he picked. I grew up in Rhode Island and in Massachusetts. So, it has been 50 years, maybe a little less, but you get the idea, since I was there. I was skeptical about my enjoying the occasion. I am here to say I was absolutely wrong. No matter how old you are or how long it has been, this was an adventure worth the entry fee.
I stopped to talk with the people acting the parts and couldn’t have been more entertained. They are real people who love the roles they play. They are given real people to play and are provided information about who those people were and what their lives were like. I was thoroughly entertained. It was Sunday and I stopped to chat with a British officer who was leading the garrison. He made me laugh with what he had to say about the Americans always winning on a Sunday. Everyone was friendly. Everything was realistic and authentic.
The gunshots were loud, the acting realistic, the food was good, the drinks cold and it was fun for one and all. I highly recommend this.
I would actually go again and hope my granddaughters and grandsons ask to take their graduation-road-trips to New England, so we can go there again.
Onward we march!

Always a wonderful time, the kids can run ask questions. The atmosphere is truly unique and the Museam Interpreters fabulous. ALWAYS A FAMILY FAVORITE.

Old Sturbridge Village is fun and educational for all ages. Learning by learning, talking to "people from the past" and seeing how people lived during a different time period than our own helps us to understand how far we have come over the generations.

We stopped here on a whim and boy, are we glad we did. We had a great time and learned a lot about early life in the colonies. We look forward to coming again when we have more time to spend.

Even building has a guide dressed in early 19th-century apparel who provides valuable insight and answers all questions enthusiastically. This is not a "recreation" of a village--all the buildings are authentic. Do take the time for a carriage ride around the village with a gracious and knowledgeable driver. Allow at least 3 hours for your visit.

Old Sturbridge Village is a must do. If you are a Veteran and have a military identification card, make sure you ask for your discount.
It was so nice to go from building to building and see and hear the people talk about their life in a that time period. Everyone was very knowledgeable and answered all our questions.

I was so looking forward to visiting since the one and only time I had been here was in 1978 when I was in 7th grade, but instead left totally disappointed.

The good points: loved looking at the old buildings, walking around and talking to people. Made you feel like you were back in the 1800s. The people were nice and very informative in the buildings. You could ask them questions and they would provide you with knowledge as if they lived through it themselves. I found out things I didn't know like the biggest meal of the day is lunch, then breakfast. The smallest is dinner. The grounds are nice also.

The bad points: First, the $28 to get in is a total rip off. The buildings were cool, but most of them you just walked in and looked around. Anyone can do that. I was looking for a "live" village. People working and doing demonstrations in EVERY building. This was expensive for a self-guided tour. The biggest disappointment of all was the way children acted. There were several class trips going on. Many of the kids were totally unruly and rude. And the adults were not controlling them. Neither were some parents there with their families and children. We were listening to a gentleman speak in a home and couldn't even hear him because 3 children came in with their mother and they proceed to open and slam desk drawers. She stood and watched and said nothing as the speaker kept looking over at the children. Another child in another building tried to push by me as we were listening to a speaker and stepped very hard on my toes. I said "jeez" and her chaperone proceeded to lay into ME! How about telling the child to slow down and apologize for stepping on my foot? That's what I would have said to my kid. No, instead it was my fault. This place is no place for children under Junior High School age. They should learn to stand quietly and listen to what the speaker is telling them and then ask questions. Instead it was like a bunch of animals running around and through the houses. We got there when they opened at 9:30. My suggestion is if you want to really enjoy Sturbridge, go after 12 or 1:00. By then the class trips are gone. They are open until 5:00 and you will still have plenty of time to actually enjoy the place without rude children pushing their way around. Parents...chaperones, keep your kids in control so other people can enjoy places. I have children who are older now and took them to many places and never allowed the actions that I saw on Wednesday. People should be ashamed of themselves on how they allow their children to act.

In addition to seeing all the exhibits of OSV, Patriot's Day weekend has some great opportunities to see reenactors portraying troops during the American Revolution, War of 1812, Civil War, and World War II. We did not realize when we went but glad to view all these informative demonstrations!!

Seeing all the animals, especially the young lambs was fun!!

Definitely a great place to visit with families!!

I brought my tween daughter here to kill an afternoon before a family wedding in town. We had a really nice time! Lots of interesting things to see. The village was bigger than I thought it would be. We especially enjoyed the ghost stories, the candy store, and the really tall cows. The gift shop also had some interesting wares for sale.

As an American history teacher, I love this place! Treat yourself. Each building and all of the spots within are worth looking at, children and adult. The grounds and environs are beautifully kept. Pick up souvenirs or treats.

I visited myself on a Wednesday. I bought a pre-paid senior ticket for $26. I was there from opening (930) until 130. Weather was excellent, sunny, high in 80s. I had been several times in my life, but not for 15 or so years. The physical grounds and buildings are very nice, as I remembered, but I was very positively surprised by how knowledgeable the docents are.

The blacksmith docent was very knowledgeable about blacksmithing,including the technical aspects and when and how the building was moved/setup. I was speaking with the docent in the Parsonage about where the china, etc. came from, when he pointed out a set which commemorated the Battle of Lake Champlain in the War of 1812 - I thought this was cool because my mother was born right on the lake, right near there. The docent in the Asa Knight store was very knowledgeable about what was in his store and the trade patterns that would have brought it there. But really, all the docents were very good.

I had lunch at the Bullard Tavern (modern food) - I feel I got very good value for $17(although the cashier had to get someone old enough to ring up the beer, and then the beer had to be poured into a cup) . I walked through the gift shop, and didn't buy anything. I thought about a tee shirt, but didn't see anything that caught my fancy enough. I almost bought the guide to (Sturbridge Village for $14.99 (down $5) - but didn't. It seemed a little too flimsy/small.

My main positive impression is how well thought out the whole concept is - a particular place at a particular time. Unlike say, the Boston Museum of Science or the Boston Museum of fine arts - where they have to try to fit genres/subjects together, since in theory they cover everything. There seemed to be something for everything - things for the young kids, even for the teenagers (the outdoor games).

I'm sure I'll go back - I might look at the planned activities for the day before I do. I didn't do that today, I just wanted to wander and check out everything. This visit rekindled my interest to go to Shelburne Museum, where I haven't been in about 25 years.

The original buildings anf costumed, knowledgable interpretors bring you back to 1830s New England. The free admission for veterans was a great surprise as well!

We are always interested in history and showing our children how people lived a long time ago. This is a wonderful village that is really a fun place to visit... leave about 4-5 hours at least for touring it. We found that the most interesting part of the visit was listening to the workers in costume explain what they were doing and how they lived. They had a lot to offer! If you have smart children who are interested in other things aside from computers and games... take them here!! We were with teens, married kids with grandchildren ranging from age 1- 12. Absolutely everyone enjoyed it!

We were recently at old Sturbridge village (End of September 2021) and it was not worth the trip or money. We saw 3 exhibits. And that was it. The restaurant in the village was open, but no carriage rides, animals were laying around, a few buildings were open with description of what happened in the building, lots of closed buildings, including the General store, the gift shop was open but everything else was closed. People at the open exhibits were dressed in period clothing and some running around, but that was the extent of it. We were disappointed. Hopefully it will come back to what it use to be. The bathrooms were clean.

Sturbridge Village is a delight and did not disappoint. There are many buildings to visit with staff dressed in period costumes who are extremely knowledgable and forthcoming. We took the horse drawn carriage which was a lovely way to tour the village, as well as our own walk about. We did not eat at the restaurant, but it appeared to be quite reasonable and had indoor and outdoor seating areas. It was a beautiful autumn day for our visit and the grounds are just so lovely - included is a beautiful body of water, waterfall and covered bridge. I just had a great time.

Old Sturbridge Village is a very enjoyable lesson in early XIX century history. The guides in period dress are friendly and informed. They are XXI teachers, not actors. It’s a pleasure to go in a variety of exhibits.

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 attended last night and as with all of the events we have attended it was wonderful. We were guided by costumed volunteers carrying lanterns; our only source of illumination save the gorgeous stars in the night sky.

Each stop along the tour provided interesting information as well as a few surprises. Cookies, and cocoa as they would have been prepared in the mid 1800's, as well as a short but fabulous concert in the meeting house. At each stop there was always something new to add to our repertoire of information.

Our final destination was the Bullard tavern where refreshments were provided. Served were 3 types of hearty soups, clam chowder, squash bisque and lamb stew. In addition ,there were chicken sliders. For dessert there was gingerbread with crystalized ginger and cider donuts. Soft drinks were also provided and mixed drinks reflective of the time period were being created as guests watched.

In the dining room tables were pushed to the walls and period dancing was taking place with both visitors and costumed staff participating. All this was set solely by candle light.

This was an event which only could be accessed by members. As with the other events in which we have participated, we were delighted.
Only one flaw, the group in which we were placed was huge and all of the group members agreed that it would have only enhanced the experience great deal if the groups were much smaller. Hopefully this will be the case next year.

We had a magical time - snow was falling and the village was just beautiful . Horse drawn sleigh ride with caroling was so delightful . Big bonfire in the common with adult beverages such as hot cider and rum - snacks such as tasty cookies available. Santa was incredible and it was fun to see interaction with kids. The Ghost of Christmas past was engaging in his stories . All types of demonstrations and exhibits. Magic show for kids- a great way to spend an evening. Staff was so much fun and just added to the experience. Great holiday fun.

On a crisp fall day it was a great adventure back to the days of Elementary school way back when many things have changed over the years but the history and beauty were still there .

This village is a recreation of buildings and times in the late 1700’s to early 1800’s. If you are interested in something “historic” such as where a battle was fought or a famous person slept here, you will be better served someplace else. If you are interested in the lives of ordinary people of that era, this is a good place to learn how common people fared in New England during that time. There are re-enactments of everyday life from field ploughing to pottery making to smithing to straw weaving. Be prepared to spend at least half a day-we spent most of our day there.

Old Sturbridge held all the charm of yesteryear with the costumed guides in the cottage displays. Farm animals and veggie gardens were all over the place. It was a fabulous experience!

I have been a member of OSV for years and had many great, memories with of my visits. Today I went with family and enjoyed a nice day just visiting and showing them the highlights. Each interpreter is engaging and gives great insights into life in the 1830’s School vacation weeks are crowded so expect a lot of company. But, I was able to learn new things every visit. I love the weaving exhibition and the tin shop. The blacksmith is very entertaining. Today we took a carriage ride with the 2 beautiful draft horses, saw the baby lambs and the new baby oxen, along with the flock of chickens. We learned so much. Lunch in the Bullard tavern was good and kid friendly meals were offered. Sunday brunch at the Oliver Wright Tavern is excellent. The gift shop sells items made in the village. On regular days it’s just a nice safe place to take a mile long walk in peace and quiet. Check the website for special events like Wool Days, Fourth of July, or Christmas by candlelight. Become a member and enjoy classes and other special member only events.

We heard about Old Sturbridge Village from a friend who went there as a kid on a field trip. What an excellent place to visit! We recently toured the New England states and went to three living history museums. The other two were Plimouth Plantation and Mystic Seaport Museum. Old Sturbridge Village was far superior to the other two. They were interesting as well but there was something so special about Old Sturbridge Village. I was personally struck by how much common sense/practical knowledge we have lost over the centuries. We took two elementary school aged children and they really enjoyed it too. I would highly recommend it!

At first we were overwhelmed by the size of OSV as it covers 200 acres, but we found most of it is centered around the village green. Everything here depicts life in the early 19th century involving neighbors helping neighbors. All buildings are authentic. Settlers took advantage of water power to run the saw and grist mills. Interpreters working at the different exhibits wore period clothes and were very knowledgeable answering all questions. We saw demonstrations of shoe making, pottery, tintinsmith,cheese making, and even the sawing of a log into boards. Animals included cows, oxen, sheep, pigs, and chickens with baby chicks which made it interesting for children.
Food is available to break up the day.
Be sure to wear good walking shoes.

Phantoms by Firelight has worn out its welcome. This was the third or fourth year and it pretty much was ho hum. The same exact acts and not a lot of excitment were the hallmarks this year. I feel like doing the same thing year after year is doing a disservice to those who attend faithfully. Trust me I can live my life without ever again seeing someone in ballet shoes stand on bottles or stand on a man's head.

I loved the put a wish on the tree at Christmas by Candlelight but put your fears in a coffin shaped box and then have them burned was just a variation.

I think three years of the same program be it Circus Vampire or Poe is excessive.

I feel like maybe the there needs to be more creativity as we had seen in the past with the programing. Many programs were performed once or twice such as Headless Horseman or Tom Sawyer. This made me feel there was an immediacy to seeing the program. Now it seems like I can skip a year and I do not like that feeling.

If one has never seen this program perhaps it will be exciting but for those of us who attend regularly it was a massive bore.

This place is amazing. The employees really go out of their way to make you feel at home in the 1830s. The guy in the tin shop chatted with my kids for a long time and answered all their questions and encouraged their creativity. It was a wonderful day and we had perfect weather. I would recommend this for everyone!

The peaceful nature of the place re-enforces the time period. There are many areas of beautiful scenery and random folks doing crafts. It is a must for those that appreciate the time period of history in New England. Plus it is very easy to get to.

We stopped in here after visiting Boston, it is a quick and easy 1 hour trip from there. It was fairly spendy for our family of 4 to get into the Old Sturbridge Village, but it was also pretty good. I wish we would have had more time to spend there. A few highlights - we watched a gentleman work with tin to make lanterns, candle holders, etc. We watched shoes being made, dying of wool, carding of wool, spinning wool into yarn and fabric. We watched a cheese making demonstration and visited many interesting buildings and museums in the Old Sturbridge Village. Be prepared for a lot of walking and walking on dirt/gravel roads. Our 8 & 13 year old girls were interested for the most part during our time there.

Christmas by candlelight, our first time attending this event. Bought tickets on line before thanksgiving for saving. We went at 5pm, highly suggest getting there earlier as we didn’t get to see everything. Missed a lot of music and half the village too. It’s beautiful and next year I’m buying tickets for 2pm. Parking lot was packed when we got there at 5pm, but the village is so spread out it didn’t seem crowded. Restrooms were spotless though very busy.

My first visit in many years: the village retains all the charm and depth of history I recall from my visits as a student and then as a teacher. It was not crowded and so we were able to explore without much waiting or lines. Staff were helpful, informative and well-versed in their crafts or roles.

I have written many reviews of OSV Christmas by Candle Light and I must say that other than the pandemic year, it NEVER disappoints. This year was not different and even though some protocols remained in place, it was such a joy to be able to go inside the buildings.

A nice touch in the Bullard Tavern was the ability to purchase a full meal such as pot roast or turkey dinner. My husband got the turkey and my grandkids got the chicken tenders( which by they ask for each time we go).

My grandson was enthralled with the magic show and this was the first time we went to see Santa (who by the way was great with the voice of a talk show host).
I love that they got a bell to "call the elves" rather than the usual mini candy cane given by most of Santa's "Helpers".

AS usual the staff is always so wonderful. I cannot say it enough!! They are genuine and seemed to truly be happy to be there. In the tin shop my grandchildren ,were thrilled and surprised to get a premade icicle ornament. The gentleman handing the out said it was not as much fun as actually having the kids make them but that we had to use baby steps. The kids were excited about getting the craft kits also.

I loved the fact that in many of the houses, there were live musicians. I hope they keep that going forward.

After the disaster that was the pandemic one tends to appreciate the little things that have been restored. I am so happy to have been able to experience what for us and now my grandchildren is a Christmas Tradition. Next year I will come at 3 and stay for the full measure of "Christmas". Apparently, many others have discovered this wonderful event and I see how much it has grown in the past 10 years.

My husband asked me to choose anyplace for a little vacation. In the whole US, I wanted to revisit OSV .. It was crawling with school groups - mostly well-behaved. The working artisans were wonderful

Enjoyed visiting here in the past but this time, found everything a bit in disrepair and shabby. Could have been that it was the end of the season but a little disappointing. Booked Thanksgiving dinner at the Bullard Tavern. Okay but nothing special. Awfully pricey for what was received.

I am a season ticket holder at OSV therefore, I go there on a regular basis and for the most part I love it. This past spring/summer I have been there several times and so I am combining my experiences.

First we went on Memorial Day for the Sheep Shearing. I took my two grandsons and we were very underwhelmed. I might have missed it but there was no craft to accompany the event and for the most part it was pretty mundane. There were a couple of demonstrations but for the most part the kids were bored and all they wanted to find was the craft that was pictured on line where yarn was wrapped around little sheep (like a spool). I need to mention that they are five and three and they were fixated on this project. We asked several staff members and no one knew about it but they did see it only line in the photos.

This past weekend we went to the Charlotte's Web performance and it was great. The kids loved it and so did we. I had wished for a little bit of shade but other than that it was lots of fun. especially loved the home made quality of the costumes because I think it reinforced the quaintness of the production. It also in my opinion would make the children watching it more apt to feel inspired because of the simpleness of it so that they would feel that a production need not have elaborate costumes and they too could do it. I do LOVE the immersive experiences that have been presented at OSV and the way that the village is used as a set. I have only missed one and that was the Mischief and Mayhem. I hope that they continue to present more, I would love to see a some sort of Thanksgiving or Christmas production but I would NEVER want them to stop the Christmas by Candle Light !

This event did have a craft available and it was a spinner which the kids made in one of the houses. I just wanted to add the staff member helping with the project was wonderful. When we arrived my grandson was standing off to the side and she asked if 'the young gentleman would like to make one too'. She was so helpful and kind to him and then she called his 3 year old brother over too. This woman(mature and blond) was patient, interacted with them and exuded kindness and interest. I could not thank her enough for making it such a nice experience and the kids treasured their craft.

One concern, as we entered the visitors center they had an offering to dip candles. As we walked by on the way to the rest room the staff member who was very nice stopped us and told us about the candle dipping project. Of course there was no saying no to our grandchildren. She said it would begin at 12:30 and it was about 11:00 so we planned to come back and the kids kept asking the time as we went through the village because they were so excited to make candles.

When we returned at 12:25 there were already two children doing the project so we had to wait. When it was our turn I assumed that there would also be only two at a time because there were two containers of hot wax, and two containers of water for dipping. Of course we let the kids do it and I was with them the whole time but when it was our turn, the staff member running the project crowded 6 children around two vats of hot wax in a rectangular shaped table with one end of the table being blocked by some sort of from what I could tell unrelated artifacts but it just looked like a pile of junk. When I expressed my concern she said she did it with up to 8 participants. This is an accident waiting to happen. The space is narrow, the area crowded with kids and adults helping them. Kids were lifting hot wax to two bowls of water at either end. At the time I told my grandchildren they could make candles they were thrilled and while we waited out turn and there were only two participants at the table. Had I known that she would crowd it with so many kids I never would have let them participate. Hot wax was dropping all over the place and there were only two bowls with cold water to dip the candles in in the creation process. To say this was unsafe was an understatement. The staff member repeatedly said, there was more space in the 'craft center'. Well this was not the craft center and as a teacher, I know that the FIRST concern is safety in all things! It was very difficult for me to enjoy this experience because I had to nervously watch both of them for fear of the hot wax burning them or them accidentally burning someone next to them (some of the kids were not monitored).

In summary, OSV is great, the immersive performances are great, Christmas by Candlight is great and I have found that they are very responsive when there is something they might have overlooked when making presentations.

Definitely good for children younger than 10. Not much going today so check events before you come there.

This was my 2nd visit here and I've greatly enjoyed the visit both times. First time was my family, this time was with my Girl Scout troop. The Village was very kind at registration and gave us a group price. The tavern cafe was very accommodating and reserved one register for us, which allowed the girls time to decided what they wanted to eat and still have us all on one tab. The girls (ages 11-13) really enjoyed the history and horse carriage ride through the Village. Also, we took the time to see the musket demonstration, which was neat. The first visit, we only had 3 hrs before closing and that wasn't enough time. This time, we spend 6 hours there and that was a perfect amount of time to see everything and still take time for lunch.

This was fun to visit and see what life was like and to show my kids. All of the acting staff were very friendly and interactive. We enjoyed the wagon ride. We would have appreciated a way for the kids to be hands on when visiting a place- for example trying sewing with one of the women who sat to do so, being invited to tend in the garden, or moulding clay in the pottery barn. Our oldest is shy and didn’t like talking but would have gotten a lot out of doing, and it would have provided a way for our toddler to interact.

Absolutely loved visiting the Village! The staff was very informative and friendly. I have wanted to visit for years, and was not disappointed when I finally did.

We attended "Christmas by Candlelight." It was a very enjoyable and festive occasion. Only drawback was the muddy roads from the recent downpour. It was crowded which added to the occasion. Anyone planning to attend in the future would be wise to make reservations in advance to avoid the (very) long line. It was especially heartwarming to see so many young children.

Great visit. We learned a lot. The people are nice and informative. The village is quaint and great for kids.

Our first visit. Go early to beat the crowds and the heat. Historic buildings and inside exhibit on clocks and quilting are very interesting. The guides are knowledgeable and friendly. If you like history and taking pictures, this is worth an afternoon.

My (adult) daughter and I spent the day here -- and had a great time! If you enjoy history and learning about the daily lives of people in the early 1800s in New England, this is the place for you! There are a variety of activities, from a horse drawn carriage ride to a sheep shearing demonstration to shoe making.

I remembered this place from my childhood in New England, and recently went back with my 10 year old daughter and 4 and 8 year old nephews. I was pleasantly surprised by how well it held up. Educational, interactive and fun, everybody enjoyed it thoroughly.

We have been visiting OSV for many years, starting with visits with my parents. The history told by the village is wonderful and the early American architecture is great. We rebuilt an antique home in western MA designed after the parsonage. We love it, but the primary reason we are members is that we can bring our dog on dog days (like today). Our previous and current dog absolutely love going there and it is amazing how much the farm animals are interested in the visiting dogs. Brining the dog works best in the off season when attendence is low but really works any time.

One of THE best old historical villages I’ve been to. Much bigger than expected. Loved the different quilts. Re-enactors were very knowledgeable and engaging. It was a beautiful day and very enjoyable.

I visited Old Sturbridge Village when I was a teenager. Now as an adult, I can truly say I appreciated it much more. My husband and I played the historical games throughout the village, enjoyed reading the informational posts they had throughout and loved that there were plenty of places to sit (the place was larger than I remember). On a hot summer day, the AC in some of the buildings was more than welcomed. My only negative - the prices in their gift shops were too high. Similar products in other tourist locations were much lower. I understand it helps fund the establishment, but I think lowering those prices wouldn't hurt their revenue that much (if anything it would help - I would have actually purchased more).

This is an excellent place to visit.
Spent all day there. Lots of various interesting things to see and learn . Very interesting and informative .

High expectations a prepaid hotel and a 5 hour drive, OOPS they are closed but not getting the word out. We were NOT HAPPY. The sign at the entrance simply said “closed, see website for hours.”

Dec 14 Canlelight at Sturbridge Village
Loved a lot of things about this visit. We had been the year before and enjoyed the young children's section so spent more time on the adult side of things.
Visited all the houses and buildings around the village green, saw tree lit up-nice cermoney and everybody is just in a great mood.
Some singing caroles on their journey with the horse drawn carriages. Not a lot of loud noises or disturbances.
Interpeters in the buildings were very informative as was the president Jim who told us what to look forward to. Was happy to hear about the food sample
throughout the village and things moved along great. Got recipes and even made them at home the next day. Came out great.
WIll be making this a yearly trip, if we can. Enjoyed ourselves so much. Loved the atmosphere the best, so magical.

I had the greatest time at the Sleepy Hollow experience! The show was funny and entertaining. I befriended one of the crow people- not really- they just took a liking to me and followed me around, staring at me, for the whole 20 minute intermission. However, there were some downsides. I would say that the negative comments made by previous guests are spot on. They allow way too many people into the experience which makes it difficult to see at times, especially if you are 5’2” like me. If you’re not one of the first people in line you’re likely not going to see much. That is unless you’re FINALLY first in line for the final scene on the bridge, you’re brought all the way down through the bridge where you’re waiting in the pitch black for the horseman to ride by. No light. People on the bridge (in the back of the line) had a better view with better lighting. A little disappointing. The signage for parking was also a bit confusing, and we were a bit bummed that they put us down in the back parking lot when there was still space closer to the building. Be sure to dress warm and bring cash! Overall, I would go again, I just wish they would make a few adjustments to make it better.

My wife an I are very much into history and historic villages such as Sturbridge. We were incredibly pleased with the care to detail taken with everything presented here. The historic interpreters, dressed in period clothing and style, were informative and very natural in their delivery of information. They did not seem scripted and were very interactive with the guests. They answered questions with detailed knowledge of the topic without hesitation and with curtesy. In the pottery shop he let children try turning the potters wheel, the blacksmith interacted with the children taking many questions. This is exactly how it should be, a low key fun learning experience for all. The entry fee is fair, especially when you walk the grounds and take into consideration what it takes to maintain such a museum. The tavern, shops, and ice cream shop are all reasonable too. All in all, it will be a great experience for anyone who loves history and learning about a different, simpler, but hard working time in America.

I had never been to OSV in the winter. It is wonderful. The fields of snow was like a winter wonderland for the kids. Who knew? We went two weekends in one month. Yes many of the buildings are semi closed but, most have someone in door way or in the window to help develop the ambiance and provide information. Many areas had new snow which is a child's dream. We discover something new each time we go.

A lot of old buildings was the backdrop of the 'Redcoats and Rebels' Revolutionary War reenactment that we drove up from NJ to see. It was well done and the Village itself was great to see. Prepare to walk a lot as the village is large and spread out.
We didn't eat there but it looked like they had some nice places to eat.

What really makes this place special is the quality of the interpreters. So willing to engage and most of them have extensive knowledge - able to go well beyond basic questions. The town of course is contrived, but many (most) of the buildings themselves are historical and your access through them is pretty good. Plenty to keep you busy, many demonstrations going on (never heard a hurdy gurdy before, lol). Plan on 2.5 hours to see everything moving at a decent pace but with time to interact. You could easily do a whole day looking for a more involved experience and some food. I'd put this up with Greenfield Village and Black Creek (Toronto). Good for families of course but this solo adult left pleased as well.

This was fantastic...my 2nd time visiting in 35 years, so much to see and learn and see how they lived back then

The was our first stop on our vacation in central MA. It was laid out well with many timeless treasures (items and buildings). We were able to visit at half price because they were setting up for American Roadshow; It would seem to be overpriced (value/price if full price). Adult admission is $30. There were 2 areas where there were demonstrations-there probably could have been more. However, the history and explanations here were helpful in traveling back in time!

Nice place, especially on this weekend. It started out with a thunderstorm and a tornado warning. They brought everyone into the visitor center to wait out the weather. Once it was clear, off we went exploring. Ticket price was not bad. Spent several hours checking out exhibits and the reenactment.

This is very authentic and informative museum. When they say "living" they mean it. Staff were dressed in period clothing explaining the role they were playing. I learned so much about the trades back then. Paths are flat and easy to walk. Much of it was very accessible as well. I do wish there were more water fountains - so I strongly suggest bringing water if it is a hot day.

Very nice park, sort of like a "mini Williamsburg", with a lot of old buildings, actors in period costume, etc. My favorite thing was the carriage ride through the town & countryside. The driver, George, gave a great narrative throughout the entire ride. He pointed out the history of each building, what they were used for, how the craftsmen performed their jobs, and how the local economy worked. I will tell you, there is quite a bit of walking, so you may want to do this in the fall, when the weather is cooler. It happened to be about 90 degrees the day we were here. Thank goodness there was plenty of shade trees! Everyone there was extremely friendly, and I got a 1/2 price veteran's discount. There was also a very large gift shop, where you can buy some of the actual goods that they make there.

My husband, cousin and I came to Sturbridge Billage for three summer days. We spent one at Old Sturbridge Village which replicated a village in the 1800s. Everyone was dressed in periodic dress and described their roles in the village. They were all so knowledgeable and believable in their roles. Village was compact, easy to maneuver for my husband who was in an electric scooter. Cafes were easily accessible and offered food for all tastes. The gift shops were very expensive even for a tourist venue and I often wonder if sales would increase with lower prices allowing more volume to be sold.

The overall performance was very good. The actors combined contemporary humor with 1700's period dress. Their singing voices were good and they made a lively troupe. My friend and I are ardent horse lovers so we eagerly awaited the finale. We lucked out: the weather had threatened rain all day but held off so we were treated to the awesome Headless Horseman tearing through the bridge. Horse and rider came back slowly, weaving from side to side, as the horse seemed to be looking at certain people. Then one last breath-taking romp and the show was over. Highly recommended IF the finale is outdoors.

I love Old Sturbridge Village! But I wanted to give an update about Covid protocols at this time. I saw no signage about Covid nor signage about masks, almost no employees wore masks, very few visitors wore masks even in the indoor areas, and even unvaccinated (which currently is all kids under 12) were not wearing masks even indoors. Fortunately it is an outdoor place to visit and most of the historic buildings had doors and windows open so we did enjoy our day. We avoided the indoor places that we couldn't have some distance. So, 5/5 stars for OSV which I love, but 3/5 for covid safety since it has a draw for people from such a wide area, during the delta variant spread while kids under 12 are unvaccinated. (They do have hand sanitizer stations, anda few things were still closed for covid.)

We were reluctant to go hearing some exhibits were limited or moved outdoors due to Covid rules but it was Great! Most of the buildings are functioning with actors making candles, barrels, shoes, blacksmithing, pottery, etc. Sone outside some inside but you can look in. The actors are great and explain their crafts and answer questions. Best thing was the horse drawn carriage around the village - the driver was an awesome tour guide tells you about each building/structure along the way. Jump on and off as you want at stops. My kids aged 4-13 each enjoyed.

I have visited twice before & we were touring with friends this time & we went here for a few hours while making our way back to Boston airport. If I were to mark the attraction overall I would say it was 'Excellent' but the day we visited there were literally hundreds of school children running around noisily & it totally ruined our visit. Hence the 'Poor' rating. It seemed like the group leaders had no idea how their group's actions were affecting the general public who had also paid for a ticket. I would suggest, to limit this horrible experience for others, to visit mid to late afternoon (although it closes at 5pm), as it seems that the children probably keep school hours. Of course I totally understand why schools would want to visit & they are very lucky to have that learning option as the US does Living History so well & OSV is probably one of the best examples.

Purchase tickets at the hotel for Saturday morning. Very interesting place to go back in time. Staff made the touring of the grounds enjoyable

Great glimpse into what farming life looked like in the 1830’s. The staff is very knowledgeable. We really enjoyed hands on learning about history.

Very spacious grounds to walk around, much bigger than I thought it was going to be. It was great to see the reenactors there even during the winter months. They were able to answer all the questions we had. Saw a week old baby lamb, that was probably the highlight for us! We will definitely be back. Great social distancing activity.

Highly recommend the Christmas by Candlelight at the village. My kids are a bit older 16/12 but still really enjoyed it and even took a picture with Santa for Mom.

As I walked into the Cheney Wells Clock Museum it hit me "This is Mecca!" I have been a clock enthusiast since 1954 and have dealt in hundreds of old clocks. Today was a review for me of the finest clocks ever fashioned by the hands of man!

Clocks are about money. The more you have the more options your clock will reveal. Clock cases Time and strike make up a clock. They can be weight-driven or key wound.

This one clock museum tells it all. It gives perspective to the advancement of man and time.

It's a pleasant walk through a bygone era- a time with a slower pace and a reminder of hard work and busy hands. My mother and I visited a wonderful early fall day. It was warm but there was breeze and many shady trees. The village had many costumed historians explaining different crafts and businesses. It is a "living history museum" with buildings showing exhibits as well as the historians at work on farms, in businesses and homes. We listened to a gunsmith, a tin maker and the printer. Saw a glass "museum" and the Grant Store and Bake Shop. We had a horse drawn ride through the countryside and viewed a huge outdoor kiln explained by the potter at one stop, past fields being worked for the harvest, and a stop to water the beautiful draft horses pulling our large wagon. The Museum Gift Shop and Book Store was well worth the visit. Books of all types for old and young, crafts produced at the Village, candy and other delectables, toys and postcards and linens. It was a wonderful day and I would definitely return again.

My husband and I love open-air and living history museums, so maybe we are biased. We had a great time, learned a lot, and had many fun conversations during our trip to Old Sturbridge Villiage.

What we like best about this type of museum is the immersive nature of real life history. Milking the cow, 'bake day' in the kitchen, milling the grain, sewing shoes together, making thread from wool, etc. You don't have to read a bunch of text on plaques. And the historical story isn't focused on war and winners of war (like so many history books are). It's about the lives of actual normal people.

When you go, be sure to use the daily schedule to figure out the best time to visit each destination. In fact, you should find a way to attend each demonstration at one of the scheduled times. We didn't attend any of the storytime-style events.

The most memorable parts were: Blacksmith, Carding Mill, Gristmill, Lumber Mill, Pottery Shop, Tin Shop, Shoe Shop, and the Farmhouse with the barn.

Old Sturbridge Village also has a few standard-style museums. Guns, Clocks, Glassworks, and Early Lighting. They are interesting, but if you are limited on time, you could consider skipping these.

If you skip all (or all but one) of the class-style or storytime-style events, you can do Old Sturbridge Village in one day. If you want to take the horse-drawn carriage ride, participate in crafts, play schoolyard games, or have a sit-down lunch, in addition to visiting the whole museum, you should plan on spending 2 leisurely days instead of cramming it all into one.

Adults $28, Seniors $26, Students with ID $14, 3 & Under Free.
A Season Pass is $35 Adults and $18 Youth. So if you plan on a 2-day visit, you could consider getting a season pass.

The gift shop is also excellent, so be sure to save 15 minutes to check it out.

Our family of 4 couples and 4 children went to the Old Sturbridge Village Christmas event last night! What a wonderful night! Carriage rides, places to grab food, crafts for the kids and beautiful lights! A nice campfire with traveling Carolers and house all decorated for the season! It was well worth the trip to enjoy the night with our family! And a visit with a wonderful Santa for the children!

My wife and I and another couple went to their Christmas Celebrations. My wife and I have visited at this time of year before and at other times. Always interesting and fun. Living in an 1830 Colonial ourselves, we have an appreciation for the Village. Nicely decked out fro Christmas. Many activities in the various houses and throughout the Village. Well versed guides and story tellers. A number of houses were the centers of activities like cookie making, tin-smith Christmas ornaments, etc. It's easy to spend 4 or more hours here.

3rd or 4th time over the years, its a great place to visit. Living museum, great actors explaining their roles etc.

We planned to arrive at 2pm to allow upto 3 hours as suggested. Delays on the road meant we arrived closer to 3 and were surprised to see that the closing time had been changed from 5 to 4 the week before. So we had just over an hour! Nobody think to let prebooked customers know in advance? Hardly difficult as you had their emails from the booking!

Nevertheless still a great place to visit.

Haven't been in years and am super glad we stopped by.

It's $28 for adult entry and worth it for a whole day of fun. $5 stagecoach rides available inside as well.

We opted to try the Bountiful Harvest Buffet in the Bullard Tavern (upstairs) for $22/pp. Includes iced tea and hot apple cider but limited beer & other drinks available for purchase. It was well worth it - really delicious and plenty of food & yummy desserts.

Picturesque and educational - an all around great time.

Folks really seemed to be enjoying this place and i think most would, its just that nothing stood out to me that i hadn't seen many times before. If you have not you and the kids will love it.

We stayed at the Holiday Inn resort and had a great time. The staff is so accommodating and nice.
Enjoyed the Norman Rockwell Museum. Ate at Joe's Diner. Watched Ozzie blow glass. Great outlet mall there. Good food and dining experiences everywhere. Great place to get away for a winter stay.

spent most of the day here walking the village, if you like history you'll love it here, go early in the day to help avoid the crowds. slightly overpriced items in the gift shop. well worth the visit

#1- yes -they are closed Monday and Tuesday- Beware. I double checked the weather and scouted some eateries nearby as well. I love this form of history but you must ask questions- the more you put into the visit, the better. Do not expect the staff to entertain on their own. They are all baking, milking, dying, tin smithing, weeding...The knowledge among everyone is wide- I could ask a "farm girl" about cattle breeds and a "hay farmer" about the straw hat he wore, the tin smith about lead poisoning. The best part is the interpreters are in the present- they do not need to ignore cell phones, modern comparisons or questions outside of the time period. The teens and young 20's were just as informed and mature as the fully adult staff and the self sufficiency of the village is amazing. Don't skip anything- I was going to pass the printer but went in and he was also a treat.

This was the highlight of our vacation. We saw the annual rebels and redcoats re-enactment. It was absolutely incredible. I’ve never seen a living history museum so alive!!!! Make sure you plan your visit next year. This event is a must!!!!

This is a true gem of an experience. The recreated village is so real and historically accurate. The information from the stands and boards are great but the living historians are so knowledgeable and informative they make the experience. It is worth every penny. The gift shop has created pieces from the village.

We visited for the Christmas by Candlelight. It was enchanting. The evening was cold as it should be and the Village looked beautiful all decorated for Christmas. Walking through the exhibits and shows was fun for my entire family. I have to say Santa was a hit and the Magic Show was very entertaining. We met so many men and women who took us back to the 1800s.

Wonderful night! We enjoyed all the decorations, activities, snacks, animals, everything! The gingerbread house display was neat to look at and vote on. The horse drawn buggy ride was fun. The workers were happy to answer questions and were all very friendly! Everything was decorated beautifully.It was a great visit for us from Florida. A great way to experience a New England Christmas!

I visited Old Sturbridge Village for the Rebels and Redcoats event where the village was full of Revolutionary War reenactors. They camped on the green and at various places in the village. A reenacted battle took place in the afternoon. This event is a particularly good weekend to visit, though the village was the most crowded I have ever seen. The Christmas by Candlelight events in November/December are also really nice though cold.

The interpreters, reenactors, and craftsman are always great. They are always happy to talk to visitors and answer questions. The potters and blacksmiths are especially good.

The village is great to visit even on normal days, and is much less crowded. Events vary every week. My visit last week was 5.5 hours. On a more typical day, about 3 - 4 hours is a good time budget. Add more if you want a meal.

Food at the village is good, particularly in the Bullard Tavern but also at other locations. The chicken pot pie is especially good. Prices are reasonable, except for the coffee which is more expensive than Starbucks.

The village has a nice store with large amounts of the previously mentioned pottery. They also have many other items and a bakery attached.

The best deal is to be a member. Membership pays for itself in 2 - 3 visits. Members get discounts at the store, for food, and for ticketed special events. Membership also gets reciprocal discounts at other museums.

The only thing I miss is that they used to have a flat-bottom boat that took visitors around on the river. The dock is still there but the boat is gone. It would be great if they brought that back.

OK 1st, if you have the opportunity to go in different seasons..GO! Going in WINTER is an entirely different view of the village & how we started off here. Spring smells are amazing! Summer, lets you appreciate AC more than you ever did before... & fall... well, the crispness in the air & the smells of the baked goods are fantastic!!! You can see & appreciate how hard we worked to make towns, homes, growing food, a family & even just a meal!! My son & I have been going here for years! He's 13 now & still enjoys it... though I must say, he's a bit of a history buff.

I have been coming to OSV for 40 years and have been a member for 20plus years. The village has grown and expanded since then, but the spirit of the place has remained. Unlike other historic villages like Williamsburg, the actors here are friendly and authentic and remain “in character”. Children appreciate the animals and the blacksmith and the games. Adults enjoy the history and the integrity of the re-enactment. The glimpse of life in the 19th century is authentic, with the challenges and joys well related.

If you are unsure about going or not - GO!!! Old Sturbridge Village (OSV) was awesome. Even with all the positive reviews, I was unsure about if it would be worth a visit. We were in New England for a fall foliage trip by car - we visited Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and New York in search of good fall color in a generally down year for foliage and our trip to OSV was a highlight.

There is so much to see and do, we only had 4 hours and probably saw half of the exhibits. Much of the scheduled activities were in the afternoon and we didn't even get to see those, but the even the 'routine' daily stuff was fascinating - the potter, blacksmith, farmers, animals, tinner, and cobbler were are working as well as many interpreters in the meeting house, homes, and common. Just so much history and the immersive experience really brings the New England area to life.

To visit in the Fall with even "so-so" color was beautiful, and a misty day only added to the atmosphere.

We had lunch in the cafeteria - the chowda was great but the fresh baked bread bowls were amazing - get one. My wife loved her chicken pot pie and the shepherds pie also looked great.

Wish we could have stayed around for the Phantoms Halloween event that night but were unable. Would really love to see the Christmas event as well.

Overall, Just an awesome experience, for young and old - I would absolutely return and would do so at various times of the year. Do yourself a favor and GO! Thank you to all those through the decades that have created and preserved this awesome treasure.

4th Trip with a tour group of kids and parents over the past 20 years. Never ceases to amaze me all that can be learned by children when you get to talk and experience life in the 1800's. All children should have this opportunity. I know 25 kids from Southern California that had a great experience visiting Sturbridge Village in July of 2018.

Big place to explore the past and greatly decorated well. Wanted to go on a horse carriage ride since there were 2 (large wagon and smaller coach). It was sad to one of the 2 horses pulling the smaller horse pant with its tongue stuck out hanging. I later googled what it meant with its tongue hanging out and it meant riders without realizing it put more pressure on one side. It was sad to see this horse be overworked on such a hot day.

The Old Village is very beautifully decorated during the Christmas season. They still have a lot of working displays, people are nice to talk with and happy to share information. They have two horse drawn wagons so the kids can get a ride without waiting in a long line. It was crowded but so is everything that is fun to do. It is kind of pricey but given what all they provide in the way of entertainment, it is well worth it. I have never been except for this one time so I cannot compare to a normal in-season day. I suspect that it is always worth a visit. It is one of the best experiences of this sort that I have done.

My fiancé and I visited here on Sunday August 7. We came to see The Revolutionary War reenactment called Rebels and Redcoats. I felt like I was stepping back to the 1700's. Tickets were $28 for one adult and definitely worth the money. This is a living history experience for all ages. This town has it all from farms with livestock to town square. I would highly recommend and will be back.

We were here for a wedding. We arrived at the main gathering spot, where a vintage-dressed guide led us to the horse and carriage that would take us to the common area. The place has been lovingly restored and represents a marvelous example of living history, like Williamsburg, Va, only on a smaller scale. Given Boston's historic nature, visiting Sturbridge was like visiting a Colonial suburb; more or less where a country mouse would reside. Just delightful.

My husband and I got here later than we wanted but were still able to see everything in an hour 45 minutes before they closed. Two hours would’ve been perfect. Many buildings have actor portrayals which we found amusing. Everything is laid out nicely and grounds are easily traversed. Well worth the visit.

My husband and I visited Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, MA. on Friday July 17th, having advanced ticket reservations during the 10:00 – 11:30 arrival time slot. This was a very nice walk back through time with the many well preserved historic buildings depicting rural life in New England during the 1830s, a time period of much social and technological change. It was a very interesting and educational outdoor experience with knowledgeable interpreters doing demonstrations and explaining their various pieces, throughout the village, which was well done. The staff worked hard to create this outdoor experience to accommodate the covid-19 pandemic. You were able to effectively practice social distancing and feel safe because of the required advanced tickets which were assigned at staggered times and the requirement to wear a mask. However, although arrival times were staggered, you were able to stay until the village closed at 5:00 PM.

There were two horse drawn carryalls available for rides around the campus, including rides around the Mill Pond and the Common and Countryside. Rides were included in the price of the admission. However, we wanted to walk around the village for exercise and it was a very nice scenic walk, which was over three miles in length. We were glad that we wore our comfortable walking shoes. This walk would have been a lot longer had we taken the Woodland, Pasture and River Environmental Walks, which were all open.

The gardens throughout the museum grounds, in particular the Herb Garden, were beautiful and were a very nice way of connecting us to the past through plants from the time period. The gardens nicely illustrated the wide ‘diversity of plants, cultures and techniques represented in the food culture, medicine and floriculture of 1830s New England’.

The interpretative markers/write-ups throughout the village grounds provided good background information about each building, making our experience very educational. Shopping was available in the gift shop. The Bullard Café was also open for hot and cold meals at certain specified hours as well as the Scoop Shop and Miner Grant.

The village includes a great representation of many different buildings from the 1830 time-period, including meetinghouses, a store, an attorney’s law office, a bank, a farm with a variety of different animals and crops, a cider mill, a nut mill, a gristmill, a sawmill, a carding mill, a blacksmith shop, a cooper shop, a tin shop, a shoe shop, a pottery shop, a powder house, a school, a graveyard, a print office, a beautiful picturesque Vermont covered bridge. and much, much, more. Nice details about each building were provided through write-ups, including definitions and how the buildings were used, where appropriate. Multiple well-preserved houses and barns were also on exhibit, including architectural details about these buildings, where appropriate. There was also an interesting Musket Demonstration as well as performance at the Summer House at the Town Garden. All the exhibits provided a good idea of how the people lived in rural New England in the 1830s, including such things as their work, common crafts, leisure time activities, goods that they purchased, the crops that they grew and the vegetable varieties that came to New England.

However, you were only able to look inside the buildings and were not able to walk inside most of them to see all the rooms and furniture at this point in time. So that part of the experience was missing. Also, such museums as the Clock Gallery, Militia and Glass Exhibits were closed. These would have been very good to see and we hope that these will be opening soon as part of the museum’s plan to phase in the opening of the buildings throughout the village grounds. In addition, the River Ride, which is normally a small added cost, was closed, at the time of our visit.

Our visit was a very nice scenic walk back through time that took about two hours. However, it would have been longer if all the buildings and exhibits were open. We probably could have spent a whole day there. There was a lot with plenty of free parking next to the main entrance and Visitor Center.

We recommend a visit to this village and hope that you have the opportunity to enjoy it as much as we did. We hope to be able to visit again once more of the buildings are open.

Found this Village on Tripadvisor and it did not disappoint. We were there on Sept 30th, 2021. It was a cold and windy day outside but it made it seem even more realistic. My favorite attraction was the Wagon Ride and the man who drove it. He had a heavy New England accent, was dressed in the period clothing and explained so very many things we drove past. I would definitely recommend for families with children. Watched a tin lantern being made and that was really cool. Lots of people dressed in period walking around that made it seem like a real village. Well worth the trip!

Sturbridge Village is a working museum of colonial America. The staff works in colonial garb to demonstrate the daily activities of the time period. You will experience farming along with the cows, sheep, chickens, and pigs. There are restaurants, shops and a variety of learning activities. Lots to do and lots of fun.

Beautiful village straight out of the 1800s. Authentic buildings from the time period have been moved to the village from throughout New England. Everything from logging to farming, from construction to carpentry, from making clothes to making pottery, is done as it would have been done in the 1800s. Enjoy a ride through the village on a horse cart and learn some of its history.

Incredibly nice historical gem with good communication and exciting houses in the most beautiful landscape. The village is worth a bypass!

On a flying visit from Ireland, arrived late afternoon (thank you for discount), this was impressive especially as interactive. Would definitely recommend.