What to do with Scout Troop

Question

I volunteer with a Boy Scout troop visiting in November for a day. What would they enjoy more, a walking tour downtown and visiting the ship or going to the Plimoth & Patuxet site? Any suggestions are welcome.

Answer

Visiting Plymouth in November with a Boy Scout troop can be a fun and educational experience. Both options—the downtown walking tour with the Mayflower II and the Plimoth & Patuxet site—offer unique experiences, so the best choice depends on the interests of your scouts and the logistics of your day.

Option 1: Downtown Walking Tour & Mayflower II

The downtown area is compact and walkable, allowing scouts to explore historical landmarks while getting some exercise.
The Mayflower II is a full-scale replica of the Pilgrim ship that sailed to New England in 1620. Scouts often enjoy walking the decks, learning about life at sea, and participating in interactive demonstrations.
Additional stops can include Plymouth Rock, the Pilgrim Memorial State Park, and various historical markers downtown, which can provide a broader view of Plymouth’s history in a shorter timeframe.
This option is easier to manage time-wise for a single-day visit, especially with a large troop.

Option 2: Plimoth & Patuxet Museums (Living History Site)

This site includes a recreated 17th-century Pilgrim village and a Wampanoag Homesite, offering immersive, hands-on experiences.
Scouts can learn about colonial life, participate in demonstrations like candle-making, hearth cooking, and explore the Wampanoag culture, which is highly engaging for children and teens.
The site is larger and may require more walking and time to explore fully, so plan at least 3–4 hours for the visit.
It is ideal for educational experiences, history badges, or if the troop enjoys interactive learning rather than a traditional walking tour.

Suggestions:

If you have limited time and want to include both historical context and a quick visit to the ship, the downtown walking tour plus Mayflower II is practical and manageable.
If your troop is very interested in hands-on history, colonial life, and cultural learning, plan a longer visit to Plimoth & Patuxet. You might combine it with a shorter stop downtown for photos at Plymouth Rock.
Consider the weather in November—Plimoth & Patuxet has outdoor areas, so dress scouts appropriately for cold or rainy conditions.

Overall, for a single day with a Boy Scout troop, the Plimoth & Patuxet site offers a richer, more interactive experience, but the downtown walking tour with Mayflower II is simpler and easier to schedule.

What to do with Scout Troop

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