Pilgrim Memorial State Park
🏆 Official Guide: Pilgrim Memorial State Park — The smallest but most visited state park in Massachusetts — home to the iconic Plymouth Rock, the Mayflower II replica ship, and waterfront monuments commemorating the 1620 Pilgrim landing in Plymouth.
Pilgrim Memorial State Park in Plymouth, Massachusetts, is the most historically significant compact park in the state park system. Despite its small footprint, it draws hundreds of thousands of visitors annually to see Plymouth Rock — the traditional landing site of the Mayflower Pilgrims — and to experience the beginning of the American story.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Plymouth, MA — waterfront |
| Admission | Free — park is open to all |
| Parking | Paid on-site (Apr 1 – Nov 30); free off-season |
| Year-Round | Open daily |
| Size | Smallest MA state park |
Key Attractions
| Attraction | Details |
|---|---|
| Plymouth Rock | Traditional Pilgrim landing site — in protective pavilion |
| Mayflower II | Full-scale replica — often docked at park pier |
| Pilgrim Mother Fountain | Waterfront monument |
| Cole’s Hill | Overlook — Pilgrim burial ground + statues |
| Waterfront Paths | Scenic walking paths, benches, monuments |
Nearby Historic Sites
| Site | Details |
|---|---|
| Leyden Street | Oldest continuously inhabited street in America |
| National Monument to the Forefathers | 81-foot granite monument (1889) |
| Plimoth Patuxet Museums | Living history museum — Pilgrim & Wampanoag life |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Plymouth Rock the actual rock?
Plymouth Rock has been a symbol of the Pilgrim landing since 1741, when it was first identified by oral tradition. The current rock (housed in a portico on the waterfront) is a portion of the original — it was moved and split during its history. While its exact historical significance is debated by scholars, it remains one of America’s most recognized symbols.
Is there a fee to visit Plymouth Rock?
No — Pilgrim Memorial State Park and Plymouth Rock are free to visit. Parking is paid seasonally (April through November). The Mayflower II, operated by Plimoth Patuxet Museums, has a separate admission fee.
Park Location
Top Tours & Activities Near Plymouth
from $41
from $41
from $45