Old Sturbridge Village
Sturbridge, MA
An open-air museum of a rural New England town of the early 1800s, with period houses, a working farm and costumed interpreters. Plan a half day, wear comfortable shoes and check the seasonal schedule before you go.
Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge is New England's largest living history museum, covering more than 200 acres (about 80 ha). It portrays rural New England of the 1790s to the 1830s with 59 historic buildings, three water-powered mills and a working farm. The grounds are divided into the Center Village, the Countryside and the Mill Neighborhood. It opened on June 8, 1946, as Quinnebaug Village; the millpond dates from 1795.
The founding was preceded by the collection of the Wells brothers, who opened a first museum in 1935. Allow about half a day for a visit and wear comfortable shoes, as the paths are long. Seasonal events take place throughout the year; check the current program calendar and opening hours on the museum's website before you travel.
- Nearest town
- Sturbridge, MA
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 42.1087, -72.1114
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Pine Lake RV Resort & CottagesMotorhome stopover2 mi from Old Sturbridge VillageMotorhomes
- Wells State ParkCampsite4 mi from Old Sturbridge VillageDogs allowed
- Oak Haven Family CampgroundMotorhome stopover6 mi from Old Sturbridge VillageMotorhomes
- Solair Recreation LeagueCampsite7 mi from Old Sturbridge Village
- Wolf Den CampgroundCampsite19 mi from Old Sturbridge VillageTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Hide-Away-Cove Family CampgroundMotorhome stopover23 mi from Old Sturbridge VillageMotorhomes
All campsites in Massachusetts · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Old Sturbridge Village?
Old Sturbridge Village is in Sturbridge, MA, at GPS 42.1087, -72.1114. It is about 37 mi from Hartford.
Can you camp near Old Sturbridge Village?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Quinebaug Cove, about 2 mi away; within 25 mi there are 36 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Old Sturbridge Village?
Places worth a stop nearby: Mark Twain House (38 mi), Benefit Street (41 mi), Chapman Falls, Devil's Hopyard (45 mi) and Walden Pond State Reservation (46 mi).
When is the best time to visit Old Sturbridge Village?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)