pioneer village tour salem

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Home » Pioneer Villiage

Pioneer Villiage

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Written in 1644 and discovered within the journal of John Winthrop. His account of strange occurrences that haunted and terrified New England’s early colonists.

Tours Available June – September: 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30 Saturday and Sunday

At Salem’s 1630 Pioneer Village

Includes a tour of the 1630 Pioneer Village with fascinating insight into the lives of the Puritans that sailed from England to New England in 1630. Learn the history of these men, women, children and their relationships with the Native Tribes surrounding them.

$6.00 adults, $4.00 children

Tickets available at the Witch House:

310 Essex Street Salem 978-744-8815

• Salem, MA 01970
• Visit Website

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Salem 1630: Pioneer Village

Top ways to experience Salem 1630: Pioneer Village and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Salem 1630: Pioneer Village - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Pioneer Village

Review Highlights

“ In one of the small houses is Thackery Binx , who wakes up to find his sister, Emily, missing. ” in 2 reviews

“ It's basically 3 or 4 dudes dressed in 17th century clothes and a bunch of houses built to look like the original settlers of Salem's homes. ” in 2 reviews

“ There was a huge line when we got there but it does go by fast. ” in 2 reviews

Location & Hours

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Salem, MA 01970

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What time does it open?

The park is typically only open Saturday and Sunday from 12-4pm. Throughout the month of October, however, they typically host various markets and Halloween related events so I would check their website or better yet the official Salem guide to… more

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Unfortunately, we came during a time where it's closed. However, it seems that when it's open time is very limited. I would save your money and come any day during the day and you could see it perfectly. However, it is a cool place to visit. If you love Hocus Pocus, we went at night and it was an interesting experience, but disappointed that we couldn't see much at night Lot of random people are wandering around the park or Pioneer village is located. At night you can take really awesome pictures anyway!

Pioneer Village is great if you wanna get a small taste of of what life was like in 1630 Salem . Pioneer Village is a living history museum recreating the city of Salem as it was in the 17th century. It also was a filming location for Hocus Pocus! Pioneer Village is where the scenes from the beginning of the movie were filmed. We see a flyover of an old Salem town as the opening credits roll. In one of the small houses is Thackery Binx, who wakes up to find his sister, Emily, missing. There's not a whole lot here other than a few houses . I would recommend planning to spend 30 minutes here .

See all photos from Kelly G. for Pioneer Village

This place is only open on weekends on certain times. There was a huge line when we got there but it does go by fast. Little did we know it only took like 5 minutes to complete this village. A little disappointed. Also $5 is too steep for this experience. Nevertheless, it was a cool experience to see how they lived back in the day.

See all photos from Nick G. for Pioneer Village

Incredibly disorganized and a big let down. Came here today during my trip to Salem and realized only after we paid for parking that it was closed! No sign and the google page says open. Only on their personal website does it say closed w no explanation. Tried to call the number and the visitor center and no one answers!! Absolutely insane and such a waste of time. Other people waiting outside said they already purchased tickets too because the option was still available online. Be careful on your next trip to here as it could be closed and you may never know until you arrive!

Ok.... So I don't understand the low stars here! This place is so cool! The village is small but extremely neat. It's basically a recreation of what Salem village would have looked like back during the time of the witch trials. The houses are open so you can go in and look around. They had a campfire going when we were there. My only suggestion for them would be to have some people in costume playing the role of citizens of the village to show what daily like would hav been like. It my understanding that the village was used as old Salem in the original Hocus Pocus movie which is pretty neat. I do believe they have very limited hours so make sure they are open before heading that way!

I had a blast walking around here! It's like you are transferred to the past the second you walk through the gate. It's small but there's a lot to see since you can enter some of the houses. It's only $5 to enjoy also. Check out the Salem Witch House also if you're in the area, they are owned by the same company.

This village was great and worth visiting! I recommend bringing the $5 in cash to get in over buying online.

Huge line, just 2 buildings opened for visit, $5 doesn't look to be fare for 10 minutes you spend there

Pioneer Village is a really cool living history museum that was built in 1930 to mark the tercentennial of Massachusetts. Pioneer Village is America's first living history museum. The village sits on three acres of land and contains various examples of colonial architecture: dugouts, wigwams, thatched-roof cottages, and the Governor's Faire House. Culinary and medicinal gardens and a blacksmith shop further interpret early 17th-century colonial life. It's open on Saturdays and Sundays from 12-4 and costs only 5$ to visit. They have dressed actors there to share history about the specialness of each building and lets you walk through and learn more about the significance of each item, building, and what it was like for the pioneers living here in the 1600s. My favorite part and main reason to visit here was the fact that one of the buildings was used in the filming of Hocus Pocus as Thackery Binx's home in the beginning of the film! Such a cool and informative spot that anyone who is interested in history or the Hocus Pocus film should visit at least once.

See all photos from Ashley L. for Pioneer Village

This place is a little outside of downtown, but well worth the visit for only $6 (or free if you're a resident). The tour was a little over an hour. Our tour guide, John, was super animated and informative. The village is small, but because of the surrounding fence, vegetation, and water you feel as though you're away and back in the 1600's.

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The Best of Salem: A Three Day Itinerary

Explore the must-sees of salem, ma with this three-day itinerary..

Salem is a magical place. It has beautiful architecture and houses from the start of America all the way up to the present day. 

No doubt Salem’s claim to fame is largely due to the historic witch trials, but the little town is so much more than that.

Besides the rich history, Salem offers numerous restaurants, bars, and cafés. 

If you enjoy the macabre or witchy things this is definitely the place for you. There are plenty of metaphysical shops, psychics, ghost tours and mediums for you to get your fix.

If you are a fashion lover there are several boutiques with adorable and unique clothes.

If you are an art lover, Salem is home to the very first art museum in the United States: the Peabody Essex Museum. 

The quaint town has something for everyone.

After visiting, my boyfriend and I absolutely fell in love with this spooky New England town. So much that I plan to make another visit to Salem at some point in my life.

If you’re visiting Salem on as a first-timer or as a returning visitor I’ve compiled the perfect three-day itinerary for you to see and taste the best parts of Salem. 

Day 1 

Pioneer village.

Head over to the Pioneer Village to get an idea of what life would have been like for the settlers of Salem. 

BONUS: this is a film location for the famous movie Hocus Pocus and was the home of Zachary Binx before he was turned into a cat. 

When we visited it was rainy and the place was quite run down. But our tour guide was awesome and funny so that made up for the dreary weather. 

The Witch House

This is the only standing structure in the present-day that had any ties with the Salem Witch Trials. The home was owned by Judge Jonathan Corwin who investigated the trials.

Dinner at Boston Burger, Howling Wolf Taqueria or Red’s Sandwich Shop

We mostly ate at our Airbnb to save money but there were places I wanted to try if we had more time. These include the Boston Burger Company , Red’s Sandwich Shop , and the Howling Wolf Taqueria .

Evening Walking Tour

Take a walking tour to get acquainted with Salem and an overview of its history. 

I did not want to go on a ghost tour or anything super cheesy or touristy so I booked a tour with Hocus Pocus Walking Tours .

I am so glad I did because our guide Susan and her husband were friendly and courteous. They also provided historic information and insight on more than just the witch trials and gave an overall history of the town. 

Ice cream at Melt

Seriously, the best ice cream ever and it’s homemade!

Salem’s Maritime Historic Site

This historic site along the harbor features 8 buildings associated with Salems Maritime history as well as the Friendship of Salem which is a replica tall ship.

Jaho Coffee & Wine Bar

This was recommended to us by our tour guide at Pioneer Village and he didn’t disappoint!

This is also right next to the Salem Maritime site.

The coffee was great and I picked up a pastry that was delicious! 

BONUS: They have wine…need I say more.

House of Seven Gables

This 17th-century house was made famous from the National Hawthorne novel “The House of the Seven Gables (also conveniently located near the Salem Maritime Historic Site).

The house was built in 1668 for Captain John Turner I, the head of one of the most successful maritime families in the New England colonies

Also on the property are other homes that range from the 17th – 19th centuries. 

Dinner at a Seafood Place

When you are near the sea you have to eat seafood. We ate at Sea Level Oyster Bar and it was good. But we were told by our walking tour guides that Turners is the best seafood in Salem. Next time that is where we will be heading.

Salem Willows Park & Arcade

Head over to Salem’s front park and hit the arcade. This is a decent-sized arcade and the prices were fair. They also have pizza, popcorn and ice cream on-site. 

You can also take a walk through the park and head out to the pier. 

Day 3 

Ugly mug diner.

This was the BEST BREAKFAST I HAVE EVER HAD IN MY LIFE!! Really, I mean it. It was packed so prepare to wait. Also, the coffee was so good I started ordering it and shipping it to my home in Pennsylvania. You can order it from Atomic Coffee here.

Peabody Essex Museum

I have to admit that I did not get a chance to go to the museum when I visited, but I really wanted to! I am an art nerd so this is right up my alley but alas I didn’t have time. 

Walk the Salem Heritage Trail and Do Some Shopping

I like walking and window shopping so between the consistent rain during our stay we did walk through the town a little bit. 

I didn’t get to do as much shopping as I wanted to but I didn’t find a unique top at a boutique that I really like. 

Other Things To Do…That I Didn’t Get Time For

Of course, there are other things I didn’t get to do while I was in Salem besides more food and visiting the Peabody. Hopefully next time I can get to some of these but in the meantime, YOU can check them out on your trip!

Schooner FAME Boat Ride

Take a boat ride on an 1812 pirate schooner replica. Really bummed I missed this one too since I am such a history nerd. 

Ropes Mansion Tour

Another Hocus Pocus film location. This was Allison’s house in the movie. I didn’t make it to the mansion because they have limited tour schedules. 

The Pickering House

If you haven’t guessed by now I really love house tours so this is one I wouldn’t mind checking out.

See a Psychic

I am ashamed to say that while I was in the Witch City I didn’t see a single psychic or Tarot reader. This is one I regret and will not miss if I get another chance. 

The Black Veil Studio of Tattoo & Art

I found this shop on Instagram and was blown away by how talented these artists are! You do have to schedule in advance which is why I didn’t get a chance to get some ink done. 

The Satanic Temple

I know this isn’t for everyone, but if you have an open mind the Satanic Temple has an art gallery and a huge life-size statue of Baphomet that you can sit on for some wicked photo ops

Tourist Trap and Spooky Tacky Attraction Warning

Word to the wise…there were a lot of what I would say tourist traps and cheesy attractions/tours in Salem. In my opinion, there are more tacky tourist traps than legitimate attractions so just because of not wasting money or time on these. 

Let me know what you think of these tops spots in Salem in the comments below.

Till next time,

Rachel 

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I think you meant Nathaniel Hawthorne. Autocorrected to national Hawthorne.<3

I was super excited to read your article. I have been wanting to take a trip to Salem. With limited time off this sounds just perfect! And skipping the cheesy and touristy traps is exactly what I want to miss. Thank you!

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Salem 1630: Pioneer Village

Top ways to experience Salem 1630: Pioneer Village and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travellers

Salem 1630: Pioneer Village - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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“Hocus Pocus” Filming Locations in Salem, MA

Please check with individual businesses to confirm hours before visiting, and note that  Max and Dani’s house is not accessible . 

It might be difficult to believe that  Hocus Pocus,  the famed cult classic starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy debuted over 25 years ago, on July 16, 1993. You are probably familiar with the film’s story, which focuses on the Sanderson Sisters, who are executed as witches after casting a spell on young Thackery Binx, dooming him to roam the streets of Salem as an immortal black cat. 300 years later, a teenager named Max finds himself in the home of the Sanderson Sisters, where his lighting of the infamous black flame candle brings the trio back to life on Halloween night. Max, along with his sister Dani, and crush Allison, and Binx the cat, of course, must then work together to put an end to the Sanderson Sisters once and for all. Follow along with this list to visit sites from the film in Salem:

Pioneer Village  / Salem Village

310 West Ave |  PioneerVillageSalem.org

The opening scenes of the film, featuring Binx as a human prior to his cursing as a cat, were filmed in Pioneer Village, a living history museum located at Salem’s Forest River Park. Pioneer Village was built in 1930, and is America’s first living history museum. Tours of the village are offered seasonally June through September, and today the park is home to different events and festivals throughout the year.

Phillips Elementary School on Salem Common / Max & Allison’s School

The Phillips Elementary School building conveniently ended its run as a functioning school in 1992, making it the perfect location for a movie filming in Salem that required some exterior high school footage. While the building is not open to the public today the exterior can still be viewed from the Common.

The Ropes Mansion  / Allison’s House

318 Essex Street |  PEM.org

One of the most memorable scenes in the film was when Max attends the Halloween party at Allison’s house, the exterior of which was actually filmed using one of the most prominent 18th-century homes in Salem. The Mansion is owned by the Peabody Essex Museum, and the gardens located in the rear of the property are free to visit and open to the public.

Old Town Hall / Halloween Party

161 Essex Street |  Salemma.gov

The other classic party scene in the film was actually filmed just a few blocks away at Old Town Hall in Derby Square. Famous in the film for Bette Midler’s rendition of “Put a Spell on You,” the building today is open to the public, and hosts the Salem Museum and performances of Cry Innocent.

Salem Common

Many of the outdoor scenes in the movie were filmed at Salem Common, where ironically enough the film is shown each year during Haunted Happenings. View the events calendar at HauntedHappenings.org to check dates for this year’s Haunted Movie Series.

Old Burial Hill / Cemetery

Orne Street, Marblehead, MA |  OldBurialHill.org

The day-time cemetery scenes showing Max interacting with his new, not-so-welcoming classmates actually were not filmed in Salem at all. This footage was shot in nearby Marblehead at Old Burial Hill, one of the oldest graveyards in New England.

Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery

217 Essex Street | NightmareGallery.com

While this museum was not featured in the filming for  Hocus Pocus , it is home to an impressive figure of Winifred Sanderson, portrayed in the film by Bette Midler. Count Orlok’s is located at 217 Essex Street and is open as a museum and haunted house throughout the summer and October.

Do  have a good time visiting some of the locations from this classic film, but please  don’t  “run amok!”

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