Nestled in the heart of New England, just a short drive from The Wellsworth Hotel, Old Sturbridge Village invites guests to experience life as it was in the early 1800s. As one of the largest living history museums in the Northeast, it’s more than a destination — it’s a journey into another era. Whether you’re traveling with family, planning a group outing, or simply looking for a unique way to spend an afternoon, the Village is a must-visit gem that brings the past to life in the most engaging ways.
Where History Comes Alive
Spanning more than 200 scenic acres in Sturbridge, MA, Old Sturbridge Village authentically recreates a rural New England town from the 1830s. It’s a full sensory experience — the scent of woodsmoke in the air, the clatter of blacksmith tools echoing from the forge, the sight of costumed historians tending to gardens or spinning wool by hand.
Over 40 original buildings, including meetinghouses, farmhouses, a school, country store, mills, and a working farmstead, have been relocated and restored with painstaking care. As you wander the dirt roads of the Village, you can step inside these structures and witness history in motion — whether it’s a cooper shaping barrel staves, a tinsmith at his workbench, or a hearth-cooked meal being prepared in a period kitchen.
The interpreters are more than guides — they are storytellers, historians, and performers all at once. Engaging with visitors in character, they answer questions, share local lore, and demonstrate age-old trades and tasks, offering a deeply personal connection to the past.
Seasonal Experiences Worth Returning For
Each season brings new reasons to return. In the spring and summer, the farm bursts with life, with heirloom vegetables sprouting in the garden and sheep grazing in the pasture. Autumn offers a stunning backdrop of New England foliage, while winter transforms the Village into a postcard-perfect scene — especially during the Christmas by Candlelight celebration, when carolers, candlelit windows, and cozy bonfires add a special glow to the season.
There are also rotating exhibits, themed weekends, and educational programs that make each visit a little different than the last. For families, the hands-on crafts, wagon rides, and interactive scavenger hunts offer fun for all ages. For history enthusiasts, the attention to detail and wealth of knowledge on display is unmatched.
Extend Your Experience at The Wellsworth Hotel
Located just minutes from Old Sturbridge Village, The Wellsworth Hotel is the ideal place to stay while exploring this corner of Central Massachusetts. Our hotel combines classic charm with modern comfort, offering spacious guestrooms, on-site dining, and thoughtful amenities designed to make your stay relaxing and enjoyable.
Guests often begin their day with a hearty breakfast at our restaurant before setting out to the Village. After a full afternoon of walking cobblestone paths and watching artisans at work, many return to unwind in our indoor pool or enjoy a drink in the lounge before dinner. With complimentary parking, a central location, and welcoming service, The Wellsworth is proud to be a convenient and comfortable home base for your local adventures.
Take a Journey Through Time
Old Sturbridge Village isn’t just about looking at history — it’s about walking right into it. With its immersive atmosphere and beautifully preserved landscape, it offers visitors of all ages the chance to slow down and connect with the roots of American life. And when you stay at The Wellsworth Hotel, you’re never far from the action — or the comfort of a plush bed and warm welcome at the end of your day.
We invite you to make The Wellsworth part of your next step back in time.