There are plenty of ways to make the most out of your visit to Gore Place! We’ve made a list of our favorite free or discounted activities. Our beautiful 50 acres are open every day from dawn to dusk unless there is a special event. There is no admission fee to visit our grounds and we offer ample free on-site parking.
1. Say hello to our Leicester Longwool sheep
It wouldn’t be a visit to Gore Place without saying hello to our sheep, would it? We have pastures and farmyards where the sheep have free range. Sometimes the sheep might be taking a nap, and they might change their location throughout the day – but the best times to see them are in the morning and late afternoon!
2. Take a stroll along our Perimeter Walk, Straight Walk, and Brook
The Perimeter Walk, formerly known as the Mile Walk, is a tree-lined path along the property’s perimeter. On one side, it’s bounded by the Boston Post Road (today called Main Street or Route 20), which dates to colonial times; on another, by a brook that eventually flows underground and into the Charles River. There’s also the Straight Walk — strolling between the trees gives the sense of walking the aisle of a cathedral. Maps on our property mark the trails. You can also reference this interactive map.
3. Check out our outdoor interpretive panels and listen to our audio tour
Starting just outside the Carriage House, you’ll find a series of interpretation panels across the grounds. This brand new outdoor exhibit includes an audio tour (which you can access using your own mobile device.) This self-guided tour is the perfect way to explore the grounds and learn more about Gore Place’s history!
4. Bring a picnic to enjoy on our grounds
There is no shortage of lush, scenic picnic spots on our grounds! Visitors are welcome to enjoy picnics here. We don't have any picnic tables, so don’t forget to bring a comfy blanket or folding camp chair to sit on – and make sure to carry out any trash with you.
5. Visit our Nature Playscape
Open all year round, the Nature Playscape is a shaded outdoor play area located at the northwest corner of the estate. The soft chip play area has benches and a variety of natural elements for imaginary play. In the warmer months, the adjoining North Lawn provides a flat, grassy space to extend activities beyond the shady grove. In the winter, there is lots of room for playing in the snow! This space is also the start of our Story Trail. Speaking of our Story Trail….
6. Read the book on our Story Trail
Visitors can read a book from cover to cover while moving along the Trail. Books change regularly. Visit this link to learn what book is on display now: Kids and Family.
7. Build some snowpeople or make snow angels
During the winter, there is plenty of space to build snowpeople and make snow angels. If you make some, make sure to snap a picture and tag us on social media so we can see!
8. Birdwatch, look for animal tracks, and identify trees
Gore Place is home to many birds, plants, and critters! You can spot hawks, rabbits, and even groundhogs. Bring your own guidebook or binoculars, and see if you can identify the many different animals and plants that call Gore Place home. Try it on your own, or use one of our Take-a-Walk Backpacks! These bags are a portable kit of family-friendly STEAM activities, field guides, tools, and materials that will help you enjoy and learn about Gore Place. For more information about Take-a-Walk Backpacks visit this link.
9. Make some art
Bring a sketchbook, some watercolors, or other art supplies and try to capture the beauty of Gore Place en plein air – just like artists would have done in the 19th-century! Or bring an instrument and play it outside.
10. Play some 1800s pastimes in front of our 1806 Mansion
Transport yourself through the centuries! Grab a ball or some playing cards, and try out some of the historical pastimes from this pdf.
11. Browse our gift shop
Our gift shop, located inside our 1806 Mansion, is free to visit on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. It features a selection of handmade gifts from local artisans. Members receive 10% off items in the museum shop! Make sure to keep an eye out for other shopping events throughout the year, such as Handmade for the Holidays and our Gently Used Book Sale.
12. Take a discounted Mansion Tour using a library pass
The Gore Mansion is one of New England's most fascinating historic houses. During a tour, your guide will lead you around the exterior and interior of the house, pointing out interesting architectural features and telling stories about the elegant rooms and the people who inhabited them. In addition to discounted Mansion tour passes, library memberships offer discounted Take-a-Walk Backpack rentals. Learn more about how to borrow Library Passes from your local library.
13. Visit our Rain Garden or fly a kite on our South Lawn
Enjoy Gore Place’s Rain Garden on the South Lawn. As you walk along our many pathways, enjoy the flowers and herbs along the way. You can also bring a kite and fly it across our spacious South Lawn!
14. Discounted daytime Mansion tours through the Card to Culture Program
Gore Place participates in the Card to Culture Program, offering discounts to daytime Mansion tours for cardholders for programs such as EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare. Learn more about daytime Mansion tours and how to access that discount. Contact us for tours for groups of more than 12 people.
15. Discounted admission to military personnel and veterans
Gore Place offers discounted admission to daytime Mansion tours to U.S. military personnel and veterans and their families. Simply show your military identification to get this discounted admission when you check-in for your tour, or contact us to book ahead. Find out more about daily Mansion tours.
16. Join our flock and become a Member
Your membership comes with many benefits, such as free or discounted admission to our events and programs. Learn more about membership.
