There are many ways to experience Gore Place for free. Our beautiful 50 acres are open and free to visit every day from dawn to dusk. Parking is free. For activities specific to families, visit our Kids & Family page.
Free Activities
1. Say hello to our Leicester Longwool sheep
As you explore the grounds, say hello to our flock of sheep. Look for them out in the pastures or visit the farmyard to also see the Dominique hens, Angora goats, Dorset Horn sheep, and guinea hens.
2. Take a stroll
Near the main parking area at the Carriage House, you'll find a series of interpretive panels that will orient you to the history of Gore Place and the grounds.
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. Use this interactive map to plan your walk.
3. Have a picnic
There is no shortage of lush, scenic picnic spots on our grounds! We don't have any picnic tables, so bring a comfy blanket or folding camp chair to sit on – and make sure to carry out any trash with you.
Bring a sketchbook and some watercolors, or other art supplies to capture the beauty of this place-just like artists in the 19th-century would have done.
It's also fun to play some games or fly a kite. Check out these historical pastimes (PDF).
4. Be a naturalist
Gore Place is home to a diversity of plants and animals. You can often spot hawks flying above and rabbits munching on the lawn. Bring binoculars, a field guide, or download a plant identification or birdsong app. You can also rent a Take-a-Walk Backpack which are full of activities.
Low-Cost Activities
1. Discounted tours and programs
Library Passes
Participating libraries offer passes for activities, including Mansion Tours, Take-a-Walk Backpacks, and Puppet Playtime.
Card-to-Culture
Gore Place is proud to participate in Mass Cultural Council's Card to Culture program in collaboration with the Department of Transitional Assistance, the Department of Public Health's WIC Nutrition Program, the Massachusetts Health Connector, and hundreds of cultural organizations across Massachusetts by expanding cultural access for low-income and working families.
EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare cardholders are eligible to purchase tickets at the Card to Culture rate for themselves and their dependents. Cardholders may be asked to show their EBT/WIC/ConnectorCare card at the door; a photo ID is not required. Card to Culture tickets may not be available for certain programs and/or ticket numbers may be limited. Please contact us if you have any questions.
Military and NARM Discounts
Gore Place also offers discounted mansion tours to U.S. military veterans and service members and their families, and to members of other museums in the NARM program. Visit our Tours page for more details.
2. 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. The shop features handmade gifts from local artisans and Gore Place staff, many of which are made with wool from our flock of sheep. Gore Place members receive 10% off items in the shop.
3. Attend a community event
Many of Gore Place's community events throughout the year are free to attend, including the Corn Roast in August. Sheepshearing Festival admission is free to members. Our Gently Used Book Sale, Spring Plant Sale, and Handmade for the Holidays Craft Fair also also free admission (with products available for purchase).
4. Join our flock
Gore Place members enjoy discounted admission to many events, free admission to the Sheepshearing Festival, and unlimited daytime tours of the Mansion.
