Would you like to descend into a glacial crevasse, view of a pre-historic caribou hunt, and stroll through a 16th-century Indian village, all before lunch? Then the Mashantucket Pequot Museum, where history comes alive as never before, is the place for you. Life-size exhibits, dramatic films, and touch-screen computer programs put the excitement of the past as close as your fingertips. It is an experience the entire family will never forget. This state-of the-art, tribally-owned museum brings to life the Native American and natural history of New England, from the Ice Age to the present. Visitors experience how the first people of the Americas used the resources of the land and waters to survive for centuries.
Marvel at the full-size, multi-sensory exhibits: the diorama of a caribou hunt from 11,000 years ago; the half-acre, life-size Pequot village; a dozen engaging films and six interactive computer programs. Just touch the computer screen to learn about Native languages, exciting archaeological discoveries, plants and animals, and how Native people relied on them for survival. Watch films of Native artisans making tools, bowls, and other useful objects from natural materials, just as they have for hundreds of years.
One of many museum highlights is The Witness, a compelling half-hour film about the 1637 Pequot War that provides riveting historical drama. The History Channel calls the Pequot War one of the 10 events that changed America. New York Magazine called the Pequot Museum “An immediate hit with families,” and The New York Times raved, “No one can say the glory of Native culture is a past phenomenon.”
Visit our Event Calendar for a complete list of educational and fun events, performances, and cultural programs.
The museum has an 18-story observation tower, two libraries (one for children), a gift shop, and a restaurant serving lunch and snacks. It is located on the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation’s reservation, off Rte. 214 at 110 Pequot Trail. There is plenty of free parking and a free shuttle runs between the museum and the Foxwoods Resort Casino hotels.
The museum is still available for rental during the winter closure.
Tour time: 1 to 3 hours
Other amenities: Catering, Dining Nearby, Gift Shop, Parking, Parking, Printed Guides, Restaurant, Self-guided tours, Special Packages
