Step back in time at Pioneer Village

Everyone always asks about Pioneer Village here in Salem because it was made famous in the movie Hocus Pocus. The village was featured in the opening scenes when Thackery Binx was still a boy before he tries to save his sister, Emily, from the dreaded Sanderson Sisters, who turn him into an immortal black cat.

Many Salem visitors want to go there because of the movie. But Pioneer Village is a lot more than that.

It is a three-acre, outdoor living history museum that was built in 1930. It has various examples of colonial architecture: dugouts, wigwams, thatched roof cottages, and the Governor's Faire House. The cost to enter is only $5 and you can tour the property. It is open weekends from June 5 through October 26.

Many other events are held there during the year. Check the Pioneer Village website for announcements.

https://www.pioneervillagesalem.org/

Some other events include:

Lanterns in the Village is an event in October in which ghost stories read aloud amidst glowing jack-o-lanterns and candlelit cottages.

The Salem Night Faire will be held on Oct. 17, 18, 24 &25. It features over 50+ local and distant artists, clothing, jewelry, and oddity vendors, live performances, fireside ghost stories, photo ops, hot cider, a Biergarten & more.

https://salemnightfaire.com/

Pioneer Village is about one mile from the downtown. You can walk it. You can drive it, but it is a small parking lot. You can Uber or use the Salem Skipper.

You can also take the 455 bus and not deal with walking or driving. The bus leaves from Salem station and travels down Lafayette Street. There is also a bus stop in front of the Walgreens on New Derby Street.

You want to get off at Forest Street. Then cross the street and walk down Clifton Street. You will see a ball park and Pioneer Village is next to it.

https://www.mbta.com/schedules/455/line