Perched high above Provincetown like a steadfast guardian, the Pilgrim Monument is more than just a striking granite tower—it’s a story carved in stone, a tribute to courage, and a portal into the past.
Built between 1907 and 1910, the 252-foot monument commemorates the Mayflower Pilgrims’ first landing in Provincetown in 1620, before they sailed on to Plymouth. It’s the tallest all-granite structure in the United States, and climbing it (via a series of ramps and stairs) is a rite of passage for Cape visitors. At the summit, you’re rewarded with panoramic views of Provincetown Harbor, the dunes, and the vast sweep of the Atlantic.
At the base of the monument, the Provincetown Museum offers a thoughtful, immersive dive into the area’s layered history. Exhibits tell the story of the Pilgrims’ arrival, but also lift up Indigenous Wampanoag history, Provincetown’s maritime legacy, and the town’s long embrace of artists, writers, and the LGBTQ+ community. It’s a powerful reminder that this quirky, colorful village has always been a place of arrival, reinvention, and freedom.
A visit here is a journey across centuries, from 1620 to the thriving arts scene of today. Whether you’re climbing for the view or exploring the roots of Provincetown’s spirit, the monument and museum together make an essential stop.
Pilgrim Monument & Provincetown Museum
The Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum is open Tuesday – Sunday and closed on Mondays. Early closure at 4 pm (last ticket sold at 3 pm) for private events on September 6th, 13th & 20th.
Hours 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Last ticket sold at 4 p.m. | Last climb at 4:15 p.m. | Last inclined elevator ride at 4:45 p.m.
Admissions: Adults – $21 | Teens (13-17), Seniors (65+), & Veteran’s – $16.75
Child (4-12) – $9.50 | Kids (3 & under) – Free