If we don’t answer your question here, please call us at 413.443.0188, x 100.
When is the Village open?
The Village is open from April through December. Guided tours are available for groups year-round by advance reservation.
How long should I plan to stay?
We have twenty buildings, gardens, a nature trail, a children’s Discovery Barn, outdoor picnic tables, and store. You’ll want to spend at least 2-3 hours at the Village, and more if you take one of our guided tours of fun workshops.
Can I eat at the Village?
Yes! Our café is open daily from 11-5pm, and later whenever there is a special event.
May I take photographs or videos?
You are welcome to take photos, but we ask that you don’t use tripods inside historic buildings. If you wish to take images for advertising or publication, let us know before you visit.
What’s your public photo/video policy?
We want you to know that Hancock Shaker Village reserves the right to use any photograph and/or video taken on our 750-acre campus, without the express written permission of persons included within the photograph and/or video. Hancock Shaker Village may use the photograph and/or video in media including, but not limited to, brochures, invitations, books, newspapers, magazines, websites, and social media. If you or the persons in your party prefer not to be photographed or videotaped, please let us know. Hancock Shaker Village can’t guarantee it, but we’ll try our hardest. Questions? Just ask!
How much walking is involved?
Although there are twenty buildings at the Village, all of them are within a walkable setting of about ten acres. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes. Benches are located throughout for sitting and resting. For more information, take a look at our Walking Tour Map.
How will I know what’s going on when I visit?
Our Ticket Desk staff and interpreters can help you navigate the Village and answer questions about the Shakers. Also, look for the daily handout of talks, tours and demonstrations included with admission.
How should I dress? What if it rains?
Dress casually and wear comfortable shoes. The Village is fun and interesting even if it rains. An umbrella and waterproof shoes are recommended. Keep in mind that while you will have to walk between buildings, most of what you will see and do is located indoors.
Where can I shop?
Shaker Mercantile is open every day from April through December, offering a variety of handmade Shaker reproduction furniture and crafts, books, toys, gifts, and beautifully designed products. Shop online too!
Can I sleep at the Village?
No, but there are many great lodging choices nearby. Call the Berkshire Visitors Bureau at (413) 499-1600 or visit www.berkshires.org.
Can I get married at the Village?
Yes! Hancock Shaker Village is an exquisite place for a wedding. You can rent the historic Round Stone Barn, the 1910 Barn Hayloft, any of our historic buildings, or gracious white tent with beautiful views of the fields and farm for your wedding, rehearsal dinner, shower, or family reunion. Click for information on weddings and special functions.
Is smoking allowed at the Village?
Smoking is allowed only in Visitor Parking.
Are pets allowed at the Village?
We’re sorry, but because we are a working farm with livestock, pets are not allowed.
What about hiking trails?
We have beautiful nature trails. Our mile-long Farm & Forest Trail is fun and easy for everyone and is fully accessible. It begins and ends at the Round Stone Barn, looping through cultivated farm fields, pasture, hardwood forest, and past the historic Shaker marble quarry. Across Route 20, a six-mile, intermediate-level hiking trail takes you to the archaeological site of the North family. You can get a map at the Ticket Desk.
What about craft demonstrations at the Village?
Our trained staff demonstrates traditional Shaker trade crafts on a rotating schedule. Look for basket- and oval box-making, blacksmithing, textile spinning and weaving, chair-seat weaving, and woodworking.
Are there people in costume at the Village?
Most of the museum staff wears modern clothing. Because the Village interprets the Shaker experience of the 1830s — the height of the community at Hancock — some museum educators and crafts demonstrators don Shaker dress from that period.
DON’T DELAY — VISIT UTOPIA TODAY.