Things To Do Near Minute Man National Historical Park
Start your visit to Minute Man National Historical Park at the North Bridge Visitor Center and watch an eight-minute documentary to understand more about the events leading up to the American Revolutionary War. Then, join park rangers on many of their guided tours to important sites during the war, including North Bridge, Parker’s Revenge, and Bloody Angle. Finish your visit with a tour of the Wayside Home.
Hiking Trails
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Battle Road Trail
Use the Fisker Hill Parking Lot at the intersection of Old Massachusetts Avenue and Wood Street near the Ebenezer Fiske House to begin hiking along the Battle Road Trail. About 40% of this trail follows the route that British soldiers took while trying to capture weapons they believed were at Concord. The remainder of the course follows a wide gravel path near the route taken by the soldiers. This trail ends at the Nathan Meriam House.
Location
Ebenezer Fiske House, 2708 Wood Street, Lexington, Massachusetts 02421
Length
4.6 miles
Intensity
Moderate
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Fiske Hill Loop Trail
The Fiske Hill Loop Trail starts on Old Massachusetts Avenue near Massachusetts Route 2A, and it ends at the Ebenezer Fiske House. This path runs through forests, and it is near the site where the British troops were forced to surrender. This trail runs up and down hills and across open meadows along well-maintained paths.
Location
Old Massachusetts Avenue and Massachusetts Route 2A, Lexington, Massachusetts 01731
Length
5 miles
Intensity
Moderate
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Vernal Pool Trail
The Vernal Pool Trail starts on the opposite side of the road from the Hartwell Tavern. This trail is best hiked after spring rains and snowmelt because the pool dries up later in the year. The path starts by going through a wooded area before entering a more open space. This out-and-back trail ends at a vernal pool, which can be a great spot to see frogs.
Location
Hartwell Tavern, Virginia Road, Lincoln, Massachusetts 01773
Length
0.75 miles
Intensity
Easy
Sightseeing
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Old North Bridge
"The shot heard around the world" was fired at Concord’s Old North Bridge. The bridge has been rebuilt, making it a great place to reflect on the events at and near it. This area also includes the Daniel Chester French Minute Man statue.
Location
Old North Bridge, Concord, Massachusetts 01742
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Hartwell Tavern
The Hartwell Tavern sits on Battle Road, and its interior is redesigned to look like it did during the American Revolutionary War. The building dates to 1738. Rangers dressed in period costumes regularly give presentations at this location.
Location
Hartwell Tavern, Virginia Road, Lincoln, Massachusetts 01773
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Wayside Home
During the American Revolutionary War, the Wayside Home was inhabited by Samuel Whitney, muster-master of the Concord Minute Men. Following the war, authors Louisa May Alcott, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Harriet Lothrop lived in the home. Take a tour of this home and encounter events during the war through the words that those writers penned.
Location
455 Lexington Road, Concord, Massachusetts 01742
Museums
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Concord Museum
The exhibits at the Concord Museum are designed to help you understand the roots of American democracy, the power of independent thinking, the preservation of the environment, and the intricacies of craftsmanship. This museum has an extensive Revolutionary War artifact collection. They often do hands-on activities for the whole family.
Location
53 Cambridge Turnpike, Concord, Massachusetts 01742
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Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House
Constructed in about 1650, this residence called the Orchard House was where Louisa May Alcott wrote most of "Little Women." Tour the home, and learn more about the family that lived there. The Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House staff often provides programming for children.
Location
399 Lexington Road, Concord, Massachusetts 01742
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The Old Manse
The Old Manse was constructed by Ralph Waldo Emerson's grandfather, who served as the chaplain to the Continental Army. Ralph Waldo Emerson lived in the home while writing the rough draft of "Nature." Henry David Thoreau planted the garden at this home and you can tour it seasonally.
Location
269 Monument Street, Concord, Massachusetts 01742
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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Debra’s Natural Gourmet
WholeFoods Magazine named Debra’s Natural Gourmet the best health food store in the U.S., and you will not want to miss visiting this location, where you can find a variety of healthy foods. This business has been serving customers since 1989. Owner Debra Stark has appeared on many cooking shows.
Location
98 Commonwealth Ave., Concord, Massachusetts 01742
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North Bridge Antiques
See a vast collection of antiques for sale from 22 different dealers at North Bridge Antiques. The inventory is constantly changing, but it often includes jewelry, silver, glassware, paintings, furniture, rare books, and art pottery.
Location
28 Walden Street, Concord, Massachusetts 01742
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Merchants Row at Colonial Inn
The Colonial Inn was constructed in 1716, and the space was used as an ammunition depot during the American Revolutionary War. Enjoy a meal of steak or seafood at the Merchants Row at Colonial Inn. You will enjoy dining in this historical setting.
Location
48 Monument Square, Concord, Massachusetts 01742
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Black Horse Tavern
Find your favorite pub food at Black Horse Tavern. Sink into the deep seats at one of their booths, or choose to sit at one of their small tables. This location strives to provide food and service like the original American Revolutionary War-era Black Horse Tavern.
Location
32 Waterfield Road, Winchester, Massachusetts 01890