The Merrimack Valley is an area brimming with local and national history. Here, you can find many historical sites, museums, parks, and houses to visit with your friends and family. By visiting these locations, visitors of all ages can immerse themselves within the past, truly having one-of-a-kind experiences.
Today, let’s take a deep dive into one of the most prominent historical parks in Massachusetts, the Minute Man National Historical Park.
What Is The Minute Man National Historical Park?
Officially recognized by the National Park Services, the Minute Man National Historical Park allows you to visit where the American Revolutionary War began. The park stretches through the towns of Lexington, Lincoln, and Concord, Massachusetts, retracing the Battle of Lexington and Concord.
A Brief History: The Battle of Lexington and Concord
This battle, which took place on April 19, 1775, kicked off the American Revolution, starting our nation’s path towards independence. Colonial Militiamen gathered at Concord’s North Bridge to face off against British soldiers. After the famous “shot heard ‘round the world” was fired, the Revolutionary War’s first battle began.
“It was here that British colonists risked their lives and property, defending their ideals of liberty and self-determination. The events of that day have been popularized by succeeding generations as the “shot heard round the world.” Often referred to as the “Battles of Lexington, and Concord,” the fighting on April 19, 1775, raged over 16 miles along the Bay Road from Boston to Concord and included some 1,700 British regulars and over 4,000 Colonial militia.” (source: nps.gov)
Places To See And Things To Do
Take A Guided Tour
What better way to learn about and experience everything that the park has to offer than by joining a guided tour. The Minute Man National Historical Park Ranger Tours are a great way to get out and about, learning from the park rangers themselves.
Walk The Battle Road Trail
The Battle Road Trail is a 5-mile trail within the park, connecting the eastern boundary of the park in Lexington to Meriam’s Corner in Concord. Here, visitors are invited to walk at their own pace through the hallowed battlefield once occupied by Colonial Militia and British Regulars. While the trail is a somber memorial in its own right, it holds an exceptional, scenic beauty for anyone who walks its paths.
Stand On Top Concord’s Old North Bridge
It’s hard to imagine something more nationally historic than standing in the exact spot where the American Revolution began. The Old North Bridge allows you to do just that for those visiting the park. As discussed, here is where the “shot heard ‘round the world” took place and where the area’s massive battle began.
View The Minute Man Statue
The Minute Man Statue, unveiled by sculptor Daniel Chester French in 1875, stands as a powerful reminder of the brave Minutemen that fought in the Battle of Lexington and Concord. The statue was placed where the first casualties of the battle (and arguably, the war) occurred “and has stood guard over this hallowed ground ever since.”
Tour Various Historic Buildings
At the Minute Man National Park, visitors can also tour historic homes, such as the Wayside and Hartwell Tavern, among others. The Hartwell Tavern was a popular colonial-era rest stop for travelers. And the Wayside (also known as Home of Authors) housed some of the most influential literary figures, including Nathaniel Hawthorne, Harriet Lothrop, and Louisa May Alcott.
Take In The Park’s Nature
In addition to the various historical sites, houses, and exhibits to visit at the Minute Man National Park, visitors also have an opportunity to explore the park’s natural beauty. Over 250 species of plants have been documented within the park. In addition, eagle-eyed trail walkers may spot a few of the park’s beautiful birds (over 160 species), reptiles and amphibians, and various native mammals, such as white-tailed deer and beavers.
And, of course, all the creatures that call the park home should be treated with respect and admired from a distance.
Park Resources
Park Visitors Centers
There are two main visitors centers when visiting the park: the North Bridge Visitor Center and the Minute Man Visitor Center. Both of these centers contain their own bathrooms, bookstore, and various exhibits about the park and its history.
For example, the Minute Man Visitors Center features a 40 ft. mural depicting the battle between British soldiers and Colonists. In addition, the North Bridge Visitors Center features a short video about the North Bridge skirmish to accompany your visit.
NOTE: The park’s visitors centers (and the Hartwell and Wayside) are closed as we finish out the winter. We will update this post once the Spring 2022 hours have been posted.
Park Accessibility
The park has many options for visitors with limited mobility. In addition to accessible parking, the park’s two visitors centers are accessible alongside accessible parking spots and restrooms nearby.
Most of the trails feature paved and unpaved walking paths suitable for mobility restrictions. When visiting historic homes and buildings, the National Park Service website recommends discussing accommodation options with the park rangers on-site.
Audio descriptions are available to download describing many of the park’s historical sites for those with limited vision. And visitors center films feature captions for those with hearing impairments.
Getting To The Minute Man National Historical Park (And Hours)
Driving
Heading to one of the park’s visitors centers is the best way to enter the park. These centers can be located at:
- Minute Man Visitors Center: 250 North Great Road, Lincoln MA 01773
- North Bridge Visitors Center: 174 Liberty St. Concord, MA 01742
Be cautious that GPS directions may be inaccurate or outdated. As you near the park, please keep a lookout for the brown informational signs (typically found close to interstate exits) to provide the most accurate information.
MBTA
From Boston’s North Station, take the Fitchburg Line to the Concord Depot (Thoreau Street), from there the North Bridge Unit is about a 1.5-mile walk.
Park Hours
The park is open daily, year-round, from sunrise to sunset. However, the visitors centers and historical buildings, and other indoor experiences are typically closed during the winter months. Be sure to check the Minute Man National Historical Park Website for the most up-to-date hours and a full breakdown of everything the park has to offer.
