minute man national historical park

Traveling_Sandy

We walked several sections of the battle route, then toured around the Old North Bridge. There is a Junior Ranger packet for the kids. The quick movie at the visitor center was pretty good and one of the rangers was an actor in the movie!

angeleyes27

I first walked the battle trail same as the minutemen did over 200 years ago, passing by Samuel Hartwell house and tavern, Captain Will Smith house and grave of British soldier. Trail is easy flat surface and there are several markers detailing significance of all sites. Trail is about a mile. From there, I visited the visitor center where I watched an interesting film and browsed the gift shop. From the visitor center, you can walk outside over the North Bridge and see the Minute Man statue, getting a good perspective on historical events of that day. I was there on April 18, the day before the Patriots day events of April 19 and 21. It was uncrowded but I went early and it was Good Friday so people may have been busy elsewhere. I found it an interesting piece of history.

929oliverg

if you like history and that kind of stuff you won't be disappointed, So much about this area and the surrounding towns. or if you just want to relax get out of city its very peaceful lots of trails.

troyz468

I cried when I walked over the bridge where the "shot heard round the world" was fired. it was overwhelming to me to stand where our country's history began. this was part of our northeast tour that included many great spots in boston, , new Hampshire and maine

793LindaC

School lessons from over 60 years ago flooded my mind as we walked around this hallowed ground. I was especially moved by the Minute Men Monument that honors the brave men who stood fast and took on a powerful King and his army. They were ordinary men who fought and died for the freedoms that I'm afraid we too often take for granted. The monument marks the position of the colonists who were about to become "Americans." My heart swelled with pride and gratitude as I thought about it. This is free and free parking is across the street, approximately 200 yards away. No facilities at the Old North Bridge.

MHT76

Don't miss the film at the visitor's center, especially if visiting with kids. Engaging introduction for the early role of Lexington and Concord in the American revolution.

816craigk

Stand on the soil where the brave men began the fight against tyranny and oppression. Breathe the free air and pay homage to those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. It isn't a far walk from the parking lot, and worth every moment you spend there.

Kae370

....whole days, that is. To see actual sites from your childhood history lessons is so cool! "Paul Revere's Capture Site" - what is better than that?We saw more historical sites and points of interest in 1 afternoon car ride that I could have imagined in such a small area. Take a 2nd day to get out and up close.

CKN

I live nearby, so walk here often. Nice, wide path. Beautiful, varied terrain: farmland, woods, boardwalk through wetlands. If you park at the Merriam's Corner lot on Lexington Ave. in Concord, you will reach the Hartwell Tavern in about 45 minutes. (Bathrooms nearby too)Also will pass a marker where British soldiers died on April 19, 1775, on way back to Boston from the Old North Bridge in Concord on the first day of the Revolutionary War.

CSSnowshoer

I wasted a lot of time going to the Lexington Green and the Old North Bridge. They each needed about five minutes. I should have concentrated what time I had to do a longer hike in this Park. Its fantastic. The creators of this park were able to preserve five miles of the historical battle road with land on either side of it. They saved some older buildings and stopped further new development, buying out landowners and removing modern structures. The result is a wonderful time capsule hike. You do not even have to care about history to enjoy it. There are parking lots all along the car road with side path connections to it. Stop at the visitor center and get your bearings if you have time. I did not stay for the presentation. Was more interested in being outside.

ninjadad

I debated the wisdom in making this stop on our weekend to Boston, but left thinking, I wish we had more time. Do not miss the Visitor Center. The interactive park movie is one of the better ones we have seen. It's a half an hour but worth it. From the visitor center you can walk the Battle Road. It's historical as well as beautiful. Walking during the Fall time passees quickly. We didn't make to Lexington and most of the walking trail. Next time

donl355

If you think you understand the shot heard around the world--you'd be wrong. But visit the Concord-Lexington parks along the battle trail. A string of historic park sites that includes a multi-media presentation that explains how the Brits really took a beating from the minute men/farmers. By the end of the day on that fateful day over 200 English soldiers vs 90 minute men. Perfect for all ages...Don't miss this park. Enjoy!

kacraig

we'd stayed in Boston, and done a lot of the Freedom trail there. Visited Concord to see Orchard house, and thought we should see the North Bridge. We were "battled" out and weren't going to bother with this, but one late afternoon, the paths looked inviting. SO glad we did. This was the one place we felt the history. Imagining the troops on both sides coming through the trees, and not knowing who was where. We were moved by the plaques to the fallen British soldiers, who lets face it where there because their government sent them. Also bear in mind this trail has been renovated, and land bought by the trustees and volunteers. Take a while to walk the route, enjoy the quiet, and feel the history.

vtgmsc

Walk out of the visitor center for the Minuteman Park and the historic 5 mile "Battle Road" beckons. I walked the historic road (which is actually a well worn path) each night and on one occasion went about 4 miles out and 4 miles back to the visitor center). You will encounter, joggers, bikers, families, and history buffs all along the trail. Every so often you can take a break and read the historic signs along the way that talk about events that occurred only steps from where you are standing. This trail is one of the most historic American war trails in all of the USA and our freedom and future depended on the initial actions that took place on this road/trail. FASCINATING and FREE! North Bridge is cool too but the actual trail is the place to be seen and to see history as it unfolded!

MN736

I think others have done a good job of describing the details of this attraction, so I won't redo those excellent reviews. Instead, I'll come at it from a different perspective.When I heard "national historic park", I frankly thought this would be touristy and boring. In fact, we almost didn't stop. But it is well worth a short pause in your travels to see this unique piece of history. The parking is easy, the grounds are beautiful, it is easy to get to and there is no cost...so logistically, this is a low hassle stop. But I didn't expect the personal impact these grounds had on me.We walked across the bridge, and the idea of "this is where it all started" gave me quite a lump in my throat. My wife, 100ft in front of me, later told me she had the same reaction. Other than the Grand Canyon, I can't remember the last time I was actually moved at a national park.So, I encourage you not to miss this one!