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
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
....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.
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