Experiences
A Fight for Freedom: Patriots of Color Walking Tour
Saturday, April 19, 2025
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Concord's Old North Bridge
Between twenty and forty colonists who fought along the Battle Road on April 19, 1775, were of African descent or Indigenous . Although excluded from required militia service prior to the war, these individuals of color were the first of many to take up arms between 1775 and 1783.
By the end of the conflict, an estimated 5,500 African and Indigenous men served on the colonial side. Unfortunately, systemic racism and historical bias have erased or buried many records of Black and Indigenous people who played a prominent role in the founding of the United States.
In this 60 minute walking tour we will examine the known history and stories of these Patriots of Color who fought for freedom locally both during the American Revolution and beyond. Minuteman National Park, The Robbins House and Concord Visitors Center staff will lead this tour examining the the incredible stories of the individuals who risked everything during their struggle for liberty, equality, and freedom for all.
Tour meets at the North Bridge Lower Parking Lot on Monument Street
This walking tour is cosponsored by Minuteman National Park, Friends of Minute Man National Park, The Robbins House, and The Concord Visitors Center as a Concord250 Event
Minute Man Visitor Center is closed for the season and will reopen in 2025. "The Road to Revolution" multimedia presentation every 30 minutes starting at 9:00 am. The last show starts at 4:30 pm. Reservations are not accepted. The show runs 27 minutes in duration.
Hartwell Tavern is open seasonally on select dates between June and October each year.
Over more than three hundred years, The Wayside and its families witnessed and influenced both Concord's and America's recorded history. In 1775 the Wayside was home to Samuel Whitney the muster master for Concord's minute men and a delegate to the Provincial Congress. In the 19th century famed authors Louisa May Alcott, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Margaret Sidney (Harriet Lothrop) lived at this incredible site.
The North Bridge visitor center is closed for the season and will reopen in 2025. It is located about 500 yards from the North Bridge battle site. Here you can see exhibits about the battle, watch a short film, get park information and shop in the park store.
Outdoor Activities
The Battle Road Trail is a five mile trail connecting historic sites from Meriam’s Corner in Concord to the eastern boundary of the park in Lexington. Much of the trail follows the original remnants of the Battle Road: Where thousands of Colonial Militia and British Regulars fought a bloody engagement on April 19, 1775. In some areas the trail leaves the historic road to follow the route of the Minute Men traversing farming fields, wetlands, and forests. Aside from it's significance as a hallowed battlefield, the trail is known for it's scenic beauty, biodiversity, and natural resources.
Bicycling the trail is welcome and a great way to enjoy the park. The trail is accessible by several parking areas along Route 2A and Lexington Road. Bicycles, e-bikes and traditional, are allowed on park roads and in parking areas that are otherwise open for motor vehicle use by the general public. Before arriving, we recommend reading the following precautions, policies and laws. We require that all laws and regulations listed below be followed while visiting the park.
Precautions:
- Visit our Maps and Directions page for more information or pick up a park map at either park visitor center. The Minute Man page of the NPS Mobile App also includes location based GPS mapping.
- Traffic on park roads can be very busy during summer months and weekends in the spring and fall. Park avenues intersect with busy public roads and traffic can be heavy at those intersections so please observe STOP signs and use caution when passing through intersections.
- Bicycle racks are located at both visitor centers. Riders are urged to use locks and security devices while bikes are left unattended.
- The National Park Service urges bicyclists to wear proper safety equipment and bright colored clothing so that you can be easily seen by motorists who may be distracted by the park scene.
- Bicyclists in Middlesex County should check on-line for advice on bike trails and paths through this area. All of the roads into Lexington, Lincoln, and Concord are heavily traveled throughout the year and few have adequate shoulders to keep riders out of harm's way. Route 2A is the primary access road to the North Bridge Visitor Center and Main Visitor Center.
Where can you ride?
Bicycles are allowed in Minute Man National Historical Park in the following areas and trails with special exceptions noted below
- North Bridge Trail
- Battle Road Trail
Riders must dismount and walk bikes on the following sites: boardwalks, the North Bridge, on the Vernal Pool and Fisk Hill Loop Trails, the Buttrick Garden Paths, the Buttrick Mansion/North Bridge Visitor Center Paths, and other places as indicated. Bicycles may not be ridden in fields, on lawns, or in undeveloped areas or off-trail. Riding abreast of another rider is permitted on the Battle Road Trail as long as it does not impede other visitors, or otherwise create a hazardous condition.
What is an e-bike? The term “e-bike” means a two- or three-wheeled cycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 h.p.).
How to ride an e-bike in the park?
- E-bikes are allowed in Minute Man National Historical Park where traditional bicycles are allowed. E-bikes are prohibited where traditional bicycles are prohibited.
- All e-bikes must utilize pedaling while riding the bike. Except where use of motor vehicles by the public is allowed, using the electric motor exclusively to move an electric bicycle for an extended period of time without pedaling is prohibited.
- The speed limit for bicycle on the above trails is 10mph.
- Riders must yield right of way to pedestrians.
- Operation of bicycles must comply with Massachusetts law. Except as specified in the Superintendent Compendium, the use of an e-bike within Minute Man National Historical Park is governed by State law, which is adopted and made part of the Superintendent Compendium. Any violation of State law adopted by this paragraph is prohibited.
A person operating an e-bike is subject to the following sections of 36 CFR 4.30. This action is covered by the categorical exclusion 3.2.E in the NPS NEPA Handbook. Planning documents regarding this topic include the park’s 1999 EA which can be viewed at park headquarters.
The Battle Road Trail is a five mile trail connecting historic sites from Meriam’s Corner in Concord to the eastern boundary of the park in Lexington. Much of the trail follows the original remnants of the Battle Road: Where thousands of Colonial Militia and British Regulars fought a bloody engagement on April 19, 1775. In some areas the trail leaves the historic road to follow the route of the Minute Men traversing farming fields, wetlands, and forests.
Aside from it's significance as a hallowed battlefield, the trail is known for it's scenic beauty, biodiversity, and natural resources.
The trail is accessible by several parking areas along Route 2A and Lexington Road. Visit our Maps and Directions page for more parking information and pick up a park map at the Minute Man Visitor Center.
To learn more, visit our website! The Battle Road Trail - Minute Man National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
Programming
We welcome interest in Minute Man National Historical Park’s Junior Ranger Program. It is a seasonal program run in the park annually from May 7 to October 31st.
The Junior Ranger program at Minute Man was designed as an in-person experience for Junior Rangers and their families to complete onsite. As a result, booklets are only available at the park; we are unable to mail them.
Junior Ranger badges are only available in the park, and we are unable to honor any requests to mail them, so be sure to complete the activities before you leave the park to be eligible for a badge.
Pick up a Junior Ranger booklet to guide your exploration of the park at Minute Man Visitor Center in Lexington or North Bridge Visitor Center in Concord. Complete the activities as you visit different sites in the park. Before you leave, show your work to a park ranger at either visitor center to get your Junior Ranger badge!
Prescott's Ride & The Lincoln Alarm
Hartwell Tavern
Saturday, April 12, 2025
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
“LISTEN my children, and you shall hear. Of the midnight ride of…” Samuel Prescott?
On the evening of April 12, 2025 join National Park Rangers as we commemorate and explore the true story of the famous midnight ride 250 years ago. On April 19th 1775 a midnight alarm spread across Massachusetts about the impending march of British soldiers from Boston to Concord. In 1860, the poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow immortalized the story of Paul Revere and his midnight ride but what about the many other alarm riders that evening?
Contrary to Longfellow’s poem, Revere never made it to Concord. A British patrol captured Revere and others at the boarder of Lexington and Lincoln, Massachusetts near 1:00 am. Riding alongside Paul Revere, Concord local Samuel Prescott made a daring horseback escape and spread the alarm onward. Prescott returned to the main road near Hartwell Tavern, spreading the alarm to Lincoln before riding off to Concord. Join National Park Rangers for a nighttime open house and immersive 250th living history experience at Hartwell Tavern in Lincoln, Massachusetts.
Schedule of Events:
6:00 pm- Hartwell Tavern Open House
Join Park Rangers and Living Historians and explore the true story of the midnight ride.
8:00 pm- Immersive Park Ranger Program
Experience the excitement of April 19, 1775 when the midnight alarm swept through Lincoln, Massachusetts.
9:00 pm- Site closed
Parking:
Hartwell Tavern Parking Lot: 112 North Great Road, Lincoln, Ma.
This event is co-sponsored by Friends of Minute Man National Park
Explore Meriam’s Corner Battle Site
Saturday, April 19, 2025
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Nathan Meriam House
Join Militia Veterans Edmund Foster and Thaddeus Blood (portrayed by park volunteer, Ed Hurley and Don Hafner), on a guided tour of the Meriam's Corner Battle Site where they fought on April 19, 1775. This will be a living history program focused on the story of the battle through the eyes of veterans in the early 19th century.
This tour will include a musket firing demonstration.
Thank you to Friends of Minute Man National Park for sponsoring this event!
North Bridge Battle Walk~ Ranger Program
Note: this is NOT the large event that has happened in past years. This is a 60 minute ranger-led walking tour.
April 21, 2025
Program will begin at North Bridge Visitor Center
174 Liberty Street, Concord MA
8:30 am- 9:30 am
Commemorate Patriots' Day with a National Park Service program marking the "shot heard 'round the world."
On April 19, 1775 British Regular soldiers search the town of Concord, Massachusetts for stockpiles of illegal military supplies. When nearly 200 Regulars crossed Concord's North Bridge and headed for the farm of militia Colonel James Barrett, they left 96 men to guard the important river crossing. Meanwhile, hundreds of local militia soldiers gathered on the hillside opposing the bridge. Those soldiers from Concord, Lincoln, Acton, Bedford, Westford, and elsewhere watched as the British searched their homes and eventually lit fires to burn military supplies. Afraid the Regulars would burn the town, the militia decided to act. They marched down the long causeway to a confrontation with British Soldiers guarding the bridge and ignited the American Revolution. Join Park Rangers as they mark the 250th Anniversary with a special ranger walk in the footsteps of those minute men and militia.
8:30 am- 9:30 am Special Ranger Walk begins at the North Bridge Visitor Center
Note: this is NOT the large event that has happened in past years. This is a 60 minute ranger-led walk.
Parking:
Check back soon for more details.
This event is co-sponsored by Friends of Minute Man National Park
The Aftermath of Battle Program
3:00 pm (30 Minutes)
Hartwell Tavern
When the fighting ended on April 19, 1775 a road of carnage stretched over 16 miles from Concord to Boston. On the 250th Anniversary of the battle, join park staff at the historic Hartwell Tavern in Lincoln Ma, to learn the harrowing stories of those who buried the dead, cared for the wounded and faced an uncertain world in the days following.
Parker’s Revenge Tactical Demonstration
Saturday, April 19, 2025
12:45 PM
Viewing Areas around Minute Man Visitor Center in Lexington
Join us on Saturday, April 19, 2025 for the Parkers' Revenge Tactical Demonstration. This signature event of the 250th Anniversary of April 19, 1775 will include the largest and most historically accurate living history experience of Patriot Day Celebrations. Watch over 750 British Regulars and Colonial Militia demonstrate the running tactics of the battle that took place along this deadly stretch of road at the border of Concord and Lincoln 250 years later. Preceding the tactical demonstration living historians of the Ladies Association of Revolutionary America will portray the evacuation of civilians from their homes along the battle route.
After the demonstration you will have the opportunity to get up close and talk with these amazing volunteers. https://www.nps.gov/mima/learn/historyculture/parker-s-revenge-lexington-s-lost-battlefield.htm
Thank you to Friends of Minute Man National Park for sponsoring this event!
Check back soon for details about parking and viewing.
Nathan Meriam House
April 12, 2025
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Visit the Nathan Meriam witness house and talk with costumed park staff about the Meriam family and the importance of the crossroad near their home on April 19, 1775. In the early afternoon of that fateful day, Militia soldiers arriving from Reading, Chelmsford, and Billerica attacked retreating British soldiers near this home. From Meriam’s Corner to Charlestown the fighting raged continuously for 8 hours and roughly 16 miles. Today, this important home marks the beginning of the “Battle Road.”
Parking:
Meriam's Corner Parking Lot: 751 Lexington Road, Concord, MA.
Overflow parking available on the day of the event.
This event is co-sponsored by Friends of Minute Man National Park
Elm Brook Hill Tactical Demonstration
Saturday, April 19, 2025
11:45 am
Viewing Areas near Hartwell Tavern
Join us on Saturday, April 19, 2025 for the Elm Brook Hill Tactical Demonstration. This signature event of the 250th Anniversary of April 19, 1775 will include the largest and most historically accurate living history experience of Patriot Day Celebrations. Watch over 750 British Regulars and Colonial Militia demonstrate the running tactics of the battle that took place along this deadly stretch of road at the border of Concord and Lincoln 250 years later. Preceding the tactical demonstration living historians of the Ladies Association of Revolutionary America will portray the evacuation of civilians from their homes along the battle route.
After the demonstration you will have the opportunity to get up close and talk with these amazing volunteers.
Learn More about the fighting near Elm Brook Hill on April 19, 1775. https://www.nps.gov/mima/learn/historyculture/elm-brook-hill.htm
Thank you to Friends of Minute Man National Park for sponsoring this event!
Check back soon for parking and viewing information.
Monday, April 21, 2025
Join National Park Rangers for an immersive 5-mile guided Battle Road trail hike to Fiske Hill and follow in the footsteps of the ill-fated British column during the Concord expedition. This experiential program will bring the stories of the battle road to life through guided interpretation and immersive Living History elements. Learn about the trials and triumphs of those who experienced the bloody events of April 19, 1775.
Registration for this presentation will begin on Sunday, March 23rd, at 10:00 am. The registration link will be provided in the mid-March newsletter of Friends of Minute Man National Park Sign up for the Friends of Minute Man newsletter to recieve the link as soon as it is published!
This year, the Friends of Minute Man are asking registering participants for a $10 suggested donation to defray transportation costs.
Thanks to Friends of Minute Man National Park for managing registration and co-sponsoring this event.
Program Logistics:
- Once registered, participants will receive additional details with starting location and a parking pass in a confirmation email.
- Registration is required and reserves one seat on the post-program shuttle bus returning participants from Fiske Hill to the starting point of the program.
- Be advised this program will be an expansive hike over 4-miles of Battle Road Trail on undulating terrain. Sturdy walking shoes/ equipment, weather appropriate clothing, and water are recommended. Park comfort stations at Hartwell Tavern, and the Minute Man Visitor Center will be open.
- Be advised bug spray is recommended
- Be advised this program will feature musket fire along with other immersive living history elements.
- Dogs are not permitted on this tour.
- Though portions of the Battle Road Trail are wheelchair accessible, the entirety of the program from start to finish involves terrain that is inaccessible.
- Sorry, we cannot accommodate non-registered participants on this program.
Parking:
Parking passes will be emailed in advance to registered participants.
Thursday, April 17, 2025
North Bridge, Concord
Ceremony 7:45 pm - 8:30 pm
Luminaria 7:30 pm- 9:00 pm
As darkness descends upon the North Bridge battlefield we invite you to come and reflect on the events of April 19, 1775 and the meaning of liberty. The evening ceremony will feature a lantern-light procession, poetry, music, and a recitation of the names of the soldiers who gave their lives on that “ever-memorable” 19th of April.
The path from the North Bridge Visitor Center to the North Bridge will be lighted with 122 luminaries to honor those who lost their lives in the battle.
Lantern light procession* starts at North Bridge Visitor Center, 174 Liberty St, Concord, MA
*To participate in the lantern-light procession, please provide your own REAL candle lantern. The procession will begin at North Bridge Visitor Center, 174 Liberty Street, Concord Ma. From there we will march down the quarter-mile path to the North Bridge where the ceremony will take place. Participants are welcome to wear 18th century clothing if they choose, but please do not bring muskets.
This event is co-sponsored by Friends of Minute Man National Park
Left Behind: British Prisoners of War on the Battle Road
Saturday, April 19, 2025
1:45 PM (30 minutes)
Jacob Whittemore House
The fighting along the Battle Road on April 19, 1775 was intense; and that intensity only grew, mile after mile, hour after hour. While many British soldiers fought on grimly, others, exhausted, simply laid down their arms and surrendered themselves to the rebels. What happened to those soldiers captured along the Battle Road? Join living historians to learn about the experiences of these unfortunate men.
This event is co-sponsored by Friends of Minute Man National Park
Determined to Meet the Regulars: The Story of Parker’s Revenge with Historian Alex Cain
Saturday, April 19, 2025
11:15 am
Parker’s Revenge Battle Site
Join Historian Alexander Cain as he discusses the pivotal events surrounding Captain John Parker's Lexington Company and the dramatic moment known as "Parker’s Revenge" on April 19, 1775. After the defeat on the Lexington Green, where Parker and his militia were overwhelmed by British forces, the Lexington men were determined to continue the fight. Parker’s Revenge marks their resolute return to the battlefield, where they played a key role in harassing and engaging the British as they retreated from Concord.
This event is co-sponsored by The Lexington Minute Men and the Friends of Minute Man National Park
Smith House Open House
Saturday, April 19, 2025
9:30 am- 11:30 am
William Smith House
Explore the interior of the William Smith House a restored 18th century home that sits on a beautifully restored section of the actual "Battle Road." On April 19, 1775 Captain William Smith led his company of Lincoln Minute Men into action at Concord’s North Bridge and along the battle road.
On the 250th Anniversary of the battle, talk with living history interpreters about the Smith family and the experiences of civilians forced to flee their homes on April 19, 1775.
This event is co-sponsored by Friends of Minute Man National Park
Barrett Farm Open House & Programs
Colonel James Barrett House
Sunday, April 13, 2025
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
On April 19th, 1775 a contingent of about 120, British Soldiers marched over the North Bridge to Barrett’s farm in search of military arms and supplies. During this open house program explore the interior of this 319 year old home, talk with park staff about military preparations in 1775, and learn the story of Rebeckah Barrett who went toe to toe with the British Soldiers searching her home.
Schedule of Events:
11:00 am- Supply Masters at Concord: Colonel Barrett & Captain Heywood
In the lead up to the American Revolution, the Massachusetts Provincial Congress called for the creation of a provincial army to oppose British Regular forces in Boston. The Provincial Congress knew that a successful army required not just men, but an incredible amount of supplies. In Concord, it appointed Colonel James Barrett and Captain Jonas Heywood as supply masters, to handle all the warlike stores amassed prior to April 19. Join Antiques Roadshow-featured expert Joel Bohy as he explores the story of these two men and the important work they did to make the American Revolution successful.
This lecture will require prior registration. Check back soon for more details
1:00 pm- Barrett Farm Open House
2:00 pm- Join the artillery program (30 Minutes)
See if you have what it takes to be an 18th century artillerist in this non-firing hands-on experience. Join a Park Ranger for an interactive program about 18th century cannons and their use on the battlefield.
4:00 pm- Site Closed
Open House Parking:
Colonel James Barrett House: 448 Barrett's Mill Road, Concord MA 01742
This event is co-sponsored by Friends of Minute Man National Park
Hartwell Tavern Open House
Saturday, April 19, 2025
9:30 a.m.- 11:30 a.m.
12:30 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Hartwell Tavern
Explore the interior of Hartwell Tavern, a restored 18th century home and tavern that sits on a beautifully restored section of the actual "Battle Road." On the 250th Anniversary of the battle, talk with living history interpreters dressed in eighteenth century attire and learn about the experiences of the Hartwell Family on April 19, 1775.
This event is co-sponsored by Friends of Minute Man National Park
Caught in the Storm of War: The Civilian Evacuation
Saturday, April 19, 2025
11:00 am- 11:20 am
William Smith House
Join us for a special 250th Anniversary talk by Living Historian Audry Stuck-Girard. Learn about the experiences of non-combatants on April 19, 1775 and the incredible stories of those who struggled to protect their families from the horrors of war.
This program presented by the Ladies Association of Revolutionary America and co-sponsored by Friends of Minute Man National Park
Royal Artillery Firing Demonstration
Saturday, April 19, 2025
3:00 pm (30 Minutes)
Trainor Field near Minute Man Visitor Center
On the afternoon of April 19, 1775 a reinforcement column led by British Brigadier General Hugh Percy arrived in Lexington to rescue the battered British Soldiers retreating from Concord. As Militia soldiers swarmed through Lexington the boom of two 6-pounder British Artillery pieces echoed across the town and sent the militiamen scattering for cover.
Join Park Rangers and Volunteers as they talk through the key role British Artillery played during the afternoon of April 19, 1775. This program will include an artillery firing demonstration from park volunteers portraying Royal Artillery.
This event is co-sponsored by Friends of Minute Man National Park
Outdoor Activities
Experiences
Event Programming
