Overview
The American Battlefield Trust's digital tour of Concord & Battle Road makes experiencing the battlefield easy and fun--and it's free!
Experiences
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 winter. We anticipate re-opening in May 2026 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.
Minute Man Visitor Center is located near the eastern entrance of the park just off I-95 on Rt 2A. The visitor center exhibits include a forty-foot mural that portrays the fighting between Colonists and British Regulars and artifacts from the Parker's Revenge Archaeological investigation. Road to Revolution multimedia theater program runs every 30 minutes. The last viewing of the show will begin 30 minutes before closing. Reservations are not accepted. The show runs 27 minutes in duration.
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!
British Army Camp Followers Display Open
10:00 am until 4:30 pm
Minute Man Visitor Center
When British Regular Soldiers arrived in Boston during the summer of 1774, they brought hundreds of civilians and the families of soldiers stationed in North America. Join living history volunteers as they discuss the experiences of civilians following the British Army during its campaigns in North America.
1:30 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 251st Anniversary of the battle, join park staff at the historic Hartwell Tavern in Lincoln Ma, to learn the harrowing stories of those who cared for the wounded and faced an uncertain world in the days following.
What did it mean to be a minute man in 1775? How were they trained and armed? Join a park ranger at the historic Hartwell Tavern in Lincoln MA, where John and Isaac Hartwell, two minute men from the town of Lincoln, lived. Discover the motivations and realities faced by those who volunteered to be “ready at a minute’s warning.” This program includes a musket firing demonstration. Visitors with hearing concerns should exercise caution.
Explore the interior of the Nathan Meriam House. Talk with park staff and learn about the fighting that swept through Meriam's corner on April 19, 1775.
Patriot Vigil
Ceremony 7:45 pm - 8:30 pm
Luminaria 7:30 pm- 9:00 pm
North Bridge, Concord
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
The King of Battle: Artillery Demonstration
North Bridge Visitor Center
11:00 am & 1:00 pm (30 Minutes)
Betweeen September 1774 and April 1775, the people of Massachusetts raced British soldiers to secure large quantities of artillery and ammunition. Overall, the Patriot forces moved scores of cannon from the coast of Massachusetts to inland stockpiles including one located in Concord. Come experience the devestating power of artillery in 1775 and learn why the threat of patriot cannon unltimately spurred the British Army into action.
Programs will be held at 11 am and 1 pm. Firing will be dependent on weather and cannon crew.
This event is co-sponsored by the Friends of Minute Man National Park
Royal Artillery Firing Demonstration
Sunday, April 19, 2026
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
Hartwell Tavern Open House
Saturday, April 18, 2026
10:00 am until 4:30 pm
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." 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
Elm Brook Hill Immersive Battle Walk
11:00 am (2 Hours)
Hartwell Tavern
Join us for an immerisve battle walk through the fighting around Elm Brook Hill on April 19, 1775. Participate in the experience as you walk the Battle Road and learn about the recent archaeological investigations that unlocked the stories of soldies who fought and died across this battlefield.
This program will cover a loop of roughly 1 mile along the Battle Road Trail. At times it will include musket firing and require visitors to move briskly. Please bring water and study walking shoes.
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.
Smith House Open House
Saturday, April 18, 2026
10:00 am until 4:30 pm
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.
Talk with living history interpreters about the Smith family and the experiences of civilians during the leadup to war in 1774 and 1775.
This event is co-sponsored by Friends of Minute Man National Park
Parker's Revenge Immersive Battle Walk
2:30 pm (1 Hour)
Minute Man Visitor center
Join us for an immerisve battle walk at the site of Parker's Revenge on April 19, 1775. Participate in the experience as you walk the Battle Road and learn about the recent archaeological investigations that unlocked the stories of soldies who fought and died across this battlefield.
This program will cover a loop of roughly 0.5 miles along the Battle Road Trail. At times it will include musket firing and require visitors to move briskly. Please bring water and study walking shoes.
Colonel James Barrett House
Saturday, April 18, 2026
10:00 am until 4:30 pm
Explore the interior of the Colonel James Barrett House an 18th century home that sits on a beautifully restored section of the actual "Battle Road." In 1774 and 1775 Colonel James Barrett collected large stockpiles of military supplies at his home and across Concord. On April 19, 1775 British soldiers march to Concord with orders to destory those supplies.
Talk with living history interpreters about the Barrett family and the experiences of civilians during the leadup to war in 1774 and 1775.
This event is co-sponsored by Friends of Minute Man National Park
Caught in the Storm of War: The Civilian Experience
10:00 am (45 Minutes)
William Smith House
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.
Preparing for war 1775
2:00 pm (45 Minutes)
Hartwell Tavern
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. Join park staff and living history interpreters as they talk through the incredible efforts of the people to build a Massachusetts Army in 1775.
Meet at North Bridge Visitor Center
Moments of great importance often hinge upon individuals making decisions in the heat of the moment. At Concord’s North Bridge on April 19, 1775 soldiers on both sides made decisions that changed the course of history. Meet a park ranger at North Bridge Visitor Center for a 1 hour walking tour from the visitor center to the North Bridge battle site. Learn about the battle from the perspective of the participants. Along the way, the 18th century battlefield and landscape will be revealed as you walk in the footsteps of the minute men.
Outdoor Activities
Experiences
Event Programming
