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40 Reasons to Visit Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts

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Historic sites

Visitor centers.

The Lexington Visitor Center , operated by the Lexington Chamber of Commerce , is located near the Lexington Battle Green and the Buckman Tavern. At the Center, you can view a diorama of the Battle of Lexington and pick up brochures and directions to area attractions. Public restrooms are available.

The Minute Man National Historical Park Visitor Center on route 2A in Lincoln offers orientation programs, exhibits, information, ranger programs, and a bookstore. This is a good place to begin your visit to the Park. One feature of the exhibit design is a specially-commissioned mural by artist John Rush that depicts Colonists and British Redcoats fighting along the Battle Road. Public restrooms are available.

The North Bridge Visitor Center at Minute Man National Historical Park in Concord is in the former mansion of Major Buttrick of the Concord Minute Men. The Center offers an exhibit of clothing, uniforms, and accoutrements of Colonial militia and British Regulars as well as information, ranger programs, and a bookstore. Public restrooms are available.

The Concord Visitor Center , operated by the Concord Chamber of Commerce , is located on Main Street in the center of Concord behind the Middlesex Savings Bank. At the beautiful new Center, brochures and information for Concord area attractions are available. Public restrooms are located at the Visitor Center.

Lexington and Concord

When 8 men were shot by British soldiers on Lexington Green just three years after the Boston Massacre, the countryside of Massachusetts fired back the blast we now call “the shot heard ‘round the world.” Hear the tale of the Midnight Ride of Paul Revere while traveling on the path he rode. Be stunned to stand on the site of the morning’s first shootings in Lexington. Walk over the Old North Bridge, and imagine you were there at the exact moment that the American War for Independence began on April 19th, 1775. This incredible tour allows guests to be at same locations where the soldiers of the British Empire and the farmers of the Continental countryside squared off to start the push for a new nation that would lead to the United States of America. Many of the farmhouses and sites from the night are still standing, and the area has remained undeveloped, making this tour a journey back into time, better than any film set or book. In addition, discover the literary world of the Transcendentalists Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, and Bronson Alcott, Bronson’s daughter Louisa May Alcott (Little Women), and their neighbor Nathaniel Hawthorne. The tiny town of Concord has produced an outsized contribution to the founding of the nation and its rich literary history.

Lexington Battle Green

Hancock-Clarke House

Paul Revere Capture Site

Hartwell Tavern

Wayside (Hawthorne’s House)

Orchard House (Alcott Residence)

Sleep Hollow Cemetery (author’s ridge)

Old North Bridge

Walden Pond/Thoreau Cabin replica

This tour is minimum 3 hours, but can be extended up to 6 hours.

A vehicle is required for this tour.

One of our guides can accompany you in your vehicle for $150.00 per hour.

Unfortunately, we cannot arrange vehicles at this time.

May through October, this tour can be done by bicycle.

Please  call or email  for details.

The Orchard House , the Old Manse , and The Wayside all offer tours inside for a small additional fee. Please let us know if you’d like to build in a visit to one of these beautiful historic homes. ​

If it’s summertime, we’d love to take you swimming! Bring swim clothes, and we can usually get into Walden Pond , a wonderful place for the public to swim. Be warned! On the weekends, it can get crowded, and only 1000 people are allowed down to the pond at a time for reasons of conservation and preservation. But the water, as a result, is pristine, and super nice on a hot day.

We can walk with you to the original site of Thoreau’s Cabin . It adds roughly 15 minutes there, and 15 minutes walking back from the Walden Pond parking lot.​

We recommend having lunch in Concord, or else coming back to the Boston area, where Harvard Square is a great spot for it. Let us know if you need recommendations, or if you’d like to build lunch into the tour at an historic (or else just tasty) restaurant.

We Can't...

Please note! A vehicle IS required to make this tour path. Our guides can accompany you in your own vehicle, or we can arrange vehicles and drivers for smaller groups (1-14). If you need a mini bus or a full size motor coach, we can suggest places to book, but we cannot arrange the larger vehicles for you.

Full sized motor coaches may not enter the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery.​​

Large groups wishing to make a visit to Walden Pond must make a reservation. Small fees for parking may apply.

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3 Fun Things to Do in Lexington and Concord

Massachusetts / October 9, 2019 by Cathy / Leave a Comment This article may contain sponsored content or affiliate links.

Planning a trip to Boston?

It’s Cathy from My Book a Day . When we booked our summer trip to Boston, we had to spend a day in Lexington and Concord. So many things happened there during the Revolutionary War! We needed to take our kids (18,18, 13 and 5) so they could see where history happened.

Lexington and Concord are about 30 minutes' drive from Boston. You can take a tour of this area, and I’m sure that they have great information. However, we focused on the national park and free historical sites, which kept our costs down.

This area was beautiful and peaceful, with lots of opportunity to learn history and walk outdoors. I could spend days touring historic homes and soaking up the scenery, but my kids were less enthusiastic. Be realistic about how many hours you can spend here, unless your kids are really into Revolutionary War history or American authors.

Here are my top things to do in Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts. 

Lexington Battle Green

Our first stop was the Lexington Battle Green , also known as Lexington Common. This small, unassuming park was the site of the first shots fired in the Revolutionary War.

It was amazing to stand there – with the noisy sounds of cars, buses and people – and think about how it would have been to have lived there back then. Imagining British Regulars coming down the road toward the park was enough to give me shivers. 

Look for tour guides in colonial costume during warm weather months. They will give you a complimentary walking tour of the Battle Green and its monuments.

There are homes, taverns, and churches around the park that were there during the Revolutionary War. Several are open for tours. I loved being surrounded by so much history.

Related: Our Favorite Family Activities in Boston

Minute Man National Historical Park

Minute Man National Historical Park is big! You can take the trails that the British would have taken through Lexington, Lincoln and Concord, reading the historic information at placards along the way, or you can drive along Route 2A which parallels the trail.

The entire Battle Road Trail is just over 9 miles long, so we chose to drive instead of walk. There are lots of historic homes and sites along the way. We stopped at a couple of the visitor centers.

The visitor centers have pamphlets, as well as an app that explains what you’re seeing along the way. I love the way you can do as much or as little walking as you want. And since the road goes right along the trail, you can still see the historic buildings that are along the way.

Make sure you stop at the North Bridge Visitor Center . Not only can you go inside a brick mansion from 1911, but you can visit the Old North Bridge , which is the site of the first real battle of the American Revolution. 

Make sure to go to the bridge itself. It’s a short, easy walk. The area is just so peaceful. It’s hard to picture it being a site of a battle. The gardens were also beautiful and well worth taking a few minutes to check them out. 

Kids can earn a free souvenir Junior Ranger badge. Ask for a booklet a ranger desk early in your visit, then return for the badge when your kids have completed the activities. This program is intended for kids ages 5-12.

It costs nothing to visit Minute Man National Historical Park. There is a small tour fee for The Wayside: Home of Authors.

Learn more about Minute Man National Historical Park at https://www.nps.gov/mima

Related: 5 Fun Things to Do in Boston With Kids

Authors' Homes

Along Highway 2A – at the far end of Minute Man National Historical Park – you’ll find The Wayside. Three famous authors lived here: Louisa May Alcott, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Harriet Lothrop (Margaret Sidney).

We didn’t stop here, but I wish we could have! There is a small fee for adults to take the tour, but there is no charge for kids under age 17.

Orchard House, which was also home to Louisa May Alcott, is just outside the national park. There is a charge for this tour too, but it is included with the Go Boston card . 

You’ll find Walden Pond nearby. This famous pond inspired the book Walden by Henry David Thoreau. 

Related: Tips for a Day Trip to Peaks Island, Maine

More Things to Do

There's a lot more in Lexington and Concord than we were able to do in a day. Here are a few more resources that may help your family make the most of your visit:

Official Visitor Websites – Check out the official visitor websites for Lexington and Concord. Lexington's site is especially helpful.

• https://www.tourlexington.us/
• https://www.concordma.gov/1920/Visitor-Center

Go Boston Card – Several popular Lexington and Concord attractions are included with the Go Boston card. They are: 

• Liberty Ride – a 90-minute guided trolley tour
• Orchard House – See where Louisa May Alcott lived and wrote
• Buckman Tavern – a Revolutionary War gathering place
• Concord Museum – For art and Americana, this is one of the oldest museums in the U.S.

Go Boston is a great way to save money on the most popular attractions in and around Boston. Click the button below to learn more at https://gocity.com/boston .

Free Tours By Foot has a good article with tips for visiting Lexington and Concord. It includes details on how to get there using public transportation from Boston. Learn more at https://freetoursbyfoot.com/visiting-lexington-concord-boston/.

Related: Tips for Visiting Fort Ticonderoga

There is so much to see and do in this part of Massachusetts. I was wishing we had more time and more willing adventurers!

I hope that our experience helps your family plan a great day at Lexington and Concord.

Happy travels!

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“Stand Your Guard,” a National Guard Heritage Painting by Don Troiani depicting the Battle of Lexington and Concord.

Lexington and Concord

Massachusetts  |  apr 19, 1775.

In this first battle of the American Revolution, Massachusetts colonists defied British authority, outnumbered and outfought the Redcoats, and embarked on a lengthy war to earn their independence.

HOW IT ENDED

American victory. The British marched into Lexington and Concord intending to suppress the possibility of rebellion by seizing weapons from the colonists. Instead, their actions sparked the first battle of the Revolutionary War. The colonists’ intricate alarm system summoned local militia companies, enabling them to successfully counter the British threat.

Thomas Gage was appointed Royal Governor of Massachusetts in 1774 and tasked by the British Parliament with stamping out rising unrest caused by restrictive British policies. Gage inflamed tensions between the colonies and the mother country and practiced harsh enforcement of British law. He drafted the Coercive Acts , a series of laws intended to punish colonists for deeds of defiance against the King, such as the Boston Tea Party.

By April 1775, Gage was facing the threat of outright rebellion. He hoped to prevent violence by ordering the seizure of weapons and powder being stored in Concord, Massachusetts, twenty miles northwest of Boston. But he underestimated the courage and determination of the colonists. Patriot spies got wind of Gage’s plan. On the evening of April 18, Paul Revere and other riders raised the alarm that British regulars were on their way to Concord. Minute Men and militias rushed to confront them early on April 19. Though it is uncertain who actually fired the first shot that day, it reverberated throughout history. Eight years of war followed, and those who stood their ground against Gage’s troops eventually earned independence from Britain and became citizens of the democratic United States of America.

British Lt. Col. Francis Smith assembles the 700 regulars under his command to capture and destroy military stores presumably hidden by the Massachusetts militia at Concord.  When the King’s troops depart Boston for Concord on the evening of April 18, anti-British intelligence quickly informs patriot leader Dr. Joseph Warren about their intentions. Warren sends for riders Paul Revere and William Dawes to spread the alarm. Revere takes the short water route from Boston across the harbor to Charlestown, while Dawes rides out across Boston Neck. Revere and Dawes depart Boston around 10:00 p.m. At the same time, two lanterns briefly flicker from the Old North Church steeple, a prearranged signal designed by Revere to alert the patriot network that the British will row across Boston harbor instead of marching out over the Neck.

On reaching the Charlestown shore, Revere mounts and begins his ride to Lexington. As he passes through the towns of Somerville, Medford, and Menotomy (now Arlington), other riders set out, guns fire, and church bells peal—all warning the countryside of the coming threat. Minute Men grab their weapons and head for town greens, followed by the rest of the militia. By the time the British cross the water, word of their imminent arrival has already reached Concord.

April 19. British troops march into the small town of Lexington at about 5:00 a.m. to find themselves faced by a militia company of more 70 men led by Capt. John Parker . When the vanguard of the British force rushes toward them across the town green, Parker immediately orders his company to disperse. At some point a shot rings out—historians still debate who fired it—and the nervous British soldiers fire a volley, killing seven and mortally wounding one of the retreating militiamen. The British column moves on toward Concord, leaving the dead, wounded, and dying in their wake.

Arriving in Concord at approximately 8:00 a.m., British commanders Francis Smith and John Pitcairn order several companies, about 220 troops in all, to secure the North Bridge across the Concord River and then continue on another mile to the Barrett Farm, where a cache of arms and powder is presumably located. A growing assembly of close to 400 militia from Concord and the surrounding towns gather on the high ground, where they see smoke rising from Concord. Mistakenly assuming the Redcoats are torching the town, the militia companies advance. The Acton Company, commanded by 30-year-old Capt. Isaac Davis, is at the head of the column. When asked if his men are prepared to confront the British troops, Davis says, “I haven’t a man afraid to go.”

As the Minute Men march down the hill, the British soldiers, intimidated by their numbers and orderly advance, retreat to the opposite shore and prepare to defend themselves. When Davis’s company comes within range, the Redcoats open fire, killing Davis and also Abner Hosmer, another Acton Minute Man. Major Buttrick of Concord shouts, “For God’s sake, fire!” and the Minute Men respond, killing three British soldiers and wounding nine others. This volley is considered “the shot heard round the world” and sends the British troops retreating back to town.

Smith and Pitcairn order a return to Boston, which devolves into a rout as the British are attacked from all sides by swarms of angry Minute Men along what is now known as Battle Road. When they reach Lexington, Parker’s men take their revenge for the violence suffered that morning, firing on the British regulars from behind cover. For the next 12 miles, the British are continually ambushed by Minute Men shooting from behind trees, rock walls, and buildings.  British reinforcements reach Smith and Pitcairn’s men on the eastern outskirts of Lexington, but the Minute Men pursue them as they retreat back to Boston.

The British conduct a running fight until they can reach the cover of British guns on ships anchored in the waterways surrounding Boston. The Patriots chase them but, having no clear orders, ultimately let them escape.

In the wake of Lexington and Concord, Governor Gage finds Boston faced by a huge militia of men who have arrived from throughout New England to fight for liberty. Numbering 20,000, this resolute force will become part of the Continental Army.

In the immediate aftermath of the battle, participants and witnesses on both sides gave depositions testifying to the events of April 19, 1775. Eager to get the colonists’ version of the battle to London before Governor Gage’s testimony could arrive at Parliament, the Provincial Congress rushed to print 100 copies of their own narrative and sent them by schooner to England. The American story hit the London newspapers before Gage’s account arrived. It began:

ON the nineteenth day of April one thousand, seven hundred and seventy five, a day to be remembered by all Americans of the present generation, and which ought and doubtless will be handed down to ages yet unborn, in which the troops of Britain, unprovoked, shed the blood of sundry of the loyal American subjects of the British King in the field of Lexington. Early in the morning of said day, a detachment of the forces under the command of General Gage, stationed at Boston, attacked a small party of the inhabitants of Lexington and some other towns adjacent….

Governor Gage submitted his own “Circumstantial Account of an Attack” at Lexington and Concord, which was drawn from several different testimonies and intended to win support for the regulars’ actions:

When they arrived at the End of the Village, they observed about 200 armed Men, drawn up on a Green, and when the Troops came within a Hundred Yards of them, they began to file off towards some Stone Walls, on their right Flank : The Light Infantry observing this, ran after them ; the Major instantly called to the Soldiers not to fire, but to surround and disarm them ; some of them who had jumped over a Wall, then fired four or five Shot at the Troops, wounded a Man of the 10th Regiment, and the Major's Horse in two Places, and at the same Time several Shots were fired from a Meeting-House on the left: Upon this, without any Order or Regularity, the Light Infantry began a scattered Fire, and killed several of the Country People; but were silenced as soon as the Authority of their Officers could make them.

Some of those who gave testimony in 1775 later changed their minds about what happened, and the biases of both sides make conclusions difficult. Despite these public relations campaigns to set the story straight, we still don’t know the truth.

When the alarm about the regulars’ advance reached families along the Battle Road, many women were left behind while their husbands set off to join their militias. As the British searched homes for contraband, some of them deftly shielded secret stores of arms from the Redcoats, risking personal harm. They slyly misled the troops as to the whereabouts of valuables or quickly buried contraband before the regulars showed up at their doors.

Mary Moulton of Concord was particularly heroic. When Pitcairn’s troops set a fire that threatened to spread, Moulton implored the soldiers to extinguish the flames and saved her town from destruction. Moulton later detailed her deed in an application for a pension:

Your petitioner, being left to the mercy of six or seven hundred armed men, and no person near but an old man of eighty-five years, and myself seventy –one years old, and both very infirm…. cultivated so much favor as to talk a little with them. When all on a sudden they had set fire to the great gun carriages just by the house, and while they were in flames your petitioner saw smoke arise out of the Town House higher than the ridge of the house. Then your petitioner did put her life, as it were, in her hand, and ventured to beg of the officers to send some of their men to put out the fire; but they took no notice, only sneered…. your petitioner (not knowing but she might provoke them by her insufficient pleading) yet ventured to put as much strength to her arguments as an unfortunate widow could think of; …At last, by one pail of water after another, they sent and did extinguish the fire.

There are were doubtless many other colonial women—both white and black, free and enslaved—who took on unheralded roles that day as hundreds of regulars marched into their towns. That we don’t know their names or more about them is largely due to their subservient status in a society that denied them autonomy, education, and recognition.

Lexington and Concord: Featured Resources

Lexington and Concord: The Shot Heard 'Round the World

Paul Revere's Ride

Siege of Boston

Battlefield Archaeology Leads to New Information about Lexington and Concord

Bunker Hill

Lexington & Concord | Parker's Revenge/Fiske Hill | Apr 19, 1775

All battles of the Boston Campaign

Rev War   |   Battle Boston Massachusetts  |  Apr 19, 1775 - Mar 17, 1776 Result: American Victory Est. Casualties: 98 American: 19 British: 79

Rev War   |   Battle Lexington and Concord Massachusetts  |  Apr 19, 1775 Result: American Victory Est. Casualties: 393 American: 93 British: 300

Rev War   |   Battle Bunker Hill Massachusetts  |  Jun 17, 1775 Result: British Victory Est. Casualties: 1,532 American: 450 British: 1,054

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Revolutionary War

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History buffs rejoice!  You’ve come to the right place.

We suggest you start your day in Concord at the Concord Visitor Center at 58 Main Street.  Smiling faces will be happy to assist with maps, information and great suggestions.  The Visitor Center also has public restrooms, water fountains and snacks available for sale.

From there, we’ve created our list of ‘must-see’ locations for your visit.

Enjoy your day

Old Hill Burial Ground

Overlooking Monument Square is Concord’s Old Hill Burying Ground, which officially dates back to 1677, though is thought to contain unmarked graves from the town’s earliest settlers. Several prominent figures are buried here, including Captain John Parker, who led the militia men on April 19, 1775. John Jack, the first free slave to own land in Concord, is also buried here. Monument Square, Concord, MA 01742

Old North Bridge

Stroll through history at Minuteman National Historic Park. Visit the Old North Bridge, walk in the footsteps of the Minute Men on Battle Road, or learn about some of Concord’s literary history at the Wayside. The North Bridge, Minute Man Statue, grave of British Soldiers and monuments, marks “the shot heard round the world.” Check visitor center or web-site for the ranger talk schedule.

978-369-6993

https://www.nps.gov/mima/north-bridge-questions.htm

Concord Free Public Library

Visit the Concord Free Public Library for a glance into our amazing history. Filled with art, sculpture and a special collection that includes the original manuscript of Little Women, you won’t want to miss this.

978-318-3300

https://concordlibrary.org/

Minuteman National Park Visitor Center

Sites to see include the Old North Bridge, Minuteman Statue and 2 visitor centers with live and recorded presentations.  Open Daily April 1-October 31. Free

https://www.nps.gov/mima/planyourvisit/minute-man-visitor-center.htm

Concord Museum

The Concord Museum, at 53 Cambridge Turnpike, has a collection of artifacts used on the day the American Revolution began: Muskets, powder horns, flints, and of course, one of the two lanterns that Paul Revere had placed in the steeple of Boston’s Old North Church to signal the patriots of the advance of the Redcoats. (Other periods of Concord history are represented, too, including Henry David Thoreau’s desk and other items, and Native American stone tools going back 10,000 years.) Watch the Museum’s website for an all-new exhibit opening in 2021 that tells the story of April 19, 1775.

978-369-9763

https://concordmuseum.org/

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Visitor's Guide to Lexington and Concord

F or the American history fan, the cities of Lexington and Concord are on the bucket list. Most well known as the locations which saw the first shots of a revolution, they also were the home of America’s greatest minds as well. The breadth of the history available to those who come to Lexington and Concord is vast. Enjoy war history? This is the place to come. Enjoy great American authors? This is the place to come. Enjoy quaint American towns? This is the place to come. It’s got pretty much everything for everyone, including you

Minute Man National Park

Depending on how you arrive in the area, traveling to Minute Man National Park may take you through Lexington. For us, we settled on the quicker highway route and ended up at Minute Man first on our travels. After parking, the visitors center is a pleasant walk through the woods and a clearing. Beyond this pleasant little walk, the visitor center is packed with great historical information and guidance to the area.

When you first go in, I encourage you to watch the short presentation. It runs nearly continuously during the day and give you a great introduction to the battles of Lexington and Concord. The production has that wonderfully quaint quality that you seem to find only at state or national parks.

The Old North Bridge over the Concord River

Beyond the visitor center, the park stretches out along the road. You can stop and visit places like Paul Revere’s capture site, many of the still existing homes along the way, or Hartwell Tavern. In fact, for the ambitious among you its possible to even hike the entirety of the “Battle Road”. This trail runs through the park and follows the route that the British and Colonials fought along from Concord to Boston.

The Old North Bridge

The Old North Bridge has its own visitor center and beautiful grounds. We took the opportunity to have a picnic lunch here and enjoy the gorgeous fall weather. From the Visitor Center you’ll be able to see the Concord River and the bridge itself.

While the Old North Bridge is no longer the original, standing on the side the Colonials defended can truly put you back in time. Its easy to imagine standing upon that bridge, preparing yourself for a fight and not knowing the outcome. I stood there and wondered if those men understood just what had begun.

Home to Hawthorne and Emerson

Just across the Old North Bridge lies The Old Manse . This home not only bore witness to the first shots of the Revolution, but served as the home for some of America’s greatest minds. The grounds also provided me with one of my favorite pictures from this trip. It has a small dock on the Concord River which you can access and even launch a kayak from. I used it to grab a perfect image of the bridge over the calm waters of the Concord.

Homes of Great American Minds

Boston and the towns surrounding it have served as the home for many of America’s greatest writers and thinkers. During the time of the revolution it was men such as John Hancock, Sam Adams, and others who lived on this land. In later years this area served as the inspiration for Henry David Thoreau, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Louisa May Alcott and Ralph Waldo Emerson.

It is these later authors who still have a great impact on the area. They were all contemporaries in some fashion, and in many cases, they actually lived in or spent time in the homes of each other. These homes are some of the best attractions in the area. Most are preserved and able to be appreciated in much the same state as when they were last lived in.

Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House was preparing for their 150th anniversary

The three most prominent are the Wayside, the Orchard House, and the Old Manse. Wayside and Orchard House are next to each other, a simple walk down the road. The Old Manse is a bit further away, but has a history linked with that of the American Revolution. Though I wished to tour all three, our timing meant that we only took the guided tour of the Orchard House.

For any fan of Little Women , the Orchard House is a must. Of all the things to do near Boston, this was the one my wife insisted we do. I’m quite happy we did because the guided tour was so full of great information about Louisa and the Alcotts. Fans of the book will be able to link many of the locations to this house and its items as well. I enjoyed the brief look into life back then and the connections the Alcotts had to the great minds of the day.

The Towns of Lexington and Concord

The towns of Lexington and Concord are precisely what you would picture a small New England Town to look like. Both are fairly compact and filled with small shops and local eateries. Concord’s location near the Old North Bridge, Old Manse, and many of the other homes in the area means you might not spend much time in Concord proper. Even with all the time we spent nearby, we still didn’t get a chance to visit Walden Pond, the Concord Museum or Sleepy Hallow Cemetery.

Memorial at the Lexington Battle Green

I did make sure to have us stop for a bit in Lexington. Unlike Concord, the City of Lexington and its associated battle took place in what is now the heart of the town. The Lexington Common, where the battle took place, is open and accessible. It was a surreal feeling to know that I stood where the first blood in the revolution was spilled. However, unlike the Freedom Trail, the overwhelming push of time didn’t feel so apparent. You could stand in the center of that green and imagine the Minutemen exiting Buckman Tavern across the way to meet the oncoming British.

While there are fewer sites to explore in Lexington, both of the towns offer plenty to those in love with history. There is simply so much which surrounds them and that they contain. It felt easier to become connected to the past in these two towns than it did surrounded by all that modern Boston offers. No trip to Boston can be complete without taking time to visit Lexington and Concord.

An Eye Towards History in Lexington and Concord

As one of the major parts of my “ heritage tourism ” experience while in Boston, these cities didn’t disappoint. Neither of them pretend that they are something they are not. The history they offer isn’t hidden away from your eyes, but something proudly displayed. When you travel here, you’ll need to come with an eye towards experiencing and enjoying that history. It lies in so many little nooks and crannies, yet also in the woods and open spaces that surround you.

Lexington and Concord were some of my favorite parts of my trip to Boston. If you’ve enjoyed reading this, then check out my time in Salem . If you’ve only got one day in Boston , then I’ve got a guide for that too! Want to follow along with my travels live? Then check out my Facebook for updates and “micro-blogs” or Instagram for daily photos! Subscribe to my blog today and get updates as soon as they post!

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About Lexington, Massachusetts

Lexington is the birthplace of american liberty.

Our town has a proud tradition of hosting visitors from throughout the nation and around the world who come here to walk in the footsteps of our nation’s first patriots.

Lexington offers visitors a multitude of educational and entertaining opportunities to experience our Revolutionary past: three historic houses, the National Heritage Museum and Minute Man National Historical Park as well as guided tours of the Battle Green and on the Liberty Ride to visit the historic sites of Lexington and Concord .

The citizens of Lexington look forward to sharing our heritage with you.

CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION

Originally known as Cambridge Farms, Lexington was first settled in 1642 by farmers attracted by the availability of hay fields, farming acreage, and the possibilities of land speculation. Early settlers formed their own parish in 1691 to avoid traveling into Cambridge, and Lexington was incorporated in 1713.

Lexington is situated in the Greater Boston area, which has excellent rail, air, and highway facilities. Lexington lies 11 miles northwest of Boston. Under light traffic conditions, assume 30 minutes travel time from the city.

Visitor Center

Come and see us at the Visitors Center! Let us help you plan your day in Lexington! Located at 1875 Massachusetts Avenue across from the Lexington Battle Green and iconic Minuteman Statue.

April 10, 2024

Revolutionary Restaurants in Lexington

Lexington is home to many different restaurants that appeal to any kind of craving. You’ll find endless food options from Thai, Italian, Indian, Mexican, and Asian, to American and French….

April 3, 2024

Explore Art in Lexington, MA

Are you looking to embrace your inner artist? Visit Lexington, where the arts and culture come alive. From studios to craft fairs to community projects, here are five ways this…

March 20, 2024

Travel Back in Time to Patriots’ Day

Every April, Massachusetts residents celebrate Patriots’ Day, when we commemorate the sacrifices of the militia and Minutemen on this fateful day. Learn more about how Lexington and Massachusetts celebrate this monumental…

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Visiting Lexington & Concord from Boston

The first shots of the Revolutionary War (War of Independence, depending on which side you were one) were fired as the sun rose over Lexington, Massachusetts. While visiting Boston, you'll be inundated with Revolutionary War history and sites, but why not start from the beginning?

Leaving Boston , you can follow the British foot steps, but don't worry you don't have to take a horse! Getting to Lexington and Concord from Boston is simple.

• Getting to Lexington & Concord from Boston
• What to do in Lexington & Concord
• Free Tours by Foot Boston

Getting to Lexington and Concord from Boston By Public Transportation:

To get to Lexington , you can take the subway and bus. In total, it only takes about 45 minutes.

Take the Subway (Redline) to Alewife MBTA Station, bus routes #76 and #62 run to and from Alewife Station in Cambridge. Travel time one way is about 25 minutes.

On both routes, buses run frequently during peak hours, traveling along Massachusetts Avenue and making stops in Lexington Center.

You can also get to Concord by MBTA from Boston.

There are two commuter rail stops in Concord on the line running from Boston to Fitchberg. One stops in Concord, the other in West Concord. Be aware that while the one in Concord is closest to the usual tourist attractions it is still about a mile's walk to the downtown/Milldam area and about the same distance to Walden Pond.

If you need help navigating the T (subway), check out our post.

Driving from Boston to Lexington and Concord:

This is probably the most common as it's a pretty short drive and parking is available. Of course it depends on where in Boston you are and what time of day you're traveling.

• From Boston to Lexington Green: approx. 25 minutes
• From Boston to Monument Square Concord.: approx. 35 minutes
• Between Monument Square Concord. and Lexington Green: approx. 15 minutes

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Things to Do in Lexington and Concord

The first battles of the Revolutionary War were fought in these two (and other surrounding towns). The British Regulars (now remember, you can't call them British vs. Americans just yet, we were all British at that time!) were on the way to Concord to destory military supplies. They were first engaged in Lexington but beat back the local militia and continued to Concord, where they met more resistance and would return to Boston.

Though the first shot fired was in Lexington, it was at the Battle at North Bridge in Concord that Ralph Waldo Emerson called "the shot heard round the world."

Visiting Lexington, Massachusetts

You'll want to head to the Lexington Green as a good starting point for any historic visit to this small town. Here is where the first shots of the Revolutionary War were fired. The green today has some historic markers and sites but you don't have to give yourself a tour. Look for a Battle Green Guide in traditional Revolutionary garb who can offer you more information and answer questions you may have.

A marker now stands on the green where the Belfry stood in April 1775 that sounded the alarm to call the militia to arms, but an exact replica can be found across the street (there are signs and a walkway) which has an 18th century bell inside.

A few of the historic buildings in the area are open as museums, including John Hancock's childhood home (a 5 minute walk from the Green) or Buckman's Tavern which has the original tavern door with bullet hole in it from the battle.

Buckman's Tavern is included on the Boston Go Card and offers free admission!

Visiting Concord, Massachusetts

The Old North Bridge is located near the historic city center, though its not the original battle bridge (that was taken down in 1788), it is a replica. You can learn all about it at the Old North Bridge Visitor Center on Liberty Street.

Not far from the Bridge is the Old Manse , which offer guided tours of the house where Ralph Waldo Emerson and Nathanial Hawthorne lived.

Concord is full of literary history and you can also tour Louisa May Alcott's "Orchard House" where Little Women was both written and set. Orchard House is included on the Boston Go Card and offers free admission!

Just a 10 minute drive from the Old North Bridge is Walden Pond, where you can see Henry Thoreau's cabin site and be inspired by the surrounding natural setting. There is a large paid parking lot off Walden Street (Rt 126) and it's only about a 10-12 minute walk around the pond to the site of his cabin, though it is no longer standing. You can also see a replica of the cabin nearby.

Once you've finished your historical and literary adventure, retreat back to Boston (just like the British regulars) and continue the journey on our Freedom Trail Walking Tour.

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• Visit Lexington & Concord in Massachusetts

Explore More of Lexington & Concord

Burlington is just 30 minutes from the historic Lexington and Concord. Each area is rich in history over centuries. You can stop by Lexington and Concord’s historical sites while learning about how both played a vital role in the American Revolution. When you need a break from all of the history, you can explore the outdoors at one of the many parks in the area.

Hancock-Clarke House

36 Hancock St

781-861-0928

The Village Art Room

152 Commonwealth Ave

978-540-0221

North Bridge Visitor Center

174 Liberty St

978-360-6993

Beede Center Swim and Fitness

498 Walden St

978-287-1000

Thoreau Farm

341 Virginia Rd

Munroe Tavern

1332 Massachusetts Ave

781-862-0295

Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library

33 Marrett Rd

781-861-6559

Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House

399 Lexington Rd

978-369-4118

Concord Art

37 Lexington Rd

978-369-2578

Minute Man National Historical Park

978-369-6993

Concord Visitor Museum

978-318-3061

Buckman Tavern

1 Bedford St

781-862-5598

Lexington Common National Historic Site

1625 Massachusetts Ave

781-274-8300

The Wayside

455 Lexington Rd

Great Meadows

179 Monsen Rd

978-443-4661

Concord Museum

53 Cambridge Turnpike

978-369-9763

Ralph Waldo Emerson House

28 Cambridge Turnpike

978-369-2236

Concord Free Public Library

129 Main St

978-318-3300

Old Hill Burial Ground

Monument Square

51 Walden Performing Arts Center

51 Walden St

978-369-7911

Wilson Farm

10 Pleasant St

781-862-3900

Concord Tour Company

978-399-8229

Walden Pond

915 Walden St

978-369-3254

deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum

51 Sandy Pond Rd

781-259-8355

Lexington Visitors Center

1875 Massachusetts Ave

781-862-1450

Umbrella Arts Center

978-371-0820

33 Bradford St

978-371-3200

The Robbins House

320 Monument St

978-254-1745

Places to Visit in Concord

Concord offers activities for all types of interests. If you’re a history buff, check out all the sites that were important during the American Revolution like the Minute Man National Historical Park, Concord Visitor Museum, and The Robbins House. Concord is also home to other history, as famous authors like Henry David Thoreau and Louisa May Alcott spent time here. Look out for The Old Burial Ground, The Wayside, Concord Museum, and Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House. Artists and performers alike can enjoy the 51 Walden Performing Arts Center, ArtScape, Umbrella Arts Center, Concord Art, and The Village Art Room. For the outdoor lover, you can walk Walden Pond or The Great Meadows.

Places to Visit in Lexington

In Lexington, you’ll find many historical sites, outdoor parks, and artistry. The Scottish Rite Museum shares the ideas of Freemasonry and fraternalism in American History. Hear tales all about Lexington’s role in the American Revolution at the Historical Lexington Society or the Lexington Common National Historic Site. You’ll also find battle reenactments at Minuteman National Historical Park which extends toward Lexington, Concord, and Lincoln. Find local affordable, fresh, and local fruits and vegetables at Wilson Farm.

58 Main Street, Concord, MA

915 Walden Street, Concord, MA

51 Sandy Pond Road, Lincoln, MA

174 Liberty Street, Concord, MA

Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House

399 Lexington Road, Concord, MA

53 Cambridge Turnpike, Concord, MA

28 Cambridge Turnpike, Concord, MA

179 Monsen Road, Concord, MA

498 Walden Street, Concord, MA

Monument Square, Concord, MA

129 Main Street, Concord, MA

, Concord, MA

320 Monument Street, Concord, MA

455 Lexington Road, Concord, MA

341 Virginia Road, Concord, MA

152 Commonwealth Avenue, Concord, MA

40 Stow Street, Concord, MA

33 Bradford Street, Concord, MA

51 Walden Street, Concord, MA

37 Lexington Road, Concord, MA

1875 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA

1 Bedford Street, Lexington, MA

36 Hancock Street, Lexington, MA

1332 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA

1625 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA

Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library

33 Marrett Road, Lexington, MA

10 Pleasant Street, Lexington, MA

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Lexington & Concord Tour (in your car with our guide)

Trip Highlights

Hear stories of brave individuals on both sides of the Revolutionary War

Visit more rural town of Concord and visit the Old North Bridge

Walk along gravel paths and native houses

Description.

Travel 16 miles outside the city to the nearby communities where America was born. You’ll hear stories of brave individuals on both sides of the Revolutionary War and have an accurate, vivid picture of the action of April 19, 1775. History will come alive as your guide retells the story of the morning skirmish on quaint Lexington Green where 77 Minutemen stood against 700 British Red Coat soldiers in the first encounter of the Revolutionary War. A charming town, its Green has been carefully preserved and features several statues and historic monuments. View many colonial homes from the 1700’s around the Green and along our route.

*This tour requires our guide to ride along in your vehicle.

The price listed for for all walking tours is for up to 10 participants. Each additional guest is $10.00/person up to 30 people.

Why take this tour?

Ride several miles past stonewalls and farmers’ fields to the more rural town of Concord and visit the Old North Bridge, where the local militia fired the “shot heard ‘round the world” at the British Soldiers in the first real battle of the War. Stand and view the serene Concord River flowing beneath the bridge, and snap a shot of the famous Minuteman statue, the first sculpture of local Daniel Chester French, who later sculpted the Lincoln Memorial.

Especially colorful in fall, the rural landscape is reminiscent of centuries past. Pass by Author’s Row and pause by the 1800’s homes of Louisa May Alcott, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Ralph Waldo Emerson. This tour will elicit a memory-jog of your past history courses and a true sense of the beauty of New England.

Duration from starting at Lexington Green, visiting Concord and the North Bridge, to an ending in Lexington is approximately 2.25 hours. Walking along uneven pavement and gravel paths is minimal as most of the scenery is seen driving. A vehicle is necessary for this tour.

A side trip to Concord’s Sleepy Hollow Cemetery to visit the graves of Louisa May Alcott, Henry David Thoreau, Nathaniel Hawthorne and Ralph Waldo Emerson may be added with an additional 30 minutes. Walking up a short steep slope of approximately 60 feet in length is necessary to view the graves.

Local Tour Guide

Photographic sceneries, may be extended to up to 3 hours if desired, things to know.

Full payment is required in advance by major credit cards to reserve tour date. We also accept payments via Venmo. Every attempt is made to keep the booking calendar current but issues can arise. Alternate dates or times or full refunds will be offered if a tour cannot be offered after making an online booking.

Adjustments to cost

Adjustments to cost may be necessary if the itinerary or length of tour changes. Does not include any charges to optional sites that may charge admission.

Want to give a gift card for a tour or part of a tour? We've got you covered!

Custom Private Tours Cost

The cost of a custom, private tour is often less for a family than a trolley bus or duck tour because you do not pay by the person, but by the tour! Because every tour is different, costs can vary by booking. Please contact us for specific pricing information on private tours.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation of a reservation must be made at least 72 hours prior to the tour to qualify for a full refund. 50% refund between 48-72 hours.

No refunds will be issued within 48 hours of a tour.

Did You Know?

Booking directly with a company and not through a third-party vendor saves that small business a lot of money. Our booking service is safe, reliable and we will not need to pay a commission to a huge online travel agency.

We appreciate you booking directly with us!

Online booking fee

Online booking fee (5 percent) is not included in the cost of the tour and is added at checkout if booked through our website. Call us to book to save 5 percent!

Booking Preference

If a particular date or time is not showing as available, or for custom tours, please call us at 866-817-TOUR or email us: [email protected]

Ask a question

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Mass. is preparing for the Battle of Lexington and Concord's 250th anniversary

• Chris Lisinski, State House News Service

It's been almost a quarter of a millennium since Massachusetts and a dozen other colonies formally declared their independence from the British Empire, and as the historical celebrations ramp up, planners are searching for answers about funding, transportation and public safety.

Lawmakers and former Gov. Charlie Baker created the 250th American Revolution Anniversary Commission in a fiscal year 2022 state budget rider, tasking it with crafting a "comprehensive plan for promoting and celebrating" the milestone.

Key dates are fast approaching. Next year will mark the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the April 19, 1775 skirmishes widely considered to be the first two major military engagements of the war. The quarter-millennium mark for the Declaration of Independence will follow a year later.

The state's tourism office and other local groups are on their way to scheduling a series of events to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.

State officials are establishing a new website, www.250.ma , to host information about the semiquincentennial. They plan to focus in the coming weeks and months on crafting a "field guide," building out campaigns and developing a marketing and communications strategy.

With those processes underway, members of the special commission tasked with preparing for the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution said Monday they want to address local concerns about keeping events safe and accessible, especially in communities like Concord and Lexington expected to see major demand.

Sen. Mike Barrett, who represents both towns, said local leaders expect to need "a significant amount of police overtime," especially amid public safety concerns "given the nature of the age in which we're all living."

He also called for work to plan transportation to and from historic sites, ideally via mass transit, "so that certain communities aren't inundated with individual cars."

"I know that's a lot to put on you all, and you've got all kinds of fish to fry and an entire commonwealth to think about, but we are hearing real anxiety about public safety and transportation management," Barrett, a Lexington Democrat, said at the commission's meeting Monday.

Kate Fox, the executive director of the Mass. Office of Travel and Tourism, responded that her team is working to address concerns Barrett relayed "as soon as we can."

Another senator, Ed Kennedy of Lowell, pushed Fox to move quickly on communicating to cities and towns about whether they will be able to tap into money appropriated for 250th anniversary events or if all funding will be spent by the state.

Fox said she is still working to get an answer, and the office aims to launch a grant program "in the spring, which, it is spring, so soon" to steer money to communities and organizations for marketing and programming.

Rep. Mindy Domb added that many communities are preparing for Town Meetings, when local voters will make key financial decisions for the year ahead.

"The towns are really debating what do they need to go forward with and what can they wait [for]," Domb, an Amherst Democrat, said.

In Lexington, the town's own Semiquincentennial Commission plans to launch its celebrations next week. Representatives from France and the United Kingdom will join Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll to unveil a giant calendar counting down the 365 remaining days until the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington, which predated the fighting in Concord by a few hours.

After that, reenactors and historians plan to deliver "presentations on varieties of British tea, the long-time affinity for tea and its connection to the American Revolution," according to an advisory.

Concord plans its own "Patriots of Color Walking Tour" on April 19.

Jonathan Lane, coordinator of the Revolution 250 nonprofit, said the events planned next week are "just the windup for next year, of course, Patriots Day 2025."

Talks are underway about commemorating other historical battles in the war, Lane said, including the May 27, 1775 Battle of Chelsea Creek and the June 17, 1775 Battle of Bunker Hill.

• What's open and closed on Patriots' Day in Mass.
• Archaeologists Dig Up Artifacts That Better Pinpoint Where Patriots' Day Battle Happened
• Making A Revolution: How Lexington's Minute Men Prepare For Patriots' Day Reenactment

More from WBUR

Patriots' Day celebration in Lexington includes reenactment of this historical event

LEXINGTON — Since 1894, Patriots’ Day has been an official state holiday. Many people have the day off, but rather than sleep in, they may be running the Boston Marathon or going to Boston to watch either the Marathon or the Red Sox game.

Others take the opportunity to see the reenactment of the Battle of Lexington , which starts at 5:30 a.m. on Patriots' Day on the Lexington Battle Green . And if you're even more of an early bird, you can view the reenactment of Captain Parker giving orders to Lt. William Tidd at 5:05 a.m.

New this year, at 5:15 a.m., is the reenactment of civilians evacuating the Battle Green across Harrington Road.

What is Patriots' Day: Here's what to know about the third Monday in April

The town has been reenacting the Battle of Lexington, which occurred on April 19, 1775, for more than 50 years, and celebrating the event with parades and other festivities for more than a century.

“It’s better to experience something in person that just reading it from the history books. It brings history to life,” said Ariel Chin, manager of the Lexington Visitors Center. “Lexington is known for where the first battles had started in the American Revolutionary War, so it’s the start of our country, essentially."

What happened on the Lexington Green?

According to the National Park Service website, on the night of April 18, 1775, Gen. Thomas Gage, commanding the British garrison in Boston, dispatched more than 800 British Regulars to Concord with the aim of seizing and destroying large stockpiles of military goods being collected there.  

Colonists in Boston noticed British soldiers leaving their barracks late at night and mustering on Boston Common. Patriot leader Dr. Joseph Warren dispatched Paul Revere and William Dawes to ride out to Lexington to warn Samuel Adams and John Hancock of the impending expedition.

The British soldiers' route passed through Lexington where members of the town’s militia company formed on the green. It was there, according to the National Park Service website, that eight militiamen were killed and 10 wounded — "the first of many colonists to fall that day. " 

Three days of Patriots’ Day festivities in Lexington

For the past year, Lexington’s Town Celebrations Committee has been planning three days (April 13-15) of events, including battle reenactments, Paul Revere’s ride, two parades, award ceremonies, walking tours, trolley tours, historic property tours, memorial ceremonies, a five-mile road race, a hand bell concert and film screenings.

Details for all events can be found by visiting lexingtonma.gov and lexingtonhistory.org.

The town typically sees between 75,000 and 125,000 people attend its Patriots’ Day festivities, according to the Lexington Historical Society’s program manager, Sarah McDonough. But if the weather is good, even more may come.

Here are some must-see recommendations

McDonough recommends experiencing the reenactment of the Battle of Lexington.

“The Battle Green is a very intimate space, and seeing the beginning of the Revolution is astonishing,” she said. “Even with the crowds, when you see the sun rise and hear the approaching British drums, modern reality does slip away and transports you back into the moment.”

As a treat for early birds, several pancake breakfasts are held in the area to recharge and enjoy the rest of the day, said McDonough.

Linda Dixon, a member of the Town Celebrations Committee and a longtime Lexington resident, has witnessed many battle reenactments.

Here favorite part is when she hears the sound of the drumbeat.

“There is dead silence for a couple of minutes — but all of a sudden, you hear this drumbeat," she said. "You can’t place it. You don’t know who it is, but you hear it and then you suddenly realize it’s over your shoulder, behind you, in Lexington Center. It’s the British and they’re approaching. The drums get louder and l louder, and suddenly there are 200 gorgeous British soldiers in these red uniforms with the beaver hats and five-foot long rifles.

“They’re terrifying.”

PHOTOS: The 2019 reenactment of the Battle of Lexington

About the parades

There are two parades happening April 15 in Lexington. The first is the Sunrise Youth Parade at 7:30 a.m., beginning at Cary Memorial Hall. The second, open to all ages, begins at 2 p.m.

Dave Grabel is co-coordinator for this year’s Patriots’ Day afternoon parade. It will have 90 units, including about a dozen floats that are part of a contest.

Other units include more than a dozen marching bands, jugglers, unicyclists, Uncle Sam on stilts, the Lexington Minute Men , Bedford Minutemen and Concord Minute Men .

Miss Massachusetts , Chelsea Vuong, will ride in a car as part of the parade, as well Lexington resident Raney Aronson-Rath, who won an Academy Award for her documentary, “20 Days in Mariupol.”

“She promised to bring her Oscar along,” said Grabel.

There will also be representation from diverse community groups, such as the Chinese American Association , the Indian Americans and the Disabled American Veterans .

Annual Patriots' Day Parade: Watch the minutemen march through Lexington

What to know before you go

Chin recommends arriving (very) early, before the reenactment starts.

“Not everyone knows that it will be hard to find parking that early in the morning, and you want to get the best spots,” she said.

If you're arriving later, be aware that Massachusetts Avenue will be blocked off to traffic starting from Pleasant Street at 12:30 p.m. heading toward the center.

Chin recommends using Uber or Lyft to get to the Battle of the Green event on April 15 because there is no public transportation that early.

MBTA 62 and 76 buses will run on a modified Saturday schedule on Patriots' Day.

For more information about road closures and parking throughout the weekend, visit lexingtonma.gov .

Kick-off for Lex250

The 250 th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington Green happens next year. The town's Semiquincentennial Commission (Lex250) is having a kick-off ceremony to countdown the 365 days leading to the anniversary. On April 19, Lex250 will unveil an oversized countdown calendar in front of Cary Hall, followed by events throughout the day including a concert featuring the Lexington Bicentennial Band.

Each day leading to the 250 th anniversary, a different organization from Lexington, Lincoln, Arlington and Concord — the four towns that are part of the Semiquincentennial Commission — will take turns changing the number on the calendar.

Suzanne Barry, vice chair of the Lexington Select Board and a lifelong resident of the town, is chairing the Semiquincentennial Commission. The celebration begins April 19 and ends in July 2026.

To learn more, visit lex250.org .