Old North Bridge
The replica bridge and Daniel Chester French's Minute Man statue, where the colonists first fired back on order.
Lexington and Concord
Where the American Revolution began on April 19, 1775, and where Thoreau, Emerson and Louisa May Alcott later lived.
British troops marched out of Boston on the night of Paul Revere's ride. At dawn they fired on the militia on Lexington Green, and at Concord's North Bridge the colonists fired back, in Emerson's "shot heard round the world". The running fight back to Boston began the war.
Minute Man National Historical Park preserves the route. Concord is also America's great literary village, with Walden Pond, Orchard House and the writers' graves at Sleepy Hollow.
- Best Time
- April–June and September–October
- Time Needed
- 1 day
- Cost Level
- $$$$
- Open
- Grounds open every day; visitor centers seasonal
- Getting There
- About 40 minutes by car from Boston, or the commuter rail to Concord.
What to See
4 of 5 are freeLexington Battle Green
The small town green where the first shots were fired, with the Buckman Tavern alongside.
Battle Road Trail
A five-mile path along the British retreat, by the visitor center and colonial houses.
Walden Pond
Where Thoreau built his cabin in 1845. Parking fills early in summer.
Orchard House
The Alcott family home, where Louisa May wrote Little Women.
Know Before You Go
- Patriots' Day, the third Monday in April, brings dawn reenactments and big crowds.
- Check Walden Pond's parking status before you drive out in summer.
Where to Stay
An easy day trip from Boston.
Where to Eat
Our picks are on the way.
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If You're NearbyOld North Church
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Boston's oldest standing church, where two lanterns hung in the steeple warned of the British march on the night of Paul Revere's ride in 1775.
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Last checked 2026-11-01. Part of the Northeast list.