Begin your park visit at the Minute Man Visitor Center, near the eastern entrance of the park. (Directions) "The Road To Revolution," a multimedia theater program, provides an excellent introduction to the main park story. The program depicts Paul Revere's Ride and the battles at Lexington Green, North Bridge and along the Battle Road. The visitor center exhibits include a forty-foot mural that portrays the fighting between Colonists and British Regulars. Park Rangers are on duty to answer questions.

After leaving the visitor center, explore the Battle Road Trail. The trail connects historic sites from Meriam’s Corner in Concord to the eastern boundary of the park in Lexington. The main theme of the trail is the Battle of April 19, 1775, that launched the American Revolution. More over, the trail interprets the broader “human story” of the people whose lives were altered by the events that took place here. Much of the trail follows original remnants of the Battle Road; other sections leave the historic road to follow the route of the Minute Men, traversing farming fields, wetlands, and forests. The entire trail is five miles long.

Battle Road Trail highlights near parking areas:

From the Minute Man Visitor Center: Walking west from the visitor center, follow the Battle Road Trail to the Ebenezer Fiske house site and loop back via a walking trail through historic pasture land.

Walk, bicycle, or use a wheelchair. Because the Battle Road Trail is primarily an educational trail, it is not suitable for high speed bicycling. Bicycles share the trail with pedestrians, wheelchairs, and children in strollers.

If you do not wish to hike on the trail, you can stop at two key points, the Paul Revere Capture Site and the Hartwell Tavern Historical Area.

To drive to these points, turn right out of the Minute Man Visitor Center Parking Area. You will be on Route 2A west. Take the next available right turn into the Paul Revere Capture Site parking area. Leaving this parking lot, turn right. Travel westward through one blinking light. After the blinking light, approximately 1/4 mile on your right, you will find the Hartwell parking area. The Hartwell Tavern can be accessed from this parking area.

The Historic Hartwell Tavern is open daily, May 24, 2003 through October 26, 2003, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. It is staffed by Park Rangers and Volunteers in period clothing. They demonstrate colonial activities and provide insight into the lives of the people who lived along the Battle Road.

Hartwell Tavern is an authentic period home, a tangible reminder of how people lived in this area at the outbreak of the American Revolution. The home of Ephraim and Elizabeth Hartwell and their children was not only a prosperous farm, but also operated as a tavern. The structure played a significant role as a landmark in the community as travelers to and from Boston stopped and shared the latest news and discussed important issues of the day.

The next stop along the park tour will be The Wayside, where 19th-century authors kept the spirit of the Revolution alive by contributing to the creation of a American literary identity.

To continue to The Wayside from Hartwell Tavern, continue west on Route 2A for ¾ mile. At the blinking light, bear right and follow the signs towardsConcord Center. You will be on Lexington Road. You will pass the Meriam’s Corner parking area on your right. Approximately 1/3 mile from Meriam’s Corner, you will see The Wayside, a large yellow house on your right with a parking area across the street. Turn left onto Hawthorne Lane to access the parking lot.

During the Revolutionary era, The Wayside was the home of Samuel Whitney, muster master of the Concord Minute Men. During the literary renaissance of the 19th century, it was home to three families of authors. The young Louisa May Alcott wrote her first published work here. Extensive renovations to the house were made by Nathaniel Hawthorne, including the vaulted tower study. Harriett Lothrop, using the pen name “Margaret Sidney” wrote the “Five Little Peppers” stories at this “Home of Authors."

Featured are new exhibits in the historic Wayside Barn. Life-like cast figures of Bronson and Louisa May Alcott, Nathaniel Hawthorne and Margaret Sidney, bring their words and works to life. Beautiful graphics, some never before on display, illuminate the writings and lives of the Concord authors. The Wayside House and Barn open May 24, 2003 through October 26, 2003. Guided tour of The Wayside House only. $4.00 admission. Closed Wednesdays.

Continue on to the North Bridge, site of “the shot heard ‘round the world.” Next to the bridge is Daniel Chester French’s Minute Man Statue. Here is a perfect place to reflect upon the things experienced on the tour.

From The Wayside, continue west on Lexington Road for 7/10 mile. Proceed straight through the traffic circle. When the Colonial Inn is directly in front of you, turn right onto Monument Street. The North Bridge Parking Area is 1/2 mile ahead on the right. Cross the street and walk the footpath to the Bridge (approximately 100 yards). The North Bridge Visitor Center is a 5-minute walk away. You can drive to the visitor center by continuing on Monument Street. Take your first left onto Liberty Street. The entrance to the North Bridge Visitor Center Parking Area is 1/10 mile ahead to your left.

Join a Ranger for a 30-minute program, “The Two Revolutions”, at 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., daily May 24, 2003 through October 26, 2003. Rangers are on duty to answer your questions. “We Meant To Govern Ourselves,” a walking guide to the North Bridge area, is available for purchase at park visitor centers.

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Please note: Park roads are heavily traveled by park visitors, neighbors and area commuters. Please observe posted speed limits. To avoid traffic accidents, do not make sudden, abrupt stops.

Return to Minute Man NHP Home Page

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September 2002
Comments to: mima_info@nps.gov