The Minute Man National Historical Park is more than just a beautiful green space – it’s the birthplace of a nation. On April 19, 1775, the first battle of the American Revolution was fought on the grounds of this spectacular park. Today, it’s one of the most charming and picturesque parts of the state, and one of the best national parks to visit in Massachusetts.
More than just a pretty face, Minute Man National Historical Park commemorates the day we first started on the path to independence from Britain.
Flickr/MOTT
It’s located in the towns of Lexington, Lincoln, and Concord. The site is 970 acres of protected national park land.
Flickr/Oranda
There’s plenty to do and see here. One popular spot is the Hartwell Tavern, a restored 18-century inn and home in the park.
Flickr/Oranda
Old North Bridge is the legendary site of “the shot heard round the world,” when Colonial soldiers engaged British troops and kick-started the war for independence.
Wikimedia Commons
It’s beautiful in any season, as you can see.
Flickr/MK Feeney
Don’t miss the park’s many reenactment and historical discovery events, when the park comes to life with the happenings of the Revolution. The Captain William Smith House is also such a scenic spot for a hillside picnic or watching the clouds go by.
Flickr/Chris Devers
The Lexington Battle Green is where the first battle of the Revolution was fought. It now serves as Lexington’s town common.
Wikimedia Commons
Don’t be surprised if you spot some shaggy visitors amongst tall meadows and grasses.
Flickr/MOTT
Be sure to stop by the Wayside Inn. It was built in 1717 and was the former home of Louisa May Alcott, author Nathaniel Hawthorne and his family, and author Margaret Sidney.
Wikimedia Commons
Take the wooden plank boardwalk over a beautiful vernal pond.
Flickr/cdevers
The entire park is absolutely lovely, and it’s located about 20 miles outside Boston. To find your nearest entrance to the Minute Man National Historical Park, check out its website here.
Flickr/MOTT
Flickr/Oranda
Wikimedia Commons
Flickr/MK Feeney
Flickr/Chris Devers
Flickr/cdevers
Generally, the park is open every day, sunrise to sunset. Parking lot gates close promptly at sunset. See the park’s seasonal opening hours and attraction hours on the park’s site.
If you’re looking for another totally underrated hidden spot in Massachusetts, check out this secret beach on Cape Cod.
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Address: Minute Man National Historical Park, 250 N Great Rd, Lincoln, MA 01773, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
National Park To Visit In Massachusetts February 24, 2022 Meghan Byers What are the best national parks to visit in Massachusetts? Massachusetts is home to a total of 16 national parks, ranging from historical parks to natural oases. In the heart of downtown Boston, visit the Boston National Historical Park, where you’ll find the story of the American Revolution come to life. It may not have much greenery, but it’s one of the best parks in Massachusetts for history buffs. To experience the gorgeous Massachusetts coast, head to the Cape Cod National Seashore, with 40 miles of serene coast, wetlands, and woods to explore. And the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area offers a mix of historic sites and natural beauty that can’t be missed, encompassing 34 islands and peninsulas. What are some of the most beautiful hiking trails in Massachusetts? With mountains, lakes, and waterfalls to explore, Massachusetts is full of scenic hiking trails. World’s End Trail at Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area offers some lovely views of Boston and the harbor, and it’s a relatively easy hike, making it a good choice for beginners. We’d definitely be remiss not to mention the Walden Pond Path in Concord, a loop trail around Walden Pond’s shores where Henry David Thoreau famously lived and wrote. And for a panoramic view of the Boston city skyline, hike the three-mile Skyline Trail in the Blue Hills Reservation. For more scenic hikes in Massachusetts, visit this guide. What are some other fun things to do outside in Massachusetts? Hiking isn’t the only way to enjoy the beautiful outdoors in Massachusetts. You can go on a whale watching adventure, visit an outdoor living history museum, or even go for a sleigh ride in the winter time! Rent a kayak or canoe and explore the Charles River in Cambridge, or throw caution to the wind and try parasailing in Provincetown. The possibilities are endless. Check out this guide to some of the best outdoorsy adventures anyone can enjoy in the Bay State.
The OIYS Visitor Center
National Park To Visit In Massachusetts
February 24, 2022
Meghan Byers
What are the best national parks to visit in Massachusetts? Massachusetts is home to a total of 16 national parks, ranging from historical parks to natural oases. In the heart of downtown Boston, visit the Boston National Historical Park, where you’ll find the story of the American Revolution come to life. It may not have much greenery, but it’s one of the best parks in Massachusetts for history buffs. To experience the gorgeous Massachusetts coast, head to the Cape Cod National Seashore, with 40 miles of serene coast, wetlands, and woods to explore. And the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area offers a mix of historic sites and natural beauty that can’t be missed, encompassing 34 islands and peninsulas. What are some of the most beautiful hiking trails in Massachusetts? With mountains, lakes, and waterfalls to explore, Massachusetts is full of scenic hiking trails. World’s End Trail at Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area offers some lovely views of Boston and the harbor, and it’s a relatively easy hike, making it a good choice for beginners. We’d definitely be remiss not to mention the Walden Pond Path in Concord, a loop trail around Walden Pond’s shores where Henry David Thoreau famously lived and wrote. And for a panoramic view of the Boston city skyline, hike the three-mile Skyline Trail in the Blue Hills Reservation. For more scenic hikes in Massachusetts, visit this guide. What are some other fun things to do outside in Massachusetts? Hiking isn’t the only way to enjoy the beautiful outdoors in Massachusetts. You can go on a whale watching adventure, visit an outdoor living history museum, or even go for a sleigh ride in the winter time! Rent a kayak or canoe and explore the Charles River in Cambridge, or throw caution to the wind and try parasailing in Provincetown. The possibilities are endless. Check out this guide to some of the best outdoorsy adventures anyone can enjoy in the Bay State.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Massachusetts is home to a total of 16 national parks, ranging from historical parks to natural oases. In the heart of downtown Boston, visit the Boston National Historical Park, where you’ll find the story of the American Revolution come to life. It may not have much greenery, but it’s one of the best parks in Massachusetts for history buffs. To experience the gorgeous Massachusetts coast, head to the Cape Cod National Seashore, with 40 miles of serene coast, wetlands, and woods to explore. And the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area offers a mix of historic sites and natural beauty that can’t be missed, encompassing 34 islands and peninsulas.
What are some of the most beautiful hiking trails in Massachusetts?
With mountains, lakes, and waterfalls to explore, Massachusetts is full of scenic hiking trails. World’s End Trail at Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area offers some lovely views of Boston and the harbor, and it’s a relatively easy hike, making it a good choice for beginners. We’d definitely be remiss not to mention the Walden Pond Path in Concord, a loop trail around Walden Pond’s shores where Henry David Thoreau famously lived and wrote. And for a panoramic view of the Boston city skyline, hike the three-mile Skyline Trail in the Blue Hills Reservation. For more scenic hikes in Massachusetts, visit this guide.
What are some other fun things to do outside in Massachusetts?
Hiking isn’t the only way to enjoy the beautiful outdoors in Massachusetts. You can go on a whale watching adventure, visit an outdoor living history museum, or even go for a sleigh ride in the winter time! Rent a kayak or canoe and explore the Charles River in Cambridge, or throw caution to the wind and try parasailing in Provincetown. The possibilities are endless. Check out this guide to some of the best outdoorsy adventures anyone can enjoy in the Bay State.
