Self Guided

Minute Man National Historical Park offers a rich variety of programs and tools for groups interested in creating their own experience at the park.

Ranger Tips For Building Your Trip!

1. Check our hours of operation

The grounds of Minute Man National Historical Park are open daily, year round, from sunrise to sunset.
Our visitor centers and interpretive buildings are open seasonally from late May- October. 

To check the current operating hours for buildings within our park, click here.

2. Decide on a Time Frame

Minute Man National Historical Park is a surprisingly large park spread across nearly 1000 acres of land in the towns of Lexington, Lincoln, and Concord. Visiting our park may require transportation between sites depending on what you intend to see or do. 

Length of visit will dramatically influence what activities are available. In addition, there are designated picnic areas at the North Bridge Visitor Center, Minute Man Visitor Center, and Hartwell Tavern. For more detailed information about rules and regulations consult our Superintendent's Handbook. 

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Basic Overview of Times

During our operating season, a visit to the Minute Man Visitor Center in Lexington can last 45- 60 Minutes if you plan to watch the 25 minute park film.

A trip to the North Bridge Visitor Center can be expected to last 30-45 Minutes if you plan to watch the 10 minute film about the battle at the bridge.

The length of Ranger Programs vary from 30 Minutes- 60 Minutes depending on the program. Check our list of programs for more accurate details.

A self guided walk to the North Bridge can last 30 Minutes - 1 Hour. 

A self guided walk of the Battle Road Trail can last anywhere from 1 hour - 5 hours depending on how far you travel and how many times you stop. The Battle Road Trail also includes parking lots at strategic locations along the entire length of the trail.

 

3. Decide Where To Start

Minute Man National Historical Park is a large park within a much larger battlefield. On April 19, 1775 British forces marched 18 miles from Boston to Concord to raid illegal military stockpiles. On the way the British encountered local Militia on the Lexington Green (Outside the bounds of Minute Man NHP) and again at the North Bridge in Concord. After completing their mission, the British Regulars departed Concord for Boston. At the edge of Concord a massive force of Provincial Militia attacked the Regulars. For 18 Miles from Concord to Charlestown a large battle raged along the Bay Road (Battle Road). Today, roughly 5 miles of that battlefield are protected by the National Park Service. 

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When starting your adventure in Minute Man National Historical Park we recommend orienting yourself and then working in chronologic order. 

• During our operational season, the Minute Man Visitor Center offers a 25 minute, immersive film about the events of the day. 
• The North Bridge Visitor Center also provides a short overview film about the battle at the North Bridge.
• If you are visiting outside of our operating season or do not wish to start at a Visitor Center, the Minute Man NHP page on the free National Park Service App contains self guided tour options for the North Bridge and Battle Road units of the park. 

If you are focusing on a specific aspect of the April 19 story, become familiar with the timeline of historical events and then select relevant areas to visit. Many groups looking for a broad overview start at Minute Man Visitor Center, Travel to North Bridge, and then conclude at Hartwell Tavern. Other groups will supplement segments of the story with visits to other museums and sites outside of Minute Man NHP. 





 

4. Select an Experience

There are many experiences at Minute Man National Historical Park. For a comprehensive list of options check out our Plan Your Visit webpage 

A short list of experience options:
 

1. Watch the park films at either visitor center
2. Explore the battlefield using self-guided tours on our NPS App
3. Join a Ranger Program
   • During our operating season catch a special Living History talk at Hartwell Tavern that includes a musket firing demonstration. 
4. Pick up a Jr. Ranger booklet from our visitor centers.
5. Volunteer! Minute Man National Historical Park has numerous way to get involved with hands on experiences. If your group is interested in Volunteering email us HERE.
6. Come to a special event! Although these events typically happen on weekends they offer special access to certain areas of the park and provide more immersive experiences. 
7. Simply explore the park however you like. Walk, bike, or drive to enjoy the natural beauty of this hallowed ground. 

5. Be Safe and Leave No Trace

Good planning and preparation will make your visit enjoyable and rewarding.

• Be aware of weather conditions
• Be aware of ticks 
• Be aware of Covid-19 precautions. (Depending on levels of community spread masks may be required indoors.)
• Follow park rules and regulations

For more specific safety information about Minute Man NHP click here.


Leave NO Trace

Minute Man National Historical Park is a pack-in pack-out park. Please take any trash with you when you leave the park. Help us protect the plants and animals of this natural landscape while maintaining a respectful setting for this hallowed ground. 

For additional rules and regulations please review our Laws and Policies page, or the Superintendent's Compendium. 

Pre-Trip Content

Before your group arrives at Minute Man, we recommend exploring the historical content provided on this website.

• Educational Videos about everything from spooky ghost stories to how muskets work!
• April 19, 1775: from a timeline of events to in-depth stories of participants.
• The Natural Wonders of Minute Man National Historical Park.
• History & Culture: From the Revolution to famous authors of the 19th century.
• Hartwell Tavern: The center of Living History at Minute Man NHP
• Photos & Multimedia: From panoramic images to photos of Reenactors
• Places To Go
• Additional Curriculum Materials

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Helpful Links Below!