Minute Man National Historical Park Review

The Minute Man National Historical Park is located in Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts. The park is host to the first battle of the American Revolution. I've visited the park several times, in the summer, spring and wintertime. I'd say the best is spring or fall since most of the exhibits and historical areas are open, but it's not quite as crowded as it can be in the summer. Though be warned, on Patriot's Day (mid-April), the park goes crazy because there's a reenactment of the battle of April 19, 1775.

The park is located in the towns of Lexington, Concord and Lincoln roughly along Route 2A. The easiest way to get there is from the Route 128/I95 30B exit, which is the one for Route 2A. This area is less than 20 miles from downtown Boston. There are two visitors centers in the park. The first is on Route 2A in Lincoln just after you get off of Route 128. The other visitors center is located at the North Bridge area in Concord.

The park isn't quite like a traditional National Park. The National Park Service has bought land in the area to protect the majority of the important locations, but the Battle Road is a mix of private and public lands, so you'll be traveling through both protected areas that are part of the park along with parts of residential and commercial Concord.

You should definitely stop at the visitor center on Route 2A in Lincoln. This is the most in-depth visitor center that offers information on the history of the Revolution in the whole area and gives you the most information on what you'll be seeing as you go along the Battle Road Trail. It's hard to pick out "must see" sites since there are so many things to look at all along the Battlefield Road and trail. Honestly, I've found the best way to explore the park is to walk as much of the Battle Road Trail as possible. You find so much more than when you just drive from stop to stop. It's a totally different experience, even from a wildlife point of view.

If you really want to explore the entire area from Lexington through Lincoln and to the North Bridge in Concord, you really need a full day, especially if you'll be walking or riding your bike on the Battle Road Trail.

My Take

If you are visiting the Boston area, you really need to take a day to explore Minute Man National Historical Park. This park is home to one of the most important events in the history of the United States and represents the the opening battle in our war for our independence from the British.