Despite suffering a devastating loss on the Lexington town green early in the morning of April 19, 1775, the Lexington militia company once again formed ranks and marched off to fight the British soldiers for a second time that day. Where did this second battle occur? Walk with a park ranger to the site of the battle. Learn about what happened there and discover how, after nearly two centuries of debate, modern investigative research and technology solved the mystery.
45-55 Minutes
At Concord’s North Bridge on April 19, 1775 soldiers on both sides made decisions that changed the course of history. Meet a park ranger at North Bridge Visitor Center for a 40 minute walking tour from the visitor center to the North Bridge battle site. Learn about the battle from the perspective of the participants. Along the way, the 18th century battlefield and landscape will be revealed as you walk in the footsteps of the minute men.
40-45 Minutes
Meet a Park Ranger at the benches by the North Bridge for this daily 30 minute program. Learn about the momentous battle at Concord’s North Bridge, where the British Army suffered its first casualties of the war, and the legacy of this event in American History.
30-35 Minutes
Hartwell Tavern is a restored 18th century home located along the Battle Road in Minute Man National Historical Park. Hartwell Tavern is open in June and July 2025 Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday. August 2025 hours will be announced soon!
5-90 Minutes
What did it mean to be a minute man in 1775? How were they trained and armed? Join a park ranger at the historic Hartwell Tavern in Concord MA, where militia soldiers engaged British Regulars on their retreat from Concord to Boston. Discover the motivations and realities faced by those who volunteered to be “ready at a minute’s warning.” This program includes a musket firing demonstration. Visitors with hearing issues should exercise caution.
25-30 Minutes
Patriots' Day is a state holiday in Massachusetts commemorating the first battle of the American Revolution on April 19, 1775. Although Patriots' Day occurs annually on the third Monday of April, Minute Man National Historical Park host special programs and events throughout the month. The following is a schedule of our signature Patriots' Day events.
The Meriam House is closed for the winter. Join us again in 2025 when we invite you to come explore the house and learn about the fateful events of April 19, 1775, and the generations of 3 families that once lived here.
5-60 Minutes
The Barrett House is currently closed for the season. Join us again in 2025. Come visit the Barrett family home and explore their prominent role in managing a stockpile of provincial military supplies that instigated battle on April 19, 1775.
20-60 Minutes
The Wayside House is currently closed to regular tours. Join us again in 2025. Explore this unique home, witness to over 300 years of history! From revolutionary patriots to famous authors, the Wayside has played host to many influential thinkers in American History.
30-45 Minutes
Pick up a Junior Ranger booklet to guide your exploration of the park at Minute Man Visitor Center in Lexington or North Bridge Visitor Center in Concord. Complete the activities as you visit different sites in the park. Before you leave, show your work to a Park Ranger at the Visitor Center to get your Junior Ranger badge! Note; booklets are only available at the park; we are unable to mail them. Before you leave the park, be sure to get your badge!
1-4 Hours
The Battle Road Trail is a five mile trail connecting historic sites from Meriam’s Corner in Concord to the eastern boundary of the park in Lexington. Much of the trail follows the original remnants of the Battle Road: Where thousands of Colonial Militia and British Regulars fought a bloody engagement on April 19, 1775. In some areas the trail leaves the historic road to follow the route of the Minute Men traversing farming fields, wetlands, and forests.
1-4 Hours