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Walden Pond State Reservation

Open from 8am to sunset the pond is larger than I expected. The crowds were too. The pond is open to all kinds of recreation from hiking to swimming to canoeing and even winter sports. It was impossible for us to find any of Thoreau’s quiet, natural world. To be sure, it wasn’t pristine even in his day. The train rumbled by the pond, only now it runs multiple times a day instead of multiple times a week. We wandered by the site of his cabin and toured an exact replica of his small house. Parking is limited and a fee is charged. The very popular pond is limited to 1,000 visitors at a time so either get there early or late in the day. We watched the sun set as the crowds dwindled.

Phone: (978) 369-3254
Address: 915 Walden St, Concord MA 01742

Minute Man National Historical Park

While the Minute Man Visitor Center provides a better overview of the park we recommend starting at the North Bridge Visitor Center. Throughout the day rangers gather at the restored North Bridge to describe the timeline of that fateful day. Afterwards, drive to the parking lot near Merriam’s Corner and walk or bike the five mile Battle Road Trail (it can also be done by car with frequent stops but you’ll miss a lot of the information and the scenery). You will follow the route the British soldiers used in their hasty and chaotic retreat chased by minutemen. Trail signs chronicle the various skirmishes and tactics. Stop at the Hartwell Tavern for a ranger talk and a peek into life at the time of the Revolution. Soon after the monument to Paul Revere’s capture you will reach the Minute Man Visitor Center. Be sure to watch the Road to Revolution multi-media presentation – its quite well done.

Phone: (978) 369-6993
Address: 174 Liberty St, Concord MA 01742