north bridge

janets756

Best free show in Concord--and one of the best in New England. I'm a bit biased, having lived in Concord for 28 years--but I keep going back to North Bridge especially when visitors are in town, plus it's a nice place to picnic. The National Historic Site park rangers give their renditions of the bridge's history several times a day, during season. Some rangers are particularly gifted, quoting verbatim from diaries of the period. There you will find Daniel Chester French's statue of the Minute Man with Emerson's "Concord Hymn" (rude bridge that arched the flood...shot heard round the world) inscribed beneath. And recently the historic home of a free, black farmer of Concord, Caesar Robbins, has been moved next to the North Bridge parking lot--worth a look--and a lecture if you're inclined.

CULTURALPATHS

The Concord Bridgr is a symbol or the American Revolution. The picturesque area around the bridge must have been scary on The original April 19th. Yet the farmers and shopkeepers of Ma. Were able to stand up against the well trained British Regulars. The Concord Bridge, town, cementary and battle road is truly an American Gem to visit. Takes at least half a day but stay longer and have lunch at a colonial inn.

Itraf

Its nice place, has great history, but has no value, if you don't have guided tour or already had historic background of this place.We went as family and loved the history.

KADouglas

We enjoyed looking at the lovely Fall leaves here. It is a nice stroll from the Carpark near the Gift Shop however we used a stroller for our 3yo.

erinp414

It's a great place to soak in the history of Concord. Stop and read the plaques along the way and visit the gift shop. Great for all ages.

brookec532

I am personally not a history lover, but if you're in Concord, this is really a place you should go. It's a pretty walk if anything!

RITripper

If you are in Concord, you must see the historic North Bridge. If you're lucky a gentleman will be standing by the bridge in a red uniform and ready, willing and able to give you a full history of the North Bridge. He'll even take a photo with you.

martinjt21

I'd heard the story plenty of times. I'd read a few books on the topic. I stopped in the Minutemen visitor center and seen the presentation just prior to my visit here but I still wasn't quite prepared for how impactful it would be. I was simply awestruck. I've done plenty of historical sightseeing to lots of cool spots (Ft. Sumter and Gettysburg for example) but none had the lasting impact on this country (or me) quite like what happened here. Walking across the Old North Bridge, seeing the memorials, and visiting the grave of the British soldiers was a great moment for me.

793LindaC

It happened here on April 19, 1775, the first armed resistance to the authority of King George who had made life impossible for the Colonists. As an American, this is hallowed, thought provoking ground. It's mind boggling to think about the brave men who stood up to such a powerful king and army. One cannot help but feel very proud and patriotic. It was a quiet, beautiful Spring day when we visited. As Washimgton Irving said years ago "A drowsy influence seems to hang over the land, and to pervade the very atmosphere." Perfect words that day. We stood on the bridge; and below us was the pretty, slow-moving Concord River with big trees dipping their leaves into the water. Soooo pretty. It would be a lovely spot for a picnic. We appreciated the monument that marks where the British soldiers fell during the skirmish - there are always two sides to every story. I'm grateful this story ended as it did. Hubby joked if it hadn't ended as it did, we'd be driving on the wrong side of the road. The North Bridge is free and parking is free across the road. The walk is about 200 yards to the Bridge. There are no facilities.

816craigk

...but the wife wouldn't let me. This is a fantastic journey back in time, a must see for anyone who loves history. It's a short walk, and worth it.

lostmyluggage

Start at the bridge end parking lot and explore the bridge and the river. Then walk up to the main house which is the visitors center. The kids can freely explore the passages in the garden and then do a quick tour of the exhibits in the building. We have lived here for many years and my kids never got tired of taking the dog and exploring the Old North Bridge. Great fun to construct leaf boats and let them sail under the bridge.

BostonFamilyof5

Local photographers use this site for lots of family and senior pictures. Not just the bridge- the surrounding established trees also.

MobyDicks33

I enjoy visiting battle sites. I have been looking forward to visiting Lexington and Concord for some time. My wife and I were there yesterday and it was a very warm and beautiful fall day. We arrived mid afternoon and there was hardly anyone there. As I sat and looked at North Bridge it was not difficult to envision what happened there. I found it very moving and am sure I will return in the future.

CSSnowshoer

When i arrived, I had not researched the Minute Man park. I was only focused on this little area instead of all the places to stop on the way to Lexington. It was pretty, and something to see near parking, but about all I can say for it. The battle road was much more fun. Spend your time there, if you only have a couple hours.

KingCobra7003

Went on a Friday afternoon in October and boy was this place crowded! Multiple school buses, groups, and tourists abound! This was my 2nd visit to this location but it was still worthy of a stop. This area is just serene in the Autumn no matter how many people are present. Start your visit at the Visitor Center and read about the history of the location, then take a stroll down to the Bridge and Statue. A very historical location outside of Boston.