Laws & Policies

 

Metal Detecting:

The use of metal detectors or any form of relic hunting at Minute Man National Historical Park is illegal. Violation of the Archaeological Resources Protection Act is a FELONY offense and may include charges or penalties up to five years' imprisonment and a fine of up to $100,000. Anyone found in possession of a metal detector on park property will be prosecuted. Only NPS-controlled and supervised archeological investigations are permitted on park property. Metal detecting and the removal of artifacts from historic sites destroys the context of the artifact and possibly of an entire site and the knowledge that goes with it. It is also theft of public property.

To learn more about protecting archaeological resources at Minute Man visit our page DON'T TOUCH IT! ~ Protecting Archaeological Resources in Minute Man NHP

 

Firearms in National Parks:

The law governing possession of firearms inside a national park changed on February 22, 2010.

Visitors may possess firearms within a national park unit provided they comply with federal, state, and local laws.

The role of the responsible gun owner is to know and obey the federal, state, and local laws appropriate to the park they are visiting.

Please remember that federal law prohibits firearms in certain park facilities and buildings. These places are marked with signs at public entrances.

For more information
Please visit:
Firearms in National Parks (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

 

Trash:

Minute Man National Historical Park has a carry in, carry out policy. What you tote in, you must tote out. This includes any form of trash; bottles, cans, paper, left over lunch bags, wrappers, etc. There are no public trash receptacles in the Park to dispose of waste materials.

Pets:

To ensure the safety and enjoyment of Minute Man National Historical Park and its resources to all visitors, please observe the following regulations if you are visiting with a pet.

• All pets MUST be on a leash no longer than six feet in length AT ALL TIMES.

• No pet may be left tethered or unattended.

• Pets are not allowed in any of the visitor centers.

• Do not leave droppings on trails. If using plastic bags, you must take the leavings with you out of the Park.

 

Bicycles

Bicycles are allowed on park roads and in parking areas that are otherwise open for motor vehicle use by the general public.

Bicycles are allowed in Minute Man National Historical Park in the following areas and trails with special exceptions noted below:

• North Bridge Trail
• Battle Road Trail

Riders must walk bikes across boardwalks, on the North Bridge and between Monument St. the Minute Man Statue, and on the Vernal Pool and Fisk Hill Loop Trails.

Bicycles may not be ridden in fields, on lawns, or in undeveloped areas or off-trail.

For more information see the Superintendent's Compendium 36 CFR §4.30- Bicycles

 

Special Use Permits:

Find more information about special use permits here:

Special Use Permits Information

Call (978) 318 - 7828 or email