Attend the 250th Anniversary Battle Road Tactical Demonstration

Welcome to the 250th Commemoration Saturday, April 19, 2025, will mark the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington and Concord, the opening battles of the American Revolutionary War. It was here that British Colonists bravely defended their ideals of liberty and self-determination. Join us for this momentous occasion, when many events are planned throughout the day at Minute Man National Historical Park and the surrounding towns of Lexington and Concord.

 
 

Getting to the Park

Due to the expected high attendance, please note that several closures will be in effect in and around the park on April 19.

Route 2A Closure: The segment of Route 2A through the park will close around 5 a.m. on Saturday, April 19 and will not reopen until later that evening.

Parking Options

There will be two limited options for parking at the park on April 19. There is no accessible parking at these locations, there will be an accessible drop off location in the Fiske Hill lot.

  1. Lincoln North Building
    55 Old Bedford Rd, Lincoln, MA 01773
    Visitors can use established trails to walk to the Elm Brook Hill Tactical Demonstration Area (0.6 miles or 15 minute walk).

  2. Old Massachusetts Ave (between Route 2A and Wood Street) UPDATE (4/19 8AM): This parking is full, please use other options.
    This parking area will be accessible from Wood Street. Parking will be available on one side of this road, as directed by park law enforcement beginning at 5:30 a.m. Cars attempting to park or queue prior to opening will be directed to move by law enforcement. Visitors can walk to the Minute Man Visitor Center and Parker’s Revenge Tactical Demonstration Area (0.18-0.4 miles or 9-18 minute walk).

  3. Handicap Pick-Up/Drop-Off and Driver Parking (Fiske Hill Lot at corner of Old Mass Ave and Route 2A). Visitors with a valid handicap parking tag may be dropped off in this lot. Grass parking will be reserved for their drivers in an adjacent grass lot. This area will close when the Old Massachusetts Ave parking area fills.

These parking areas will fill almost immediately so if traveling by car, please park at one of the satellite parking locations coordinated by the towns of Concord and Lexington.

Alternative Parking Options

  1. Middlesex Green Parking (Community Satelitte Lot)
    561 Virginia Rd, Concord, MA 01742
    This lot is serviced by the Concord Satelitte Parking Shuttle, however, visitors can use Virginia Road to walk to the Elm Brook Hill Tactical Demonstration (1.5 miles or 30 minute walk).
  2. Hartwell Ave Parking (Community Satelitte Lot)
    1 Hartwell Ave, Lexington, MA 02421
    This lot is serviced by the Lexington Satelitte Parking Shuttle, however, visitors can use established trails to walk to the Parker's Revenge Tactical Demonstration (2.2 miles or 45 minute walk).

Note: Distances between events, parking locations, and transportation facilities can exceed 5 miles. Please come prepared to walk these distances.

Shuttle Buses

Free shuttle bus service is available! On April 19, the Lexington & Concord Intercommunity Shuttle, provided by the surrounding communities, will run between Lexington, Concord, and Lincoln. The shuttle will run between the Concord Museum and Park Drive in Lexington, with stops at Hartwell Tavern and the Minute Man Visitor Center.

Those in wheelchairs utilizing the satellite parking lots can speak with a shuttle bus staffer to request an on-demand accessible shuttle.

  • Start Time: 6:00 AM

  • End Time: 7:00 PM

Note: Event attendance may exceed bus capacity, especially at peak hours, it may require walking between event sites or to parking areas. Seats are first-come-first-serve: return trips are not guaranteed.

Bicycle Guidelines

Bicyclists are welcome but must use caution along parade routes and Route 2A through the park. Please park bicycles at designated bike racks where available. Note: The MBTA will not allow bicycles on the trains on April 19.

Commuter Rail Information

Special Schedule Alert! Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) will offer a special Commuter Rail schedule for Saturday, April 19, 2025. Trains will be added to the regular Fitchburg Line, which serves towns such as Lincoln and Concord, to accommodate increased ridership. Riders arriving in Concord, will need to walk 1 mile to the Concord Museum in order to catch a shuttle to the park. Note: No bikes will be allowed onboard.

 
An image of a map showing shuttles and walking distance, click the image for accessible content.
This map will be posted at the destinations throughout the park to help visitors navigate between points of interest by walking, biking, parking, shuttle buses, and regular mass transit options on April 19, 2025. Click the map to open a live view with links to real time directions through mobile applications.

NPS

 

Food & Water

There is no food service within Minute Man National Historical Park. Visitors are encouraged to prepare accordingly and bring any food or snacks they will need during their visit, as there are no options for purchasing food on-site. Note: For safety reasons, visitors are asked not to bring coolers to any event.

Drinking fountains and water filling stations are available at Minute Man Visitor Center, North Bridge Visitor Center, Hartwell Tavern Comfort Station, and Nathan Meriam House.

 

Programs: Battle Road Tactical Demonstration Schedule

Join us on April 19, 2025, for a day filled with living history programs and demonstrations! Below is the schedule of events happening throughout the day:

For a full description of other programs and events the park is hosting through June 2025 to commemorate the 250th Anniversary visit Calendar of Events.

 

April 19th Events In the Community

  • A large group watches British reenactors at the Old North Bridge.
    Concord250

    250th Commemorative Events in Concord, MA

  • Several reenactors in period dress in military formation
    Lex250

    250th Commemorative Events in Lexington, MA

 

General Spectator Guidelines

To enhance the experience for everyone attending, please adhere to these important health and safety guidelines:

  • Only congregate in designated viewing areas during events and do not enter reenactment areas, parade routes or in any way interfere with events.
  • Always follow instructions given by public safety personnel.
  • These events are family-friendly, inclusive and open to all, refrain from using foul language.
  • Please respect private property including private homes and businesses near the route and event.
  • Properly dispose of trash and recycling in the designated receptacles.
  • Alcohol consumption is prohibited and local smoking and vaping ordinances will be in effect.
  • Spectators are asked not to bring weapons, flammable liquids, fireworks, tents, canopies, coolers, suitcases/rolling bags, ladders or step stools to any event.
  • Spectators are encouraged to use clear bags at all events. Bags are subject to search at any time.
  • Do not leave bags or other items unattended; unattended items are subject to removal by police.
  • Drones/ Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) are prohibited at all 250 events. Temporary Flight Restrictions will be in place. Obey all posted flight restrictions.

There will be a significant police and public safety presence at all events. Guidelines were developed in coordination with state and local communities and are subject to change at any time. Safety updates or changes will be shared on event websites and social media.

 

Explore the History

 

Last updated: April 19, 2025

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

North Bridge / Park Headquarters
174 Liberty St.
Concord, MA 01742

Phone:

978 369-6993

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