Things to do & places to visit in Concord, Massachusetts, United States

Concord is a city steeped in the history of the sword and the pen. The site of the historic Battle of Lexington and Concord, the city provided the setting for the initiation of the American War of Independence, honored at Minute Man National Historical Park. Concord's literary history is at least as rich. It was here where Thoreau penned Walden, inspired by the kettle pond of the same name, where Emerson philosophized on Self-Reliance and where Louisa May Alcott introduced her Little Women.

Concord city in Massachusetts, United States. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Monday, April 29, 2024, 2:37.

Top things to do (21)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Barrow Bookstore (7 reviews)
- Safe in the Time of COVID
Speciality & Gift Shops

Popped into this used bookstore and was happy to have found it! It was behind some shops on Main Street and worth the visit. They have a great collection of older/used books and the prices are decent. What I loved about the store was they observed a strict COVID protocol. You can make an appointment to shop or (like we did) happen upon a free time. They allow small groups in on a walk-in basis if there is no one else in the store. Everyone must hand sanitizer once entered and you have a limit of 1/2 hour browsing time. I felt extremely safe here and did not feel rushed at all. The staff member (the owner’s sister) was quite helpful and traded book stories with me. A great visit! See more..
5.0 Artisans Way (5 reviews)
- Shoppers Delight
Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

Artisans Way is such a fun shop! If you want a gift that will delight and is not something they already have artisans way is the place to shop. Chances are you will find something you love as well. It is a decent size store but broken down into little areas\departments, such as baby, kitchen, whimsical, jewelry, household, etc as well as holiday items. The store has a great vibe, like you took a deep breath & sighed. Prices are as expected with such items-not cheap but definitely reasonable. I always look forward to returning because there is always loads of new items to explore. My only complaint is that I never have time to see everything! See more..
5.0 Saltbox Farm (4 reviews)
- Delicious food
Spent 2-3 hours Farms • Cooking Classes

Saltbox Farm has been in Chef Ben Elliott's family for almost three quarters of a century. Established by Ben's grandparents, Saltbox Farm is a 10-acre working farm where Farm Manager Mark Congdon provides organically-grown produce to customers at Saltbox Kitchen, a farm-to-table cafe and brewery in nearby West Concord, Saltbox Catering customers and to members of our annual CSA program. At The Cooking School at Saltbox Farm, Chef Aaron Furmanek teaches hands-on cooking classes on a variety of topics to small groups intimate groups. See more..
5.0 Wright Tavern Center (1 review)
- Historical Site of the American Revolution
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
The Wright Tavern looks today as it did on the eve of the American Revolutionary War. This structure, built in 1747, is the location that the Committees of the Provincial Congress, and the Headquarters of the Minutemen the day before the "Shot heard around the world"! On April 19, 1775, the day of the beginning of the war, this tavern changed hands and fell under British command. Located on Lexington Road in Concord, this is a must see location for American Revolutionary War enthusiasts. See more..
4.5 Minute Man National Historical Park (874 reviews)
- Terrific Program about the Concord to Boston opening of the American Revolution
Monday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • National Parks • Battlefields

The more than 900 acres of this national park run along the route of the battle of Lexington and Concord. See more..
4.5 The Old North Bridge (738 reviews)
- Where It All Started
Historic Sites • Bridges

The "shot heard round the world," which signaled the start of the Revolutionary War, was fired from this spot. See more..
4.5 Walden Pond State Reservation (684 reviews)
- Historically Significant
Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • State Parks • Bodies of Water

In order to preserve the natural environment, visitors are limited at this site, where Thoreau wrote his famous essays. See more..
4.5 Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House (556 reviews)
- A thrill for the Little Women fan
Monday: 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • History Museums

Immortalized by Louisa May Alcott in the beloved classic, Little Women, Orchard House (c. 1670) is best known for being where the groundbreaking novel was written and set in 1868. One of the oldest, most authentically-preserved historic sites in the country, Orchard House has, for over a century, provided inspirational accounts of the Alcott family’s contributions to the fields of literature, education, philosophy, the arts, and social justice through award-winning guided tours, unique educational programs for students of all ages, and lively living history events . The Concord School of Philosophy and a Museum Store are also on the premises. See more..
4.5 Sleepy Hollow Cemetery (334 reviews)
- Sleepy Hollow Cemetery Guided Tour
Cemeteries

Nineteenth-century luminaries such as Louisa May Alcott, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau are buried here. See more..
4.5 Concord Museum (242 reviews)
- Made the Revolutionary War's start come alive!
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums

The Concord Museum is the one place where all of Concord MA’s remarkable past is brought to life through an inspiring collection of historical, literary, and decorative arts treasures. Completely renovated in 2019, the Museum's 16 galleries are focused on Concord's Native American, literary, abolitionist, cultural and revolutionary history. Gain a new understanding of the events of April 19, 1775 at our new multimedia installation! The Concord Museum educates visitors of all ages about the history of Concord and its continuing influence on American political, literary and cultural life. The Museum’s nationally significant collection serves as a catalyst for changing exhibitions, extended classroom learning, dynamic programs and publications relevant to an ever-changing world. Founded in 1886, the Museum is a center of cultural enjoyment for the region and a gateway to the town of Concord for visitors from around the world. See more..
4.5 The Old Manse (137 reviews)
- Original and insightful
Monday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Parks

The first shots of the Revolutionary War were fired nearby – and, less than a century later, Emerson, Hawthorne, and Thoreau spawned a revolution in American philosophy from here. See more..
4.5 Battle Road Trail (107 reviews)
- Where it all began!
Hiking Trails

This route follows the trail taken by the British on their retreat to Boston after the battle of Lexington and Concord. See more..
4.5 Verrill Farm (97 reviews)
- Delicious Farm to Table Dinner 7/27/22
Monday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Farms

We attended the 3 course Farm to Table dinner outside under a tent at Verrill Farms on Wednesday night. Appetizers were beautifully presented and delicious, followed by 5-6 dishes for the main meal and a fabulous fresh lemon and blueberry dessert. There was a cash bar with several choices of wine and beer as well as a live music throughout the meal. It was a really fun and different evening out, and we learned some great facts about the farm! See more..
4.5 The Wayside (42 reviews)
- Louisa May Alcott's inspiration for "Little Women"
Historic Sites

It was built before the Revolutionary War like many homes and inns in the Concord area. The inhabitants saw the British troops passing on their way to battle. It was occupied and visited by many classic literary authors. It was even an Underground Railroad safe house during the time that Louisa May Alcott lived in it. Her book was about the years when her family lived in this house. It's truly a historical landmark that you must see when in Concord. We didn't get to tour the house because I believe it's by appointment only. We did get the history of it through our tour guide, so we didn't feel like we missed too much. It was nice just to see it in person. See more..
4.5 Concord Free Public Library (41 reviews)
- Special Collections
Monday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Libraries

I spent a few days perusing their collection of Alcott holdings. The general part of the library is very quaint and the perfect place to rest and read. See more..
4.5 Concord River (36 reviews)
- Relaxing paddle on Concord River
Bodies of Water

This 10-mile waterway was made famous by Henry David Thoreau. See more..
4.5 Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge (33 reviews)
- Beautiful Location for a Nature Hike
Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

I hiked here on my recent trip to Concord. I hiked the dike trail and it was a gorgeous day! If you go early in the day, you're more likely to see a variety of birds. The trail is mostly flat, although there is a small segment that goes through the woods. There is a nominal fee at the parking lot (think it was $4) but it wasn't very crowded when I arrived and only saw 5 or 6 people while there. I highly recommend this trail and will definitely visit again next time I'm in the area. See more..
4.5 The Umbrella Arts Center (14 reviews)
- Great art, people and plays!
Theatre & Performances

A program-rich, multifunction non-profit arts center (formerly Emerson Umbrella) dedicated to enriching lives and building a vibrant arts community throughout the greater Boston Metrowest region. We inspire creativity, learning, and personal growth through youth and adult arts education programs, performing arts, visual art exhibits and galleries, environmental art, and community collaborations, festivals, and public art. We offer: • Studio space for more than 50 artists • Arts classes and workshops in multiple media • Gallery exhibition space • Outdoor space for sculpture and Big Art • Community arts initiatives, including the Musketaquid Arts & Environment program • Multiple performance spaces for all disciplines. Following a major renovation in 2017-2019, programs are housed in our completely renovated arts complex in the historic Emerson School building at 40 Stow Street, in the heart of the Concord Center Cultural District. See more..
4.5 Emerson-Thoreau Amble (11 reviews)
- Thoreau's Paradise
Spent 2-3 hours Hiking Trails

Walden Pond is a serene scenic area where Ralph Waldo Emerson reflected in thought and Henry David Thoreau lived in a small cabin for a little over two years taking copious notes on his interactions with nature and the locals who visited him on a regular basis. For Thoreau it was an experiment with nature and we are the beneficiary of his work "Walden". The park service has located the actual site (there is a stone marker) where the cabin was built in the 1800's and have built a replica near the entrance for all to explore. The pond has a path around the circumference that you can walk and enjoy just like Henry and Ralph did in their day. If you want maximum intellectual and emotional impact read "Walden" before or just after the visit. And for the bigger picture read Ralph's "Nature". See more..
4.5 Thoreauly Antiques (10 reviews)
- Pleasant Shopping Experience
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Antique Shops

It was our pleasure to peruse through Thoreauly Antiques while visiting in Concord today. There is plenty to see in this little shop with books and clothing and jewelry, photos, frames, musical instruments and china among the many things on display. You are asked to use the hand sanitizer upon entering, and then keeping your mask on, you can walk around the store and look at all the items at a leisurely pace. I found a couple of books that I wanted and my wife found some items that she wanted. It is one of those shops that if you lived in the area, you would go back to time and again. The downtown area of Concord is a very pleasant place to shop and walk with food places and even a hardware store. We are glad to have experienced Thoreauly Antiques. See more..
4.5 Hapgood Wright Town Forest (9 reviews)
- Concord Town Forest since 1687 !
Forests

Hapgood Wright, a town resident in the Colonial Era, left this land to the town of Concord ( which was settled in 1636 !) for use as a town forest in perpetuity. There are hiking trails in the woods, great scenery,many varieties of plant life and trees…lots of birds and we saw a giant snapping turtle. Its only a few thousand feet from Walden Woods where famous Walden Pond is located…..a "pond" which is 3200 feet long, and 107 feet deep, and which has Jelly Fish ! I know, I thought they were only in the ocean too ! See more..
4.5 Debra's Natural Gourmet (8 reviews)
- Debra;s Natural Gourmet
Monday: 8:30 AM - 6:30 PM Speciality & Gift Shops
Debra;s Natural Gourmet in Concord MA is AMAZING! I've been shopping here for 15 years. They stock many different organic products as the lunch counter where they prepare fresh soup, sandwiches and pizza, If you are looking for Healthy, Hearty, Organic Foods this is a Fantastic Shopping Experience. The owners are very well informed on all aspects of nutrition and will help you to find what you're looking for. The store is clean and well stocked with reasonable prices. Great selection of grains, beans, meats, baked goods and spices. Highly Recommend. See more..
4.5 Concord Airport Taxi (7 reviews)
- Great Car service company
Monday: 3:00 AM - 11:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Taxis & Shuttles

Concord airport taxi is a taxi company proving service in all over Concord area and Concord to Boston Logan International airport. It is operating its business since 2014 since a very good reputation. All of our taxi drivers are very much punctual and dedicated for the service that you deserve from them. They will never be late for your destination to Logan airport and you will have no tension about time once you book your ride through us. See more..
4.5 Gräem Nuts and Chocolate (7 reviews)
- So much to chose from, so little time!
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

If you're a chocolate & nut lover this is the place for you! I purchased the chocolate covered pineapple and it was fabulous. We had bought fudge at Pilgrim Plantation in Plymouth or we would have stocked ups on it. See more..
4.0 Ralph Waldo Emerson House (89 reviews)
- Writer’s House
Historic Sites

The house was closed to the public due to covid, but you are able to look at the house And admire the grounds from behind the white picket fence. We wish we could have gone in but from the outside , the house is your typical looking Colonial house. There is nothing fancy about it. It was just cool to see the homestead of such an influential writer. See more..
4.0 Thoreau House (51 reviews)
- History was made here
Historic Sites

A replica of the house Thoreau lived in for his two-year sojourn at Walden Pond. See more..
4.0 The Robbins House (20 reviews)
- An important part of history
Monday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour History Museums

In Concord, this is flat out a must see. So much history is in this little house and the knowledgeable staff made it meaningful. I asked several questions and the staff answered all with ease. The history was fascinating and a much needed chapter to American history. SO glad this history is not only preserved but well-presented. Don’t miss this place. See more..
4.0 Monument Square (16 reviews)
- Center of town
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Nice walk-able area, lots to see. Its was in the 40's for February so we walked the town and were impressed. See more..
3.0 Walden Street Antiques (2 reviews)
- small place but a lot of merchandise
Antique Shops

This place is small but somehow it has a lot of merchandise and does it without giving you the feeling it's cluttered or tight. The lady that greeted us was very friendly but I can't say that for some of the booth owners we had to deal with. Some were borderline rude when asked a question so we just walked away from those booths. I would have rated it lower because of their attitudes but the place had so many beautiful things I decided to rate it higher. You can find toys, books, tools, china, crystal, milk ware, bottles of old health remedies (I love reading the labels) art, posters, and prints, commemorative plates, furniture, victorian pieces, lighting, perfume bottles, collectibles, vintage jewelry, glassware, beautiful art glass, kitchenware, musical instruments, and more. They really didn't have any 1950s art pottery that I collect but I still enjoyed seeing all the beautiful things they did have. See more..
3.0 North Bridge Antiques (1 review)
- very small antique shop
Antique Shops

This is a very small antique shop with only 22 dealers. I never saw anyone at the front desk when we arrived or when we left. It was as well organized as it could be for being so small and trying to fit a lot of items inside. The booth with all the artwork was the worst booth. They had some paintings stacked on the floor and you could not get to them, so, if you wanted to flip through the artwork you would have to move the items in from of them. You can find furniture, vintage jewelry, art pottery, rare books, collectibles, paintings, silver, glassware, china, lighting, pottery, vintage beaded purses, some toys, and more. See more..