Attend the 250th Anniversary Battle Road Tactical Demonstration

Welcome to the 250th Commemoration Saturday, April 19, 2025, will mark the 250^th 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 road 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 on Friday evening and will not reopen until late Saturday evening.

Parking Options

There will be two limited options for parking at the park on April 19. Parking lots will open at a specific time; hours will be posted as the event approaches. Queuing on the roads outside the parking lots will not be permitted. Cars attempting to queue prior to opening will be directed to move by law enforcement. 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 Elmbrook Hill Tactical Demonstration Area.

2. Old Massachusetts Ave (between Route 2A and Wood Street)
   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. Visitors can walk to the Minute Man Visitor Center and Parker’s Revenge Tactical Demonstration Area.

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.

• Town of Lexington’s Transportation Page
• Town of Concord’s Transportation Page

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.

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, and Nathan Meriam House. Note: There is currently no public drinking water available at Hartwell Tavern due to repairs.

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:

• Sunrise: Park grounds open
• 9:00 AM: Minute Man Visitor Center opens
• 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM: Hartwell Tavern Open House & Smith House Open House
• 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM: Living History Area at Minute Man Visitor Center
• 11:00 AM: Caught In the Storm of War: Civilian Evacuee Talk at Smith House
• 11:00 AM: Lexington Militia March to Parker's Revenge Battle Site
• 11:15 AM: Parker's Revenge Talk
• 11:30 AM: Hartwell Tavern Secured for Demonstration
• 11:45 AM: Elm Brook Hill Tactical Demonstration
• 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM: Hartwell Tavern Open House
• 1:00 PM: Parker's Revenge Tactical Demonstration
• 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM: Living History Area Open
• 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM: Left Behind: Prisoners of War on Battle Road
• 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: A Fight for Freedom: Patriots of Color Walking Tour
• 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Explore Meriam's Corner Battle Site
• 3:00 PM: Artillery Firing Demonstration
• 3:00 PM: After the Battle program at Hartwell Tavern
• Dusk: Park grounds close

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.

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.