Lexington: Liberty Ride

FREE Liberty Ride with a Go Boston Card

Description

The Liberty Ride is the best way to visit Lexington and Concord. Ride along the historic Battle Road while your costumed guide recounts the exciting events of April 19, 1775, and the literary legacy that defined American identity and culture. In air-conditioned comfort, you're taken to such famous spots as Lexington Battle Green and the Old North Bridge where the militia faced off against British Regulars. Visit sights central to the start of the American Revolution, including Minuteman National Historical Park, where you can walk the Battle Trail, and the National Heritage Museum celebrating American history and culture, as well as the homes of Concord's greatest authors.

The Liberty Ride offers stops at:

• Lexington Battle Green, where the Lexington militia confronted 800 British Regulars as the sun rose on April 19, 1775.
• Buckman Tavern, where the Lexington militia gathered the night before the Battle. (Free admission with Liberty Ride ticket)
• Hancock-Clarke House, which was Paul Revere and William Dawes' destination on the night of April 18th, 1775, to warn Samuel Adams and John Hancock of the coming of British troops.(Free admission with Liberty Ride ticket.)
• Munroe Tavern, which served as the British headquarters and field hospital. (Washington really dined here in 1789!) Beautiful garden with Colonial flowers. (Free admission with Liberty Ride ticket.)
• Lexington Visitors Center, offering information and hospitality, a diorama of the Battle of Lexington, and a memorial to the U.S. Navy ships bearing the USS Lexington name.
• National Heritage Museum, which presents permanent and changing exhibits celebrating American history and culture from Colonial times to the present. Includes Heritage Café and Museum Shop. (Free admission and parking.)
• Minute Man National Historical Park. View "The Road to Revolution" (a moving multimedia presentation) and exhibits at the Visitor Center. Free admission and parking. The park includes the site of Paul Revere's Capture, Hartwell Tavern, Battle Road, Meriam’s Corner (where British regulars first came under fire as they retreated to Boston), North Bridge (where colonial militia men first fired upon British regulars), Daniel Chester French’s Minute Man statue, the grave of British soldiers, and other battle monuments.
• North Bridge Visitor Center at Buttrick Mansion, which features exhibits detailing the events in 1775, an information center and bookstore located in a home built by the descendents of Major John Buttrick, the colonial officer who gave the command to fire at the North Bridge.
• Orchard House, the home of Louisa May Alcott and her family and setting for the beloved Little Women. (Free admission with a Go Boston Card)
• Colonial Inn, a functioning inn and historic landmark at the heart of the village green, the Inn was a part of the events of April 19, 1775 and was later home to Henry David Thoreau.
• Old Manse, home of minister William Emerson, his grandson Ralph Waldo Emerson, and the honeymoon home of Nathaniel and Sophia Hawthorne. (Free admission with a Go Boston Card)
• Concord Visitor Center, located close to restaurants and shops, offers information, guided walking tours of Concord, and public restrooms.
• Concord Museum holds a nationally significant historical collection including the famed Revere lantern, Emerson’s study, and Thoreau’s Walden desk. Hands-on family activities, period rooms, and film “Exploring Concord.” (free with a Go Boston Card)
• The Wayside was home to the Alcotts, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Margaret Sidney. $$
• Emerson House, where Ralph Waldo Emerson, foremost 19th century literary figure, lived and wrote from 1835 until his death in 1882. Original furnishings and family memorabilia are on display. $$

The Liberty Ride and Go Boston Card are the perfect combo to take in the many sights of this history rich area just outside of Boston.

Cost without the card:

Adult (13+): $25.00
Child (3-12): $10.00

Hours:

April 17 and 18 (Patriot’s Day weekend), May 29–October 31: 
Trolley departs from the National Heritage Museum at 10:00 am, 
11:30 am, 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm.

Closed

November 1–May 28 (open April 17 and 18)

Driving:

Take the Mass Pike west from Boston to Route 95/128 North and take Exit 30A onto Route 2A East (also known as Marrett Road). The Museum is approximately 3 miles from the exit on the left, marked by a brick wall, large iron gates, and a row of colorful banners.

Public Transportation:

Red Line to Alewife Station and board either bus 76 or 62 to Lexington Center. Exit at Marrett Road/Museum stop. No service on Sundays and holidays. All buses on Route 62 are equipped with wheelchair lifts.

Please read: important instructions on how to use your card.

Redemption Instructions:

Present your Go Boston Card at either

• National Heritage Museum at 33 Marrett Road/Route 2A, Lexington (Free parking available) or
• The Lexington Visitors Center at 1875 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington

to receive your free ticket for Liberty Ride.

The Go City Card is accepted until 5:30pm unless otherwise noted; during all other times standard admission will apply.