Hartwell Tavern was a well-known stop for travelers on the Bay Road in Lincoln. On April 19, 1775, the British column passed by here on their way to Concord and again during their fighting retreat to Boston in the afternoon. Three of the Hartwell sons, including John and Isaac who lived here, fought as minute men.

At Minute Man National Historical Park the opening battle of the Revolution is brought to life as visitors explore the battlefields and structures associated with April 19, 1775, and witness the American revolutionary spirit through the writings of the Concord authors.

The grounds, trails, and parking areas of Minute Man National Historical Park are open daily, from sunrise to sunset. The park closes at sunset. There is no fee to visit the park.

Minute Man National Historical Park offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching! The variety of landscapes within the park’s 1000-plus acres provides prime nesting habitat, plentiful food sources, and ideal pit-stops for migratory birds. With more than 160 species spending at least some time in the park and 50 species known to breed here, you can always find a feathered friend along the trail.

In early spring, migrating shorebirds visit flooded farm fields in the park while migrating spring warblers, gnatcatchers, and vireos spend time in the tall oaks lining the Battle Road. Thrushes are fond of deep wooded wetlands, and flycatchers love brushy woodland edges. In summer, songbirds nest throughout the park. Orioles and gnatcatchers nest in large trees near the Hartwell Tavern and buntings make their homes in brushy meadow edges. Fall is a great time to watch for migrating hawks, flying high over open areas of the park. In early and late winter, look for visiting waterfowl on the Concord River in the North Bridge Unit, and when the snow covers the landscape, it makes a lovely backdrop for colorful year-round residents like Cardinals and Jays.