Bostonians blazed a trail of freedom from colony to independence. They met in town meetings to argue contemporary issues, they spoke against excessive taxes, and they were among the leaders in organizing a defense against British dominion. Today the sites of Boston National Historical Park symbolize the accomplishments of that revolutionary generation
The Basics
Hours:
Visitor centers and sites are open year-round.
Downtown Visitor Center (15 State Street), open daily, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Faneuil Hall open daily 9 amto 5 pm, except during city sponsored events.
Charlestown Navy Yard Visitor Center open daily, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Bunker Hill Monument open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Last climb at 4:40 pm.
USS CASSIN YOUNG open daily during the winter from noon to 3 pm, weather permitting. Below deck tours at 11 am and 2 pm
U.S.S. CONSTITUTION is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm in the summer and Thursday through Sunday, 10 am to 4:00 pm during the winter.
Most other historic sites are open 9:30 am to 5:00 pm peak season and 10:00 am to 4:00 pm off season.
All park sites (except U.S.S. Constitution) and both visitor centers are closed Thanksgiving, December 25, and January 1.
To Charlestown Navy Yd From South I-93 N to exit 28 (Sullivan Square). At end of ramp, turn right onto Cambridge St to first light. Enter traffic circle and take first right onto Rutherford Ave. Move left and at City Square, just before bridge, turn left onto Chelsea St. Follow directions for all (below)
From West Mass Turnpike to I-93 N. Follow above.
From North (Route 1) Take Rte 1 South over Tobin Bridge. Follow signs for Charlestown. Exit is 1 mile after bridge and takes you into tunnel. In tunnel, follow exit sign for Charlestown and proceed to light. At light, turn right onto Rutherford Ave and immediately get into left lane. At next light, turn left onto Chelsea St. Follow directions for all (below)
From North (93 South) Take I-93 S. to Exit 28/Sullivan Square. Stay left on exit ramp for about 1/3 mile. Proceed up ramp to Rutherford Ave. Follow signs for Rutherford Ave/City Square. After Bunker Hill Community College, get into left lane. Just before bridge at City Square turn left onto Chelsea St. Follow directions for all (below)
For All At first light, turn right onto Warren St, then first left onto Constitution Rd. Visitor Center is on Constitution Rd on right.
Climate
Temperatures range from warm, humid summer days to cold New England winter days. Wear comfortable sportswear in season, with comfortable walking shoes.
Boston National Historical Park sites provide information in a variety of ways, including tours, lectures, costumed programs, exhibits and publications. National Park Service Rangers are at the Charlestown Navy Yard, Bunker Hill Monument, Faneuil Hall and the downtown visitor center daily. Rangers conduct 90-minute walking tours of the downtown portion of Boston's Freedom Trail daily, from mid-April through November. Rangers present historical talks at Faneuil Hall and the Bunker Hill Monument year-round. At the Navy Yard, rangers conduct tours of the WW II/Cold War destroyer, U.S.S. Cassin Young, weather permitting. At the Dorchester Heights Monument in South Boston, the grounds are open year round but the monument is only open seasonally (please call ahead for information). The cooperating sites of Boston National Historical Park offer a variety of programs and services. The U.S. Navy conducts tours of U.S.S. Constitution (Old Ironsides). Nearby, the U.S.S. Constitution Museum features exhibits and a gift shop. In downtown Boston, the privately administered Old South Meeting House, Old State House, Paul Revere House and Old North Church all offer public programs, exhibits and gift shops. Rest rooms are located at the downtown and Charlestown Navy Yard visitor centers, Faneuil Hall and the Bunker Hill Monument. Eastern National bookstores are located at the downtown and Navy Yard visitor centers.
Guided Tours
USS Cassin Young is open for main deck visits (weather permitting) from 10 am to 4 pm daily. Forty-five minute guided tours that bring visitors to areas of the ship not normally open to the public are conducted daily at 11 am, 2 pm and 3 pm.
USS ConstitutionTuesday - Sunday: Tours every 30 minutes ending at 3:30 pm. Main Deck open until 6 pm. All visitors are required to go through a screening process. It is a good idea to arrive at least a half-hour early to allow time to get through our security tent. As a reminder, all item currently banned from federal buildings and airports will not be allowed onboard "Old Ironsides", including guns, mace, and any sharp objects such as razors, knives, pocket knives, Swiss Army knives, "Leatherman" type tools, scissors, letter openers, etc.
Freedom Trail
Free 90 minute walking tour led by National Park Service Rangers along the heart of Boston's Freedom Trail. Discover Boston's role in the American Revolution. For more information call (617) 242-5642. Tours are offered weather permitting. Each tour is limited to 30 people: first come, first serve. On day of tour, rangers will distribute free stickers 30 minutes before tour time. Reservations are not accepted. Tours fill up quickly in summer months. Tours start at the Boston National Historical Park Visitor Center, 15 State Street, Boston, MA 02109
Indoor Activities
Talks
Faneuil Hall Talks National Park Service Rangers offer historical talks every half hour (except when the hall is closed for city sponsored events).
Bunker Hill Monument Talks Ask at the monument for schedules.
Nearby Attractions
National Park Service Areas
Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area, 1 mile
Boston African American National Historic Site, 1 miles
Longfellow National Historic Site, 3 miles
John F Kennedy National Historic Site, 4.4 miles
Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site, 5 miles
Adams National Historical Park, 10 miles
Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site, 11 miles
Many of the historic sites that make up Boston National Historical Park can be found along the Freedom Trail. In downtown Boston, Old South Meeting House, Old State House, Faneuil Hall, the Paul Revere House and Old North Church bring to life the American ideals of freedom of speech, religion, government, and self-determination.
In Charlestown, visit the Bunker Hill Monument, the site of the first major battle of the American Revolution. Nearby is the Charlestown Navy Yard, one of the nation's first naval shipyards and home to USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world.
Located in South Boston and separate from the Freedom Trail, Dorchester Heights is significant for its role in the evacuation of the British from Boston during the Revolutionary War.
