Minute Man National Historical Park

11/13/2026

Special Holiday Program!
Thursday, November 19
6-8pm
From Thanksgiving to New Year's Day, the holiday season has been celebrated in many different ways throughout generations. Join us for an open house evening at The Wayside: Home of Authors and discover holiday traditions from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries.

This event is co-sponsored by Friends of Minute Man National Park

https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?id=5CEBA568-A091-8120-E64D893A2B6B7F8D

11/10/2026

Special Veterans Day program!

The Massachusetts Militia: 390 years of Service
At North Bridge Visitor Center, 174 Liberty St. Concord

Wednesday, Nov 11, 2026 10:00 AM – 1 PM
Ranger Talk at 11:30

After nearly four centuries, four units of the Massachusetts Army National Guard can trace their lineage to the three original Massachusetts Bay Militia Regiments formed in 1636. Their service encompasses every conflict in this country’s history, and they are considered the “The Nations First”.

Join a Park Ranger at North Bridge Visitor Center to hear the story of the Massachusetts Militia from its origins to present and enjoy a display of artifacts documenting the Massachusetts Militias storied past.

We are grateful for the support of the Friends of Minute Man for this and other programs!

https://www.nps.gov/mima/planyourvisit/calendar.htm

11/06/2026

Across the National Park System, memorials, monuments and historic landscapes preserve the stories of those who served and sacrificed. From the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and World War II Memorial to the Korean War Veterans Memorial, Pearl Harbor National Memorial and the newly dedicated Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial, these places invite us to reflect on the people behind the history.

Beyond the memorials, historic battlefields, military forts and other sites across the country help tell the stories of generations who served. On Veterans Day, take time to visit a place of remembrance, discover a story you didn't know, and honor those who served.

Explore places that commemorate America's military history: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/veterans-day.htm

Image: Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial Raptors in Flight. NPS/Brodsky

11/06/2026

11/05/2026

The histories, cultures, and living traditions of Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islander communities are an important part of the stories told across our national parks.

Throughout the year, and during November’s Native American Heritage Month, explore the stories, places, and cultural heritage preserved and shared in national parks and communities across the country: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/native-american-heritage-month.htm

NPS Photo

11/04/2026

It’s leaf-peeping season. The trees have made an effort, so the least we can do is go outside and stare at them.

Leaf peeping is the ancient human tradition of traveling long distances to look at leaves, take photographs, and stand in the middle of roads while saying, “Oh, wow, look at that one.”

Nobody knows exactly when this became a major event, but the trees seem okay with the arrangement. So get out there and see what all the rustle is about.

NPS photos

11/04/2026

As Veterans Day approaches, take a moment to honor those who have served our country. One way to celebrate their service is by helping them discover the places and stories that make our nation's public lands special.

U.S. military veterans and Gold Star Families are eligible for a free America the Beautiful Military Lifetime Pass, providing free access to federal recreation lands where entrance or standard amenity fees are charged.

From the quiet beauty of a mountain trail to the stories preserved at historic sites, our public lands offer opportunities to explore, reflect, learn, and connect with the places that help tell America's story.

Learn how to get your pass and start planning your next adventure: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/veterans-and-gold-star-families-free-access.htm

Image: Korean War Veterans Memorial at National Mall & Memorial Parks /NPS

11/02/2026

Hello darkness, my old friend. Now you start at 5:00 pm.

With daylight saving time behind us, the sun is clocking out a littler earlier. Just as before, if you’re heading to a national park, make sure and check park hours, trail conditions, weather forecasts, and sunset times.

Fun fact: admiring fall foliage is much more enjoyable when you’re not trying to navigate a trail in the dark while wondering which tree looks familiar.

NPS photo

11/02/2026

11/02/2026

🦋 Imagine flying thousands of miles to make it home for a family reunion. Monarch butterflies do it every year.

Every fall, two journeys come together. As millions of monarch butterflies travel south on one of nature's greatest migrations, families gather to honor loved ones during Day of the Dead or Día de los Mu***os.

For many communities, the arrival of the monarchs is more than a sign of the changing season. These butterflies are seen as messengers, symbolizing the return of loved ones in spirit and serving as a beautiful reminder of the enduring connections between generations.

Traveling thousands of miles across North America, they depend on healthy habitats, including in parks, to rest, feed, and continue their journey.

What animal makes you feel connected to your family or community?

Several parks across the country host cultural Day of the Dead programming, including San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, among others.

NPS Photo taken at Amistad National Recreation Area

11/02/2026

Día de los Mu***os, or Day of the Dead, is a centuries-old tradition that honors the lives of loved ones who have passed. Its roots stretch back to Indigenous cultures of Mesoamerica, where ancestors were remembered through ritual, art, and celebration. When the Spanish arrived in what is now Texas, these native customs merged with Catholic traditions like All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day; creating the vibrant holiday we know today.

At San Antonio Missions, you can see this cultural fusion come to life. From colorful altars adorned with marigolds and candles to music, food, and stories, the park reflects how Spanish and Indigenous traditions shaped communities along the San Antonio River.

Come explore mission descendant ofrendas/ Day of the Dead altars while they are still inside the Mission San Jose granary for a few more days!

NPS Photo/ Andrew Shirey

10/31/2026

This is Halloween, this is Halloween
Pumpkins* scream in the dead of night!

Happy Halloween!

*No pumpkins have been observed screaming in national parks. You may be hearing a coyote, bobcat, fox, owl, or that marmot looking for Alan…or was it Steve?

Image: Boo! Carved jack-o’-lantern with ranger hat at Hartwell Tavern at Minute Man National Historical Park

10/30/2026

The King of Battle: Artillery in the American Revolution
Saturday, October 31
Hartwell Tavern
11am and 2pm
See how a cannon was loaded and fired during the American Revolution. Here the roar as it is fired. Learn how such weapons were used in battle and why they were so important to the colonists in the lead-up to the outbreak of war in 1775.

This program will take the place of the regularly scheduled "Minute Men: Neighbors in Arms" program.

And don't forget to stick around for Hartwell Halloween, starting at 6pm that night!
https://www.nps.gov/mima/planyourvisit/calendar.htm

This event is co-sponsored by the Friends of Minute Man National Park

10/29/2026

Special topic ranger program,
Friday, October 30
3:00pm
Hartwell Tavern
When the fighting ended on April 19, 1775 a road of carnage stretched over 16 miles from Concord to Boston. Join park staff at the historic Hartwell Tavern in Lincoln Ma, to learn the harrowing stories of those who buried the dead, cared for the wounded and faced an uncertain world in the days following.

10/28/2026

Hartwell Halloween & Trick-or-Treat
Saturday, October 31
Hartwell Tavern
6:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Do you believe in ghosts? Do you like history? Jack o’ Lanterns? Colonial music and dancing? Then come visit us at Hartwell Tavern! Walk down a path lighted by dozens of jack-o-lanterns. Talk with rangers and volunteers about ghostly folklore and how the people of Colonial New England protected themselves from evil spirits and witches. Enjoy authentic music and dancing of the colonial period.

At 7:00 pm join a Park Ranger for a special reading of Washington Irvings's "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow."

For trick-or-treaters of all ages the Friends of Minute Man will be offering individually wrapped candy so don your costumes and come trick-or-treating at an 18th century Tavern!

This program will be both outdoors and indoors. All visitors should bring a flashlight and use caution on dark paths.

See our website for a more detailed event schedule. https://www.nps.gov/mima/planyourvisit/calendar.htm

If you would like to donate a pumpkin for our public display, see details on our website! https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?id=B8F419F6-DB30-1698-5B5E57C3DF5CA658

This event is co-sponsored by the Friends of Minute Man National Park

10/24/2026

Join us, if you dare! 👻

TONIGHT, from 6-8:30PM, explore the Wayside House in all of its spooky glory. From dark and twisted tales to romantic fortune telling, modern Halloween owes much to the late Victorian era. Learn about the superstitions of Hallowe’en in the late 19th century or enjoy the haunting words of selected Nathaniel Hawthorne short stories. Tonight is also your chance to meet our infamous Halloween mascot, Creepy Catherine!

At 7:00 pm join a ranger for a spooky reading of Young Goodman Brown.

This event is co-sponsored by the Friends of Minute Man.

10/22/2026

This weekend at Minute Man
Wayside Halloween
At The Wayside
Saturday, October 24
6 - 8:30pm
From dark and twisted tales to romantic fortune telling, modern Halloween owes much to the late Victorian era. Join us for an evening of spooky history at The Wayside: Home of Authors. Learn about the superstitions of Hallowe’en in the late 19th century or enjoy the haunting words of selected Nathaniel Hawthorn short stories.

Our full October schedule of programs and special events is available on our website https://www.nps.gov/mima/planyourvisit/calendar.htm

We are grateful to the Friends of Minute Man National Park for their support of this and other programs and special events at Minute Man

10/15/2026

This weekend at Minute Man
Archaeology Day
Saturday, October 17
10am - 4:30pm
North Bridge Visitor Center
Special North Bridge Tour at 3pm
"THAT BELONGS IN A MUSEUM!" ~ Indiana Jones

Join us in celebrating National Archaeology Month on October 17 at the North Bridge Visitor Center! To mark the occasion Park Rangers will offer a 3:00pm special tour of the North Bridge Battlefield where recent investigations uncovered musket balls fired during the Shot Heard Round the World.

From 10 am until 4:30 pm come explore a NEW exhibit at the North Bridge Visitor Center including a new painting of the battle on April 19, 1775. Throughout the day historical artist David Geister will speak about his painting and other historical art.

See our full October program and event schedule on our website https://www.nps.gov/mima/planyourvisit/calendar.htm

We are grateful for the support of the Friends of Minute Man National Park for this and other programs and special events at Minute Man.

10/08/2026

This weekend at Minute Man
Preparing for Winter, Preparing for War!
Hartwell Tavern
Saturday and Sunday, October 10 and 11
10am - 4:30pm
Autumn in Colonial New England was a time of change and transition when many gathered to share the fruits of summer labor and prepare for the coming winter. In 1776 it was also a time of scarcity as the war moved south from New England. Join park staff and living history volunteers for two days of programming at Minute Man’s Historic Hartwell Tavern covering the experiences of everyday people as they prepared for winter and for war in 1776
More information, including an event schedule is available on our website https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?id=B6E22BAD-03F1-FC3C-0591773C56F5B6CF

See our full October program and event schedule https://www.nps.gov/mima/planyourvisit/calendar.htm

We are grateful to the Friends of Minute Man National Park for their support of this and other programs and special events at Minute Man

10/01/2026

This weekend at Minute Man
Friday, October 2
Brooks Village. Parking Lot at 1195 Lexington Road, Concord, MA
3pm
The Next Generation: Massachusetts Militia After the Revolution
Join Park Rangers at Brooks Village as they explore the stories of Massachusetts Militia in the first decades of the 19th century, and their experiences during the War of 1812.

Saturday, October 3
Art in the Revolution!
Hartwell Tavern
10am - 4:30pm
Join us for an exciting day of Art at Hartwell Tavern! In 18th century New England, the arts were an important part of everyday culture! From founding women like Mercy Otis Warren, to politicians like John Adams many recognized the importance of art in a well-rounded and progressive society. Join park staff and volunteers to explore the art of the 18th century! This program will feature interactive dancing lessons and fencing lessons at the historic Hartwell Tavern.

We are grateful to the Friends of Minute Man National Park for their support of these and other programs and special events at Minute Man

See our full program and event schedule on our website https://www.nps.gov/mima/planyourvisit/calendar.htm