The Alcott Institution is an absolute national treasure. From original Alcott family artifacts to beautifully preserved works of art, every room feels alive with history. The docents bring the story to life with passion and depth, making the experience unforgettable. If you're anywhere near this area, do not miss this place -- it's a powerful, authentic step into America's literary heritage. read more

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I was originally skeptical, I didn't like Little Women, and wasn't sure a house tour was a good use of my time. But honestly the building of the house itself is an interesting story and amazing it's held up so well. The Alcott's themselves interesting people, and you don't have to like the book to love the tour. The house has air conditioning, thankfully. Any ghosts must love it. The furnishings are beautiful, and theres original artwork. They ask for no pictures during the tour, but the grounds and gift shop are very pretty. read more

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My mom and I toured Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House last weekend when we spent a day in Concord. The house is where Louisa May Alcott wrote the first book of her Little Women. The family moved into the house around 1857 and stayed there for 20 years. When you tour the house, a docent walks your group around the house, telling you the history of the house, the family, and the famous book (which is mostly auto-biographical, about Alcott's family). There weren't any major structural changes to the house after the Alcott's time in the house, and around 80% of the furnishings in the house were owned by the Alcotts. A highlight of the tour is seeing Louisa's "shelf-desk," a desk built specifically for her by her father, who encouraged her writing. The house is only accessible by guided tour, but our tour guide was wonderful. The house is tight, but she did her best to guide us through quickly while answering our questions and the house and family. If you're a fan of Little Women, it's a treat to tour this house and learn about how it and Louisa's family life influenced and inspired Little Women! The tours can sell out, so I'd recommend buying tickets ahead of time online if you want to make sure you can tour the house! read more

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We loved the personal nature of this tour. We felt we were walking right into the past. Every detail has been so well preserved and is beautiful. The intellectual, philosophical, cultural, artistic, and academic pursuits were the clear intent of every space. The feeling found in Louisa May Alcott's writing is there in this very space. I don't know how often you get a historic home where such a large percentage of the items on display or original to the home and those who lived there. I love that they were able to preserve so many of the drawings on the walls and even bring in technology to find and preserve parts that were lost to the human eye for a time. The school out back is such a gteat structure. I love to imagine the conversations that happened in that room. Conversations that impacted so many and the thinking for decades to come. Thank you for the great experience. read more

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Another famous house in the concord area! Getting here and parking was very simple. We arrived too late in the day and didn't get to tour the house. But we did visit the bookstore and grabbed a few souvenirs. read more

Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House - Museums Near Me - Concord, Massachusetts

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Lifetime Louisa May Alcott fan so I loved the whole experience. So cool to see so much original in the house and items from the family. The Orchard House blend tea in the gift shop is delicious as well. read more

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We had a tour here with Nicole and it was wonderful! Not only did we learn a lot about Louisa May Alcott, but we also learned a lot about the history during the time she lived there. Nicole was an amazing tour guide, and she was incredibly knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions. I highly recommend Orchard House, whether you're a literary fanatic or just want to do something fun and interesting in the Concord area! read more

Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House - Orchard House - Museums Near Me - Concord, Massachusetts

The history of the Alcott family and their influences go well beyond Louisa May Alcott's contribution as an author and their time in Concord. While one can walk the grounds and visit the school of philosophy building, there are only 45 minute guided tours of the inside for $15, and there no photos allowed inside. The perseverance, strength, resilience and gumption of the Alcott family story is astounding and inspiring. The house has many of the original items in it, including the desk upon which Little Women was penned. Our guide was knowledgeable and passionate about the preservation of this home and it's history. It is open year round for tours, so it was very busy when we visited in November. Tickets can also be purchased online. There is limited parking in the front of the home, but just a little further down is a free overflow parking area (almost across the street from the Wayside). It's a 3 minute walk from the lot to Orchard House. read more

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Staff does an excellent job of giving the tour, and between the video and the guided tour I learned so much that I hadn't previously known. Also they've made efforts to keep as much original as possible, and they let you know what are reproductions vs. original. Definitely worth the very reasonable ticket price. Also fun to walk around the main center area of Concord, and we enjoyed the beautiful walk and the architecture on the way to the Orchard House. read more

Little Women is translated into Japanese and read very widely among children. I read it and enjoyed it. I had no idea until recently the author wrote that in Concord, Mass. I did tour and quite enjoyed it. If you bring Charlie card it will be half the price. Fun! read more

We couldn't have picked a more beautiful day to visit the Louisa May Alcott house! The grounds were lovely, and I really liked that they have you watch an informative video before the tour begins so that you can know items of the Alcott's to really look for once you're in there. The home had a nice vibe, and it was nice knowing that a majority of the items in there were truly from when the Alcotts lived there. Our tour guide was nice and I didn't feel too rushed. Cute gift shop too. The toughest park was parking - I think because we were here on Memorial Day weekend it was extra packed, but he had to sit in the lot and wait for someone to leave, and we were risking being late for our tour. I would definitely come back, and it's a must-visit for anyone who loves "Little Women"! read more

Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House - Museums Near Me - Concord, Massachusetts

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If you enjoy anything about Little Women, you owe it to yourself to go! Well done tour for a small space. There is an intro movie that helps you know more about what you will see inside. Knowledgeable guide! I am a fact junkie and I learned a lot. Didn't disappoint read more

Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House - Museums Near Me - Concord, Massachusetts

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Very thorough tour led by a very knowledgeable guide. The whole experience was great.

I started reading kids' versions of little women as a young child. Have always been in love with the book. When I had the chance to go to the orchard house I jumped at the chance! I was not disappointed! A really interesting tour done by Laura and I learned so much about the Alcott family and have even greater respect for them and what they accomplished. Even the gift shop has well curated items! read more

My spiritual pilgrimage to Orchard House was everything I wanted! As it was early spring, I was able to walk-in and get a spot on the next tour. I was very lucky to get a spot, so book ahead if you can! The tour guide was very knowledgeable, and it feels just like a family home. Love and family memories everywhere. Would have loved to have a longer tour, or more time to soak in the home, alas, as demand is high, I was grateful for the time I had. Highly recommend visiting all the historical homes in Concord to learn how each family was connected to each other. read more

Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House - Museums Near Me - Concord, Massachusetts

This was a delightful museum and a great stop even for someone who is only somewhat familiar with Louisa May Alcott and Little Women. I was taken aback by how much of her and her family's belongings were contained in the house. I was also inspired by hearing about all the forward thinking minds in town and how they influenced her writing. Just a plethora of little stories and factoids. Interesting house and family. Go! read more

Visiting Louisa May Alcott's home is a must if you're a history buff and visiting Massachusetts. The drive from Boston is a nice one and there are other things to see while in Concord , such as Walden Pond, Emerson's house, the Concord Museum and the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. The Alcott house docents are friendly and knowledgeable, and do a great job interpreting the site. If you're a fan of Alcott's work you will not be disappointed. read more

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We went to Concord, Massachusetts to your Louisa May Alcott's home and museum known as Orchard House and enjoyed the tour. Concord itself is full of history and a quaint town. Concord, Massachusetts, in the 18th century, held such writers as Hawthorne, Thoreau, Emerson, and the Alcott family! read more

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Absolutely fabulous your. Very informative and staff was so friendly. Would definitely come back!

I've been planning a trip here with my cousin for like two years and couldn't go for a long time because of COVID. I'm so glad we were finally able to go and it was so worth the wait. They were great about dealing with covid precautions. They kept groups small and required masks. The tour was very comprehensive and we both felt like we came away from it knowing more about the entire family and the community at the time. This was everything we wanted it to be and we're so happy to be able to take part in their tours today! read more

Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House - Museums Near Me - Concord, Massachusetts

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We love touring historic homes. If you do, this is an excellent place. Beautiful furniture owned by the family. Touching personal artifacts which add depth. Great tour by Sylvia. Very knowledgeable. Asked some questions and she answered in great detail. read more

I just returned from a lovely tour at the Orchard House. I highly recommend seeking a tour from a young woman named Jennie. She was very knowledgeable and allowed ample time for my questions, even offering to take me back to some rooms at the conclusion of the tour since she had some time to do so. The house itself has an interesting mix of colonial and Victorian elements. The Alcott family was experimental, enlightened and friendly with the movers and shakers of Concord, Emerson and Thoreau among them. The one downside is that photography is not allowed inside the house, but on some level, it was pleasing to me that some space is off limits to cell phones! You can just be In the moment and take everything in rather than trying to get a bunch of photos. Fans of "Little Women and of early American history will enjoy the tour. read more

Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House - Museums Near Me - Concord, Massachusetts

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they were very accommodating when we accidentally booked the wrong time slot and didn't realize until morning of. quick email responses and very kind! our tour guide kate was amazing and made the tour so much fun :D the video at the beginning was very long though. def didn't need the whole second half, i don't think we needed a video tour in the house when we are about to go into the actual house haha. but anyway, i highly recommend going here :) read more

I had the pleasure of taking a tour here yesterday, and I echo so much of what other reviewers have said. A very important author, and I would say, a very important family; much to be admired. House is charming and the details are fabulous. Great little gift shop for the book lover in your life! I have done several other house tours of famous writers and people, and I will say something that sticks out for this tour is that there is no roping to prevent you from walking about the rooms like in some other houses. Of course you cannot touch the art on the walls or decor, but being able to get up close and look at LMA's writing, paintings by May Alcott, and other priceless items is such a treat! read more

We attended Saturday's Christmas with the Alcott's! My suggestion to mother's attending with children read the adapted version of Little Women to them before attending. I did that with my daughter and watched the 90's movie. It really put everything into context for her. The staff at the house allowed us to travel through time. My 6 year old was mesmerized by the tour! The tour was informative, helped her realize more about the story and the Alcotts themselves. It was very interactive as we had a role. I don't want to give away anything they have planned but it was a great experience to offer my daughter! I would highly suggest any parent of a little girl immerses them into the story and extends the story to the house! Thanks Orchard House! read more

Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House - Christmas at Orchard House - Museums Near Me - Concord, Massachusetts

Absolutely beautiful and completely doesn't get enough credit for the amount of work it takes to preserve that house. It's definitely worth the $10 ticket price in my opinion. Make sure to book online in advance and take your time on the tour and the ground area because it's really beautiful. Staff is fantastic! Jan was a great tour guide! I loved their shop too. Bought the tea and it tastes fantastic! Got myself a small little women book I can carry around easily in my pocket there! Make sure to sign the guest book too while visiting! read more

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My wife made this a must see tour while we were in the Concord and Lexington area. We visited on a Sunday morning. I had no idea this woman was an author of a very popular book and now a movie, called "Little Women." I found out when we were driving up to the home. My wife had previously read the book and had seen the movie. I had not. I thought the 15 minute video before the tour began was better than the actual tour. The 15 minute video involved an actress portraying Louisa May Alcott giving a tour through her house. When we actually took the guided tour, we roamed the rooms and the tour guide just pointed out things of interest in each room. It was a bit of a let down. My wife thought the same. However, I still enjoyed my visit and now I really want to see the movie. The price of admission was worth it and there was a nice gift shop at the end. There was sufficient parking. If you are a fan of the author, book, and/or movie, this is a must see for you! read more

I guess I could have popped into the Concord library for a pass (One pass each at the main library and at Fowler Library; Each pass admits 2 adults and 4 youths for FREE.) for Orchard House like Catie C. did, but instead we picked up $4 vouchers on one of those deal sites a month or so earlier. Since our group was a little tight on time, for us, it was probably the better option. If you don't have the time to make two stops at the local library (the first to pick up the pass, and a 2nd to drop it back off), and there aren't any voucher deals to be had, yet you have a CharlieCard in your wallet, you can still score a 2-for-1 admission! (For 2013 anyhow.) With regular admission for adults being $10, that's entrance for the two of you for $5 apiece. At minimum, with a touch of pre-planning, there is a 50 cent admission coupon available on the Orchard House website. Hours are seasonal, so check on that before you go. They hurried us into a small room beside the gift shop where a 15 minute video was already playing. Our tour guide then greeted us and off we went - through the kitchen, the dining room where the Alcott girls performed their plays, the parlor where big sister Anna was wed, up to check out the 3 rather spacious (so I thought) bedrooms, then back down to what I figured was the father's study. Due to our numerous questions (yes, I was at fault for some of those), our tour lasted nearly an hour. Our guide was chock full of interesting information about the Alcott family. I wish we could have chatted for far longer, but given that we had taken part in what was probably the 2nd to last tour of the day, she was generous in her time with us. Then we still had the opportunity to peek around the gift shop before the doors had to lock up. We had a terrific time! And we were fortunate to visit when Anna's wedding dress was on display on the bed in the bedroom she had shared with Louisa. A unisex bathroom available for public use located just off from the gift shop. There are a few parking spots right out front by the wood fence, otherwise there is additional parking available at the nearby Wayside Lot on Hawthorne Lane. From the Orchard House official website: Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House is open year-round on the following schedule: November 1 - March 31 Monday - Friday, 11:00 - 3:00 Last tour at 3:00 Saturday, 10:00 - 4:30 Sunday, 1:00 - 4:30 Last tour at 4:30 April 1 - October 31 Monday - Saturday, 10:00 - 4:30 Sunday, 1:00 - 4:30 Last tour at 4:30 Closed: Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and January 1 & 2; Open at 12 noon on Patriots' Day (3rd Monday in April) Tip - Don't Touch! No Photos in the house. read more

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I love it here and have been many times - I'm a member so I can come as often as I'd like. It's just amazing to be in a place so full of incredible history. The majority of the items in the home were actually owned by the Alcotts, and I think that's what makes the experience so special. My only complaint is that the videos they show before the tour take too much time - why play a video of a tour right before the tour? More time in the house on a tour with a real person would be far superior to the videos. read more

I wanted to visit the Orchard House as it's more of a point of interest to me through the transcendentalist movement and the history associated with that than anything having to do with Little Women...though I totally understand that I may be in the minority on that one. Haha. No photos inside the home during tours or whatnot, of course, but taking a tour is none the less enjoyable and very informative. It's interesting to see all the little nooks and crannies associated with the house and to note how the house is generally cobbled together. It makes you think back to the fact that Bronson Alcott was responsible for the addition on the home and much of the construction or repair...and there's a beauty to the rustic and quirky construction of it all...even if it feels quiiiiiiiite toasty during these summer days. (My inner-Finn would have appreciated the saune-esque feel a bit more if I, ya know, hadn't had to go back out into public right after this visit feeling a bit sweaty and gross.) Also, yes, the guides seem knowledgeable. Oddly, I might have had the most fun wandering through the store and picking out gifts for a couple friends - fans of the Alcott family or other Concord authors. Also, they had fans going in the store! On such a humid day, this was totally appreciated (and yes, I totally may have lingered in the store for a bit longer because of it). :) The house is quite enjoyable though. I'd recommend it to my fellow Concord/Boston/transcendentalism geeks, and for fans of Louisa May Alcott herself? It seems like a "can't miss". read more

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Ok, I'll admit, I was dragged here by my wife. "Little Women"? Ok, yeah I read it, well WAY BACK WHEN. I actually thought it was decent, even if I could barely remember the plot. But Alcott, really wrote a semi-autobiography, and for someone versed in the tale, this place opened up the little women into the real people Alcott had spoken about. For me, with the characters at the edge of memory, this true to life representation of the story brought to me the realization of how Alcott took her own life and wove it into fiction. As a writer myself, I found myself seeing her writings of "what she knew" as a representation of what all good writers do - weave a tale based on yourself and what you know. Ok - enough of the mind. What was cool here was this was really where she lived and breathed. Although many of the furnishings were representative, Alcott was famous "in her lifetime" so many of the furnishings are authentic. Really a cool experience if you embrace it, even if your spouse forces you to go. read more

This gem of a house is incredible. The fact that 80% of the house (including items inside) are authentic, makes it so much more special. I was in awe from all the art work that was preserved, all the letters that were written and kept. The school house on the same property is also original. One woman who was giving the tour said they are planning on opening it to the public at some point. This family was extraordinary and they essentially made so much history, so to be able to step foot in that world was incredible. The gift shop that is attached (and located in one of the biggest rooms in the house) is very, very cute. I purchased the apple tea held in the sweetest Louisa May Alcott tin which was specially made for that gift shop. It was a nice souvenir. The women who run the museum are very knowledgeable and are happy to answer any questions you have! I will certainly be back sooner than later, just to experience it all over again! read more

Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House - Museums Near Me - Concord, Massachusetts

If your tour has not yet begun, wait in the small yard/garden and admire the architecture of the house. If you look up on the hill to the right of the house, you can imagine the redcoats being sniped from up above the road right there in Concord. So much history! We entered the house in a group of more than 8 and they were very accommodating. As you move through the well-kept home, the docent points out many interesting facts, authentic scenarios of her time in the house, names of famous visitors, technology of the time, controversial accomplishments and trends of the time, and you can even see authentic sketches behind plexiglass! What a great stop on the Lexington and Concord trail! read more

Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House - Museums Near Me - Concord, Massachusetts

Concord, Massachusetts is absolutely lovely. If you visit Boston, you should definitely take a quick train ride and visit this quaint town. When you do, please do yourself a favor and visit the Orchard House. Whether you're a "Little Women" fan or a history buff you must visit and tour Louisa May Alcott's home. There's so much to see and learn. You begin your tour by watching an informative film about the home and the family and then you walk through every room of the house with a knowledgeable and charming guide who will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about this lovely home and about the Alcott's. Before you leave, make sure you visit the gift shop. They have many cute anvintage looking books for kids and lots of other lovely things. read more

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I absolutely loved this tour. As an author, it was a dream to walk around Louisa May Alcott's home. I loved the book Little Women, and Ms. Alcott's family home is preserved in a way where it FELT like home. The love of the Alcott family is clearly still living within the walls of this lovely home. I recommend visiting this home and walking its grounds. Wonderful! read more

We very much enjoyed our visit to the Alcott House. The docent was well informed and conveyed the most relevant information in a meaningful and interesting manner. We highly recommend a visit to those of all ages. read more

Love! History and a peek into early New England life. Great tour. Explore. Learn. Even if you don't like the book, the tour reveals the fibers of how Massachusetts women have influenced this country since it's birth! read more

For the Lousia May Alcott fans, this is Mecca. Not only does it look just like the house from the movie (I'm sure that's no coincedence), but you actually get to see some artwork by May Alcott (Amy in the book Little Women). All of the tour guides I have had have been very knowledable (even about very obscure things!). The house also features a sweet little shop that has both current and antique selections of Alcott's novels. Current rates: $8 for adults, $7 for seniors/students, $5 for children (5-17) and $20 for a family (up to 2 adults and 4 youths) read more

Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House - Museums Near Me - Concord, Massachusetts

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This was the home of The Alcotts from from 1858 to 1877. Located just down from the Minute Man National Park, the house includes a tour and is located close to several historical sites. Not only is the house important for fans of Louisa May Alcott & Little Women Fans, but Bronson Alcott was an educational reformer and established a school in Boston that focused on children and treating them as intellectual beings rather than discipline problems. He became Superintendent of Concord and established a School of Philosophy. The early American authors are very prevelant in this area and everyone should take the time to reconnect to our past. read more

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Wow, am I glad we went here. I took my son to see the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, CA and he didn't like that guided tour so I wasn't sure this would go over well. Both my boys and husband loved this tour. Don't let the video that starts in the barn fool you. The guided tour inside the house is wonderful!! read more