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    Recommended Reviews - Old Manse

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    Bea T.

    Fantastic history given by the Trustees of the Reservation. Learned a lot about the Emerson and Ripley's who owned the place and the history of the foundation of our country. Daniel and Waldo Emerson lived there. Also there's a home overlooking the Battle of 1775. Their series of events here and I love the fact that the grounds are beautiful.

    Lori F.

    We stopped in for the house tour before which was fabulous. Yesterday while looking at a newsletter I receive I found they were doing "Spirit if the Manse attic tours". Heck yeah! The family & I drove up to lovely Concord and had the tour and walked down to the Old North Bridge at dusk which was beautiful and still. The tour guide we had, can't remember her name, did quite well on giving history of the house, the attic rooms and spirit beliefs of that time period. A little bummed no spirits were sensed or orbs in my pictures but alas, it was a good night. A beautifully lite candle pathway to a fire and s'mores making while listening to a story by Nathaniel Hawthorne, he formerly lived at The Manse

    Sink inside
    Anthony G.

    I was excited to visit a home with such a rich history. This home built by a Rev. William Emerson, is right next to the North Bridge, which saw the Battle of Concord, the first major battle on the revolutionary war. His grandson was the great transcendentalist writer, Ralph Waldo Emerson. Nathaniel Hawthorne, another great American writer later rented and lived in this home. Henry David Thoreau also stayed here in the past and was the one who planted the vegetable garden here. Just amazing to walk these halls and feel this history in here. If your in Concord, you should check this place out.

    Historical crapper you'll find on the top floor
    Tony S.

    My first look at a historical crapper! (see pic) While it's a bit too quaint and serene for my city-boy tastes, it definately is a must-see for history buffs, especially fans of the great Nathanial Hawthorne, or, as was in my case, a great spot for group picnics and get-togethers. The house itself is a great walk down history lane, complete with a historical crapper (I know... I can't get over how small toilets were back then), a drop spindle, ancient Steinway piano, stuffed owl whose eyes follow you everywhere (even to the historical crapper), teeny tiny "adult" beds (it's a wonder how they procreated), and, for the true romantics, numerous windows throughout the house where you can still see romantic messages/letters carved by diamond ring from Hawthorne to his bride. The grounds are huge, green, filled with mosquitoes, and come complete with some historical bridge that repelled either the British troops, rebels, or Nazis (I forget, wasn't really paying attention at this point of the tour as I was still stuck on the crapper thing). Make sure you take the tour with Tom, who, being British, will give his own view of what really happened during the war (damn redcoats!).

    in the distance
    Karen 2.

    very attentive staff. good for families and seems to be dog-friendly as well. nice short walk.

    R V.

    What's not to love about the Old Manse? Whether you're in Concord for the Revolutionary history (the house is next to the Old North Bridge) or literary history (not just Emerson but also Hawthorne lived here), this is a must-visit. The staff is knowledgeable and, more importantly, enthusiastic about the home and its stories. The house itself is a bit dreary, almost depressing, but the etchings in the glass made by Mr. and Mrs. Hawthorne are incredibly romantic and make up for it. Spend some time in the gift shop too - they have a great selection. And, again, this place is defined by its outstanding staff. NOTE: Just beware that MOST of the photos on this entry are for the Old North Bridge and MInute Man National Park which, though right next door, is decidedly NOT the Old Manse.

    Front of old Manse!
    Anna R.

    We took the tour of the house with a family of 5. Two 10 year olds and 3 adults. This was by far the most interesting tour we've taken! We have traveled all through Boston and taken all the typical tours. David was our tour guide and was very very entertaining and informative, he provided us with numerous tidbits of fascinating trivia of the house and the residents. My kids and my husband and I were all enthralled by the presentation and the house. There are many original antiques and artifacts throughout the house. If you're in the area I would highly recommend bringing the family. The cost is$9 adults, $6 for children and $8 for students. Military get in free! Great tour! Great guide! Must see.

    A view from the dock of the Old Manse Boathouse
    John N.

    As a Concord born-southern transplant I was excited to visit the North Bridge and Old Manse again. It had been over 20 years since I walked the bridge and the grounds of this historic setting. There is something special about this town of Concord and would recommend a visit for anyone interested in the history of America.

    The Old Manse

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    Review Highlights - Old Manse

    You can see the old North Bridge from the same room where Emerson and Hawthorne wrote some of their works.

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    The Robbins House

    The Robbins House

    4.5(4 reviews)
    0.1 mi

    This farm house was formerly located elsewhere. It once belonged to an African American family in…read morethe 1800's. At that time slavery had been abolished for quite some time in Massachusetts, so they would have been considered "free blacks" until 1865 when all slaves were formally emancipated in the USA. I didn't get to see the inside of this house but walked around the outside. I estimate that this house is roughly 16' x 32'. It looks like there is a tiny second floor area. From the front it looks probably much like it did when it was first built. The back has a wheelchair ramp, a piece of metal contemporary art and an air conditioning unit in one window. There is a large bell, some seating, and an informative sign out front. It is not owned by the National Parks but is right next to the parking lot for the North Bridge. It would be easy to visit the bridge and the Old Manse (owned by the trustees) at the same time. While this house is not grand, like the Old Manse, it is important to acknowledge how all Americans have lived, whether their ancestors were born on American soil, chose to start a new life here, or were forced to.

    The Robbins House Docent dressed in period costume was excellent, storytelling on the lawn in front…read moreof the 1823 Farmhouse* to a rapt audience on a lovely Summer afternoon. She cited such little-known facts as:: In 1641, Massachusetts was the 1st American Colony to legalize Slavery, as well as the 1st State to ban Slavery in 1783. John Hancock was a Slave Owner. Hmmmm . . . Some were led to believe that Slavery was strictly a Southern thing . . . Granted, The South was slow to enforce Abolition . . . *Restored & relocated to this site in 2011.

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    The Robbins House
    The Robbins House
    The Robbins House

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    Thoreau Farm

    Thoreau Farm

    4.6(7 reviews)
    1.9 mi

    For my birthday last year, I gifted myself a day's retreat in the house/room where Thoreau was…read moreborn. My entire trip to the Concord area was a transcendental pilgrimage in its own right, and my day alone in the home of seclusion's champion was more than meaningful. I read all the exhibit panels, wrote at the little desk by the window, picnicked on the lovely grounds for lunch, and read Emerson's "Read, then Write." I might have even slept a little in the peaceful, bird-sung quiet. It was a gift to have the entire day in this place, to see the shift of sunlight across the eaves, to contemplate the coming year. The staff made it so easy - they worked with me to shift days - and they made me feel absolutely welcome. It was quite humbling to have a key of my very own for the day! I came away with good written words, good philosophy, and a belief in the actuality of personal connection with literary heroes. Thank you for allowing it to happen!

    I am so grateful for the writing space at the Writer's Retreat provided by the Thoreau Farm:…read moreBirthplace of Henry David Thoreau. It is a privilege to spend time in the very room that this American author was born. As the author and illustrator of eight children's books on Thoreau, I can attest that the Writer's Retreat has provided me the impetus for creating them during the numerous times I attended the Writer's Retreat. One might say that they were conceived in that room where many of my words and illustrations began. The Writer's Retreat provides a quiet space where one might write, read, and be reflective. It is beneficial to the amateur or professional writer or to anyone who just needs a space to think and read. The Farm is in a rural setting where one may take a meditative walk and is a special treasure. Imagine writing or reading on a replica of Henry's own green desk where he wrote his works. It is wonderful to have the opportunity to have a place to rest and think without any distractions in the room where Henry was born. Rebecca Migdal, Executive Director of the Thoreau Farm: Birthplace of Henry David Thoreau, is warm and welcoming to anyone who visits the Thoreau Farm or uses the Writer's Retreat. During the time I spent at this special place, Rebecca made me feel very comfortable. Rebecca's cheerful demeaner makes any visitor feel special and at ease. I highly encourage anyone who needs a space for quiet reflection or pursue literary endeavors to spend a day or two at the Writer's Retreat.

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    Thoreau Farm
    Thoreau Farm
    Thoreau Farm

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    Minute Man Visitor Center - Great video presentation

    Minute Man Visitor Center

    4.6(79 reviews)
    4.3 mi

    With the 250th anniversary of the American Revolutionary War, we wanted to pay tribute to the…read moreglorious patriots who made sacrifices for this country! It is about 20 to 30 miles northwest of Boston, the drive is scenic especially when you start driving through all of the little towns leading to Lexington and Concord. The main attraction for our visit was to visit the north bridge memorial site where the first shots of the war began at 5am on Apr 19,1775 dubbed the "shot heard around the world" There is also a marker for the two British soldiers killed here. The site is spread out and will require some hiking if you would like to see the entire trail. I believe it was 5 to 7 miles on foot to see everything. The visit was amazing and awe inspiring! I highly recommend any history buff to visit.

    Great park on the start of the American Revolution. Although it's only open seasonally, there is a…read moregreat exhibit at the visitor's center with a great video explanation of the start of the war. The presentation is very thorough and engaging. The gift shop has decent items. Grab a map, then on a nice day it's a great walk / stepping down the same road history took the English and Americans to face each other. Some of the sites are walkable and some are a little further, but there are parking areas along the way. The tavern wasn't open when I went, but there are tour options throughout the summer. We ended out outing at North Bridge, which is another great site. On a nice weather day, you could easily spend a few hours here. It's a unique site in our nation's history, and it's a lot of fun and good times outdoors.

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    Minute Man Visitor Center - British soldiers grave

    British soldiers grave

    Minute Man Visitor Center - Patriot monument

    Patriot monument

    Minute Man Visitor Center - Battlefield

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    Battlefield

    Old Manse - landmarks - Updated May 2026

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