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National Historical Park · Massachusetts

Boston National Historical Park

National Historical Park in Massachusetts. No entrance fee.

By The Green Adventures · Updated · How we check

TypeNational Historical Park
StateMassachusetts
Entrance feeNo entrance fee
CampgroundsNone
Nearest national parkAcadia (198 mi)
Closest airportBOS (2 mi)
A desk with paper and two sets of quills frame a person in colonial wear standing in the aisle.
During the summer, the park hosts Town Meeting programs in Faneuil Hall. These interactive programs allow visitors to participate in lively debate on a topic once debated in the Great Hall. Photo: NPS Photo

Boston National Historical Park is a national historical park run by the National Park Service in Massachusetts.

In the park service’s words

Discover how one city could be the Cradle of Liberty, site of the first major battle of American Revolution, and home to many who espoused that freedom can be extended to all.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

  • Learn about Boston's "Wicked" High Tides (20 to 40 Minutes): Learn about Boston's coastlines and King tides by taking the High Tide Trail audio tour or joining a high tide program hosted by our partners, the Stone Living Lab.
  • Visit Historic Faneuil Hall: Visit the Historic Cradle of Liberty's marketplace, Visitor Center, Great Hall, and Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company.
  • The Freedom Trail: Enemies to this Country Guided Tour (75 Minutes): Join a park ranger for a free 75 minute walking tour and decide who the real "Enemies to This Country" were in the months before the breakout of the War for Independence.
  • Join a Historic Town Meeting at Faneuil Hall (30 to 45 Minutes): Join National Parks of Boston Rangers as we recreate historic town meetings.
  • Visit Bunker Hill: Visit Bunker Hill to climb the Monument, explore the Museum, and learn about the history of the battle from a ranger.
  • Bunker Hill: Muskets, Men, and Liberty (30 Minutes): Listen to a ranger dressed in period clothing discuss why three men from different backgrounds fought in the battle. The program concludes with a musket firing demonstration!
  • Charlestown Navy Yard: Tour USS CASSIN YOUNG (DD 793) (45 Minutes): Explore above and below the main deck of USS CASSIN YOUNG (DD 793), a Fletcher-class Destroyer that served in the Second World War and throughout the 1950s.
  • Walk the Black Heritage Trail® (60 to 90 Minutes): Join a Park Ranger from the National Parks of Boston on a Black Heritage Trail® Tour to learn about the Black community of Beacon Hill that thrived before, during, and after the American Civil War.

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Hours: Mon Closed; Tue Closed; Wed 10:00AM - 5:00PM; Thu 10:00AM - 5:00PM; Fri 10:00AM - 5:00PM; Sat 10:00AM - 5:00PM; Sun 10:00AM - 5:00PM. Only 25 people are allowed in the Monument at a time. Last climb is 30 minutes before closure. Be advised: The Monument may close for climbing due to weather conditions and/or other safety considerations.

Getting there

Visitor Centers are located at Historic Faneuil Hall, 1 Faneuil Hall Sq, and the Charlestown Navy Yard, Building 5. The Bunker Hill Museum is located at 43 Monument Square, Charlestown. Go to the Directions page for more detailed information.

Airport City Drive to the park Straight-line miles Type
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) Boston, MA No road route 2 Large hub
Laurence G Hanscom Field (BED) Bedford, MA No road route 14 Regional
Worcester Regional Airport (ORH) Worcester, MA No road route 43 Regional

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

  • Faneuil Hall Visitor Center: Mon Closed; Tue 10:00AM - 5:00PM; Wed 10:00AM - 5:00PM; Thu 10:00AM - 5:00PM; Fri 10:00AM - 5:00PM; Sat 10:00AM - 5:00PM; Sun 10:00AM - 5:00PM. Located in the heart of downtown on the market level of the historic 1742 building, the Faneuil Hall visitor center is open year-round.
  • Charlestown Navy Yard Visitor Center: Mon Closed; Tue 10:00AM - 5:00PM; Wed 10:00AM - 5:00PM; Thu 10:00AM - 5:00PM; Fri 10:00AM - 5:00PM; Sat 10:00AM - 5:00PM; Sun 10:00AM - 5:00PM. Entrance to this Visitor Center is via a security checkpoint. Photo ID may be required for access. This is for added security for USS CONSTITUTION, an active navy ship.
  • Bunker Hill Museum: Mon Closed; Tue Closed; Wed 10:00AM - 5:00PM; Thu 10:00AM - 5:00PM; Fri 10:00AM - 5:00PM; Sat 10:00AM - 5:00PM; Sun 10:00AM - 5:00PM. Bunker Hill Museum provides exhibits and visitor services for people interested in learning about the battle and the monument.

Weather

Temperatures range from warm, humid summer days to cold New England winter days. Wear comfortable sportswear in season, with comfortable walking shoes.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Acadia, about 198 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

Last checked 1 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee at Boston National Historical Park?

No entrance fee.

Where is Boston National Historical Park?

In Massachusetts. The closest airport with scheduled flights is Boston Logan International Airport, about 2 miles away.

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