Kayaking to The Old North Bridge, Concord, Massachusetts

Jay Bell

Combining gym class, history, and a field trip!

The South Bridge Boat House allows you to explore by kayak or canoe. It rents by the hour, and is an easy paddle away. Allow two hours, giving you a little time to beach the kayaks and walk around the grounds. Or, pack a picnic and linger a little longer.

​The Old North Bridge could be viewed as the birthplace of the American Revolution. In 1775, hundreds of colonial minutemen and militia held a hill nearby, with more locals arriving to reinforce them. Meanwhile, just under a hundred British infantry set up across the river and the bridge. This led to volleys of shots from both sides. Coupled with the earlier events in the nearby town of Lexington, the Revolution began and the rest, as they say, is history.

Fun for everyone
This park offers a variety of ways to experience the history and surroundings. They routinely run group tours, have knowledgeable park staff available to talk to, and you can always just roam the grounds.

The park is very well run and easily offers something for everyone, from kids to grown-ups, and groups to families, to individuals.

​The town of Concord not only offers this park, but also boasts a beautiful and pedestrian-friendly downtown, historic cemetery that is home to famous authors, and more. While the two-hour kayak trip can pass the afternoon nicely, Concord can also provide an all-day affair