10 Destinations In Massachusetts With Free Historic Landmarks

Summary

• One of the favorite free things to do in Massachusetts is exploring its historical landmarks, offering the chance to discover early American history without paying a single penny. Fortunately, there are lots of destinations in Massachusetts where you can see historic landmarks for free.
• Towns like Concord, Northampton, Great Barrington, Salem, Nantucket Island, Amherst, Plymouth, and Brookline offer a number of free historic sites in Massachusetts, including admission-free sites and museums.
• From Walden Pond and North Bridge in Concord to the Jethro Coffin House on Nantucket Island, there are plenty of free historic attractions in Massachusetts to visit.

For anyone looking to take a deeper dive into the history of America, a visit to Massachusetts should be at the top of the list. From the landing of the Mayflower to the establishment of one of America’s oldest cities, this state has been the staging place for so many of the historical events that shaped modern America.

The great news is that even travelers on a budget can explore its history; Massachusetts offers lots of free historical monuments, museums, and landmarks that charge nothing at all to see and enjoy.

Of course, there are so many reasons to visit this state besides learning about American history; spending summers in the coastal beach towns in Massachusetts and viewing the majestic fall foliage spots in the Bay State are just a few of the many things that bring people to this scenic part of New England. Still, the historical side of the state is a major draw and makes it truly a unique part of the USA.

Whether travelers are looking for an affordable vacation or simply a few cost-free things to do on the weekend, everyone can immerse themselves in the events that changed the course of US history without breaking the bank by visiting these zero-charge historically significant landmarks and free historic monuments in Massachusetts.

10 Concord

Walden Pond, North Bridge

Concord is located just 25 miles outside of Boston and is home to a historic site sought out by poets and naturalists alike. Walden Pond is a lush reservation where visitors can hike, swim, boat, and enjoy a beautiful afternoon in nature without spending any money.

Step into the world that formed Henry David Thoreau’s Walden, and be sure to visit the replica of his cabin! Visitors might also like to take a stroll across Concord’s North Bridge, the very site where America’s war for independence began.

• Walden Pond Hours of Operation: Sunday – Saturday, 7am – 5pm
• Dog Friendly?: No
• Facilities: Parking, Restrooms, Boat ramp, Picnic area, Visitor’s center

9 Northampton

Historic Northampton

North Hampton is a quaint town in Massachusetts full of shops, excellent food, and activities for the whole family. Immerse in the rich history of this town with a trip to the Historic North Hampton Museum.

This donation-based museum hosts programming, Zoom talks, interactive activities, and so much more for the public. People can visit several historic properties in addition to the museum, although admission to other activities may come with a fee; however, they’re offered on a sliding scale in an effort to make the experience affordable for everyone.

• Historic Northampton Hours of Operation: Wed – Sun, 12pm – 4pm
• Dog Friendly?: No
• Facilities: Museum facilities, Parking
• Address: Historic Northampton, 46 Bridge Street, Northampton, MA 01060-2406

8 Cape Cod

Cape Cod Rail Trail, Historic Lighthouses, Marconi Wireless Station

The Cape Cod National Seashore is a fantastic place to spend the summer enjoying sandy beaches, sunshine, and quaint towns. While there is a fee to enter the National Seashore Park, there are many free historic attractions worth seeing on the Cape.

Take a walk or a ride down the scenic Cape Cod Rail Trail in Brewster’s Nickerson State Park, one of the most incredible Eastern Coast trails, to access panoramic views and local treasures. Or consider visiting one of the many lighthouses.

Plus, explore the Marconi Wireless Station to see where the first transatlantic message was transmitted from, or swing by the French Cable Station Museum to discover how this station was a communication hub during World War I.

• Cape Cod Rail Trail Hours of Operation: Dawn to Dusk
• Dog Friendly?: Yes
• Facilities: Bike rentals, Scenic viewing area, Restrooms
• Address: Nickerson State Park, 3488 Main St., Brewster, MA 02631

Nickerson State Park charges for parking from Memorial Day to October 31st, but the Rail Trail has many trailheads. For a list of free parking lots,
visit the “parking” section
!

7 Great Barrington

W.E.B Du Bois National Historic Site, Walking Tour

Great Barrington is among the many great places to experience fall foliage in Massachusetts every year. While visiting the area, spend some time visiting the town’s free historical sights!

Witness the places that influenced civil rights advocate W.E.B Du Bois; visitors can take a self-guided tour of his home and other significant locations to learn about his life and work. In the summer, free guided tours are offered as well!

Additionally, visitors can follow a self-guided historical walking tour of Great Barrington created by the Great Barrington Historic District Commission and the Great Barrington Historical Society to take a deeper look into the foundations of the town. This tour offers a glimpse into what the town used to look like, allowing people to peek into life in the 1800s.

• W.E.B Du Bois Homeplace Hours of Operation: Dawn to dusk
• Dog Friendly?: Dogs allowed in outdoor spaces
• Facilities: Visitor center, Parking
• Address: 612 S Egremont Rd, Great Barrington, MA

6 Salem

Salem Maritime National Historic Site

Salem might be best known for its witchy history, but history fans won’t want to miss America’s very first national historical site: Salem Maritime National Historic Site! Between the visitor’s center and the park grounds, the site is brimming with free and fascinating historical experiences for the whole family.

Explore the wharf, wander through the gardens, or even step aboard a replica tall ship. Of course, the best time to visit this spooky town is in October, when visitors can experience the Halloween Haunted Happenings in Salem!

Plus, there are plenty of ghost tours in Salem during the spooky season, some of which are free! Meanwhile, those who do have a bit of spare funds to spend can do so at Salem’s many witchy shops.

• Salem Maritime National Historic Site Hours of Operation: Park grounds are open 24/7
• Dog Friendly?: Pets are welcome in the outdoor spaces, service animals are allowed inside buildings
• Facilities: Visitor center, Restrooms, Park store
• Address: Salem Armory Visitor Center, 2 New Liberty Street, Salem, MA 01970

5 Nantucket Island

Jethro Coffin House

Nantucket Island is a quaint island getaway surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, and it also happens to be home to a number of Massachusetts’ free historic landmarks. Here, people can visit the Jethro Coffin House, the oldest house that’s still standing on its original site.

This structure was built in 1686 and shows off the architecture of the time. Visitors can explore the gardens, which have been restored to what they would have looked like in the 1700s and are maintained without the use of modern fertilizers.

The island is also speckled with lighthouses that people can visit without charge. Discover the beacons that were used to guide ships safely to shore on this beautiful island!

• Jethro Coffin House Hours of Operation: Wed – Sat, 11am – 4pm
• Dog Friendly?: Service animals only
• Facilities: None
• Address: 16 Sunset Hill, Nantucket, MA

4 Amherst

Mead Art Museum, Mount Holyoke State Park, Amherst Farmers Market

Amherst, Massachusetts, is another one of the numerous places in Massachusetts with free historic landmarks; notably, it’s widely known as being the home of Emily Dickinson and is well worth the visit to see her museum and home. While these exhibits do charge admission, there are other free activities that people can find in this treasured New England town.

Nestled in the heart of Amherst College is the Mead Art Museum, where visitors can view the current exhibits at no charge. Walk around campus and discover the rich history behind this 200-year-old college. Those still looking to stretch their legs can take a hike up Mount Norwottuck and witness free views of the Pioneer Valley!

• Mead Art Museum Hours of Operation: Tuesday – Sunday, 9am – 5pm
• Dog Friendly?:
• Facilities: Restrooms, Drinking fountains, Service animals welcome, Handicap accessible
• Address: 41 Quadrangle Drive in Amherst, MA, 01002

3 Plymouth

Plymouth Rock, National Monument of the Forefathers

Witness the place where modern America began. Plymouth, Massachusetts, is well-known for being the landing site of the Mayflower. Take a trip to Pilgrim Memorial State Park and see the Plymouth Rock itself, or explore the Pilgrim Trail and walk in the footsteps of the founders of America.

Visitors also won’t want to miss the National Monument of the Forefathers, a stunning, 81-foot tall granite monument built to honor the passengers of the Mayflower.

• Pilgrim State Park Hours of Operation: Sunrise to sunset
• Dog Friendly?: Yes
• Facilities: Parking, Restrooms
• Address: 79 Water St., Plymouth, MA 02360

Pilgrim State Park requires a parking fee. They offer 2-hour parking from 9 am – 7 pm at $1.25 an hour from April 1 – November 30.

2 Brookline

John F. Kennedy Birthplace

Brookline is a town outside the bustle of Boston and is the birthplace of President John F. Kennedy. Visit his home and learn about the life, motivation, and work of America’s 35th president. Best of all, this national historic site is completely free to the public.

Brookline also offers museums, parks, and theaters that are worth checking out, including a farmer’s market visitors won’t want to miss!

• John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site Hours of Operation: Seasonal Hours
• Dog Friendly?: No
• Facilities: Visitor center, Handicap accessible
• Address: 83 Beals Street, Brookline, MA 02446

1 Boston

Charlestown Navy Yard, Bunker Hill Monument

Boston, one of the oldest cities in America, is jam-packed with historic sites, many of which are free to visit. It can be overwhelming navigating a trip to this expensive city, but there are many free attractions in Boston the history buff won’t want to miss.

Explore the Charlestown Navy Yard, where visitors can walk the decks of two historic ships, or climb up the Bunker Hill Monument to commemorate the historic battle that took place in 1775.

For a more immersive experience, follow the Boston Freedom Trail, where visitors can explore a plethora of museums, monuments, burial grounds, and so much more without necessarily spending anything.

• Charlestown Navy Yard Visitor Center Hours of Operation: 10am – 4pm (Closed Mon-Tues)
• Dog Friendly?: No
• Facilities: Museum, Restrooms, Parking