Accessibility in Concord
There is much to love about Concord, Mass: The town is steeped in military, social, literary and natural history. Concord is easily one of the most famous small towns in New England, known for its Revolutionary War history and literary legends who resided here, including Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Henry David Thoreau. The landmark Walden Pond is here, too.But Concord has more than just an interesting history. There are plenty of great shops and restaurants once you’re done checking out the historical landmarks.
Throughout greater Concord, there is a renewed effort to make this destination more accessible for visitors of all abilities. Here’s some information on accessibility to make your visit more enjoyable.
PARKING
Concord has handicapped parking available throughout town including free lots and metered street parking. Smart parking meters on Main Street, Walden Street, Hubbard Street, Thoreau Street and Commonwealth Avenue allow you to pay with credit card, phone and coins. Concord has a parking app which allows you to use your phone’s location to show where you can park.
TRANSPORTATION
The MBTA commuter rail Fitchburg line offers transportation from Boston and surrounding areas. Once you are at the West Concord or Concord commuter rail station, take a taxi or ride share service to your destination or to the Concord Visitor Center, 58 Main St., Concord. Note: the West Concord station has accessible boarding platforms, but the Concord station does not, and therefore getting on and off the train at the Concord station requires the use of the the train car’s metal stairs.
LIMITED MOBILITY
Concord Museum
A dedicated handicap space is available in front of the museum.. All of the facilities are wheelchair accessible. A wheelchair is available for use free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.
Minuteman National Park
The Minute Man Visitor Center and North Bridge Visitor Center are accessible to wheelchairs. Accessible parking and restrooms are also available across Minute Man. Individuals with mobility impairments wishing to tour Hartwell Tavern, Smith House, and Whittemore House should discuss accommodation available with rangers at the Minute Man Visitor Center. While exploring the park there are many sections of paved and non-paved trail accessible to those with limited mobility.
Walden Pond
The Thoreau House Site Trail is designed for accessibility, as are the visitor center and restrooms. Three beach wheelchairs, including one floating chair, are available to guests and may be reserved in advance.
Orchard House
is handicapped-accessible on the first floor only; visitors with special needs or who are unable to climb stairs will be offered accommodations to enhance their tour experience.
Please call the Concord Visitor Center 978-318-3061 or email visitors@concordma.gov for more information about accessibility information at other historic venues.
ADAPTIVE BIKES
Adaptive bikes are available through Minuteman Bike Share at two locations, Concord Visitor Center at 58 Main Street and West Concord entrance to the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail. Download the Koloni app, signup, then enter the bike ID tag number or scan the QR code to unlock the bike, and off you go.
RESTROOMS
Accessible restrooms are available inside the Concord Visitor Center, open 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
SERVICE DOGS
Service animals are welcome in downtown businesses. They must remain on a leash or harness and be under control of owner at all times. Contact individual businesses if you have questions about service dogs.
HEARING DISABILITIES
Service animals are welcome in downtown businesses. They must remain on a leash or harness and be under control of owner at all times. Contact individual businesses if you have questions about service dogs.
VISUAL DISABILITIES
Braille, printed transcripts and/or audiovisual aides may be available at select locations in Concord. Please contact individual businesses you plan on visiting for information and availability prior to your arrival.
AUTISM/SENSORY
Neurodiverse travelers are welcome in Concord and many destinations will work with you to create a moire comfortable experience for all visitors.
