Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Bedford, MA

Summary:

Located near Lexington and Concord, this quaint town in Greater Boston engaged in the initial exchanges of the American Revolutionary War on April 19, 1775.

Bedford serves as the terminus of the Minuteman Commuter Bikeway, a 10-mile rail trail that closely follows the trajectory of Paul Revere’s celebrated Midnight Ride.

The trailhead is situated at a historic railroad depot, providing access to two additional rail trails, each showcasing numerous points of interest along the three routes.

In and around Bedford, one can find remarkable Colonial homes steeped in Revolutionary history. The local library houses a militia flag believed to have been raised during the decisive battles of that time.

1. Minuteman Commuter Bikeway

Three disused railroad lines converge at Bedford’s Depot Park complex, the most notable among them being the Minuteman Commuter Bikeway, which has its western trailhead here.

The 10-mile paved trail extends all the way to Alewife station in Cambridge, along the path of the former Boston & Maine Railroad. The segment connecting Bedford and Lexington dates back to 1846, although travelers traversed this route well before the railroad was established.

This corridor generally aligns with the path taken by Paul Revere during his midnight ride to alert fellow patriots of the advancing British forces in the early morning hours of April 19, 1775.

The freight house at the depot in Bedford now operates as a museum, providing insight into Bedford’s intricate railroad history. Nearby, Bikeway Source serves as a dedicated bicycle store for any necessary supplies.

2. Job Lane House

At 295 North Road, visitors can explore a Colonial Saltbox residence that dates back to 1713. Job Lane, the grandson of one of the town’s earliest settlers, served both as a town officer and church deacon, while his son became a Minuteman injured during the Battle of Concord.

The house remained within the Lane family for several generations until the mid-19th century, when it was acquired by the town in the 1970s.

In the early 1990s, a barn constructed in the 1720s joined the house, transforming the site into an insightful exhibit of 18th-century life in Bedford. Tours are conducted on the afternoon of the second and fourth Sunday of each month from May through October.

3. Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

Situated on the western outskirts of Bedford, the banks of the Concord River are safeguarded by the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, which consists of approximately 12 miles of riverfront extending between Billerica and Wayland.

This conservation area is predominantly comprised of freshwater wetlands, rendering it one of the most prime locations in Massachusetts for observing avian species.

A variety of waterfowl species, including blue-winged teals, wood ducks, black ducks, and mallards, nest within the refuge. As a migratory corridor, over 220 bird species have been recorded in this area.

During springtime, one may observe black and white warblers, tree swallows, turkey vultures, and ring-necked ducks migrating through, while autumn brings sightings of yellow warblers and rose-breasted grosbeaks.

4. Bedford Free Public Library

The Bedford Free Public Library, established in 1876, relocated to its present building in 1968 to accommodate the rapidly growing population.

This facility underwent expansion in 1999 and now provides a broad range of resources, programs, and services for the community.

A compelling reason for visitors to stop by is to view the Bedford flag, regarded as the oldest intact battle flag in the United States.

According to oral tradition, it was displayed at the North Bridge during the Battle of Concord on April 19, 1775. Crafted from crimson silk damask, the flag showcases an armored arm wielding a sword, accompanied by the motto, “VINCE AUT MORIRE” (Win Or Die).

The flag’s origins remain uncertain, though it was likely produced around the turn of the 18th century and is now preserved in a climate-controlled secure room available for viewing by request.

5. Bedford Farms Ice Cream

Bedford’s longest-running business is an ice cream brand that originated as a dairy in the 1880s. Bedford Farms began producing ice cream following World War II, establishing a stand that rapidly evolved into a local staple.

By the 1980s, ice cream became the sole focus of Bedford Farms, which has since expanded, opening a second shop in Concord and constructing a new production facility since 2000.

Among the enduring favorites are Coffee Oreo, Peanut Butter Cup, and Green Monster (a combination of mint ice cream, fudge, and Oreos). Additionally, a diverse selection of limited edition and seasonal flavors, such as Pumpkin, is available.

Bedford Farms also offers frozen yogurt, sorbet, sherbet, and soft serve, allowing patrons to enjoy their treats on benches positioned outside.

6. Narrow Gauge Rail Trail

When established in the 1870s, the Billerica and Bedford Railroad earned the distinction of being the first common carrier two-foot-gauge railway in the United States.

While this initiative ultimately proved untenable, it set the foundation for similar lines later developed in Maine. By 1885, the railbed transitioned to a standard-gauge extension of the Lexington Branch of the Boston & Lowell Railroad.

The final passenger service concluded in 1931, with freight operations ceasing in the early 1960s. The rail trail, composed of stone-dust, extends three miles to the Billerica line.

Along the way, visitors can stop at Memorial Park, with Fawn Lake serving as a picturesque spot with a compelling narrative.

7. Reformatory Branch Trail

Situated a short distance west of Depot Park, another rail trail leads you towards Concord Center. Spanning four miles, the Reformatory Branch Trail maintains an undeveloped state, setting it apart from other trails in Bedford, although there were proposals to pave the Bedford segment at the time of writing.

This pathway follows the railbed of the Middlesex Central Railroad, established in 1873. The name derives from the Old Concord Reformatory (Massachusetts Correctional Institution – Concord), which became part of the line in 1879.

This trail offers a convenient means of hiking or cycling to the Concord section of the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, as well as to the North Bridge, where the historic “shot heard ’round the world” was fired.

8. Fawn Lake

Nested just off the Narrow Gauge Rail Trail in northern Bedford lies a serene natural area known as Fawn Lake. Enveloped by woodlands, this lake is nourished by natural springs and was enlarged by Italian laborers in the 1870s for the Hotel Sweetwater.

Historically, the water was prized for its “medicinal properties” and underpinned the development of a line of pharmaceutical products at the turn of the 20th century.

In recent years, efforts have been made to rehabilitate the lake, which involved the removal of a substantial layer of invasive aquatic plants.

A network of marked trails meanders through the woods, encircling most of the lakeshore. Although the surrounding area is relatively compact, the shores of Fawn Lake offer a remote feeling due to the absence of busy roadways.

9. Two Brothers Rocks

Laid down by glacial activity roughly 11,000 years ago, this pair of boulders along the Concord River has served as a landmark for countless generations.

Three Native American trails converged at this precise location. Much later, the rocks marked a divide between grants issued to Massachusetts Bay Colony governors John Winthrop and Thomas Dudley.

Despite their differing views, these two figures symbolized cooperation and democracy through the representation of the Two Brothers.

The rocks functioned as boundary markers until as recently as the early 20th century and are now located within the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge.

Visitors can access this site by taking a walk along the blue-blazed trail from the Dudley Road Trailhead through the Altman Conservation Area.

10. Chip-In Farm

Adjacent to the Reformatory Branch Trail, this charming farmstand and general store, Chip-In Farm, is renowned primarily for its fresh eggs produced by chickens raised on-site.

These eggs are collected, cleaned, and graded on a daily basis, ensuring they are available on store shelves by the following day.

Additionally, visitors can purchase a variety of fresh produce and artisanal groceries, including infused olive oils, fresh sourdough breads, local Bedford honey, maple syrup, grass-fed meats, and chocolate-dipped confections.

The farm is home to several barnyard animals, among them sheep, goats, miniature horses, and a pig, with food available for purchase to feed them. Be sure to check their calendar for scheduled activities, which include regular goat yoga sessions.

11. Patriot Golf Course

The public is invited to enjoy this 9-hole course, which is affiliated with Hanscom Air Force Base. It is a highly regarded facility, frequently recognized as the “Best U.S. Military Small Golf Course,” while also offering excellent value with green fees beginning at $24 for a nine-hole round on weekdays.

Military and DoD patrons receive priority during peak hours; therefore, advance scheduling of tee times is required, which must be done via phone at least one day beforehand.

Patriot Golf Course features a pro shop stocked with essential golfing equipment, alongside a 275-yard driving range with 20 grass tees and 8 mat tees.

12. Hartwell Town Forest

In Bedford, residents and visitors are never far from scenic woodland trails, as several conservation properties are maintained by the town.

These areas are notably well-kept, featuring clear, marked trails and ample parking. The Hartwell Town Forest, bordered by Hanscom Air Force Base, is a favored location for outdoor activities.

The main blue-blazed trail extends slightly over 1.5 miles, winding through a picturesque pine grove that is perfect for picnicking while skirting around Hartwell Brook’s wetland area.

13. Minute Man National Historical Park

Bedford is situated in close proximity to both Lexington and Concord, wherein the first confrontations of the American Revolutionary War occurred on April 19, 1775.

The Minute Man National Historical Park safeguards sites such as the North Bridge, where the first British regulars fell, and Lexington Battle Green, which witnessed the war’s initial clashes.

Visitors can traverse the course of the British retreat along the five-mile Battle Road Trail and explore historic buildings, including the Hartwell Tavern (1733), where park rangers don Colonial attire.

This region also boasts a rich literary heritage, with Concord having been a cultural center during the 19th century, giving rise to notable figures such as Louisa May Alcott, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and children’s author Margaret Sidney, whose home, The Wayside, is situated within the park.

14. Minute Man Visitor Center

Located along Battle Road, near the park’s eastern entrance, the Minute Man Visitor Center lies less than ten minutes from Bedford. Here, it is possible to acquire deeper insights into the critical events that transpired on April 19, 1775.

Recently, an archaeological survey was conducted at the site of Parker’s Revenge, one of the battle’s engagements, and the center showcases some artifacts unearthed during the excavation, such as musketballs.

A striking exhibit consists of a 40-foot mural illustrating the conflict between the Colonists and British regulars, while a captivating multimedia presentation titled “Road to Revolution” spans nearly 30 minutes.

15. Fitch Tavern

Currently a private residence, the Fitch Tavern is located at 12 Great Road and holds historical importance due to its role in the events of April 19, 1775. It was in this tavern that approximately one-third of Bedford’s 77-man militia gathered before heading to Concord.

Dating back to 1710, the Fitch Tavern is the oldest structure in the town. At the onset of the Revolutionary War, the establishment was operated by Jeremiah Fitch, a sergeant in Bedford’s militia company.

Historical accounts suggest that the soldiers congregated around the fireplace in the taproom for a modest breakfast of cold cornmeal mush and hot buttered rum.

As they consumed their meal, Captain Jonathan Wilson purportedly uttered the renowned words, “It is a cold breakfast, boys, but we’ll give the British a hot dinner; we’ll have every dog of them before night.”