Bunker Hill Monument Boston
A 221-foot granite obelisk commemorating the Battle of Bunker Hill, offering panoramic city views after a 294-step climb.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier climb.
Bunker Hill Monument Boston
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier climb.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 221-foot granite obelisk commemorating the Battle of Bunker Hill, offering panoramic city views after a 294-step climb.
"A great ending to the Freedom Trail walk, offering rewarding views after conquering 294 steps!"
👟 Conquer the 294 Steps
It's a workout, but the views are worth it! Take your time and enjoy the journey to the top.
🗺️ Check Monument Access
Confirm if the monument is open for climbing before your visit. Hours can vary.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Monument's Summit
Top of the Obelisk
Ascend 294 steps for panoramic views of Boston and its harbor. A true test of endurance with a rewarding vista.

Battle of Bunker Hill Museum
Across from the Monument
Discover the history of the pivotal Revolutionary War battle through exhibits and ranger presentations.

Freedom Trail Finale
Charlestown
This iconic obelisk serves as a significant landmark and often a concluding point for those walking the historic Freedom Trail.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Conquer the Climb
Check Opening Status
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Conquer the 294 Steps
It's a workout, but the views are worth it! Take your time and enjoy the journey to the top.
🗺️ Check Monument Access
Confirm if the monument is open for climbing before your visit. Hours can vary.
🏛️ Visit the Museum
The museum across the street offers great context about the battle.
📸 Capture the Views
The top offers unique perspectives of Boston Harbor and the city skyline.
Took from Bunker Hill Monument.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Conquer the 294 Steps
It's a workout, but the views are worth it! Take your time and enjoy the journey to the top.
🗺️ Check Monument Access
Confirm if the monument is open for climbing before your visit. Hours can vary.
🏛️ Visit the Museum
The museum across the street offers great context about the battle.
📸 Capture the Views
The top offers unique perspectives of Boston Harbor and the city skyline.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Bunker Hill Monument for its historical significance and the rewarding views from the summit after climbing 294 steps. The adjacent museum and informative rangers also receive positive mentions, making it a valuable stop on the Freedom Trail. Some note the strenuous climb and the limited space at the top during peak times.
"Very nice experience. Be prepared to conquer the 294 steps. Once you do, there are four nice views of the city. Outside the monument, there are interpretive markers explaining at least six events during the battle. Service dogs are allowed to climb the monument, and pets are not. My boy had little if any problems. I also recommend the museum directly across the street."
Robert Fellner
"Probably our favorite site along the Freedom Trail. You are able to climb up the monument, 294 steps, and see some great views from the top. We also listened to a short presentation about a few of the individuals involved at Bunker Hill and saw their musket be shot. Quite an ordeal of instructions in order to shoot. Don’t let the fact that this is a ways away from all the other sites, definitely a must see."
Jon Harrison
"The monument it open to the public and you can climb the 294 steps at only the cost of your knees. It's a cool view of Boston and a great place to learn about American revolutionary history. Lovely spot on the Boston freedom trail."
Megan Bland
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Bunker Hill Monument is located in Charlestown, Boston. You can reach it via public transportation by taking the MBTA's Charlestown Ferry from Long Wharf or the MBTA's Orange Line to the Community College station, followed by a walk. Driving is also an option, but parking can be limited.
Yes, the Bunker Hill Monument is a key site along Boston's historic Freedom Trail, marking the end of the trail for many visitors.
Many visitors recommend combining a visit to the monument with the nearby Bunker Hill Museum and exploring the historic Charlestown neighborhood.
Yes, biking is a great way to explore Boston. There are bike paths that can lead you to Charlestown, and you can lock up your bike near the monument.
Street parking is available in Charlestown, but it can be competitive, especially on weekends. There are also a few paid parking lots in the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Bunker Hill Monument itself is typically free. However, it's crucial to check the National Park Service website for current operating hours and any potential reservation requirements, as access to climb the monument can be limited.
Climbing the Bunker Hill Monument is generally free of charge. The main 'cost' is the physical exertion of climbing the 294 steps.
Operating hours for the Bunker Hill Monument and its museum can vary seasonally and may be subject to change due to maintenance or special events. Always check the official NPS website for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, visitors can typically go inside the Bunker Hill Monument and climb to the top. However, access has been temporarily closed for renovations in the past, so it's essential to verify its current status.
There are no strict age restrictions, but the climb involves 294 steps. Visitors should be physically able to manage the ascent. Service dogs are allowed, but pets are not.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The climb itself can take anywhere from 10-20 minutes, depending on your pace and how often you stop. Allow extra time for viewing the exhibits at the museum and enjoying the views from the top.
From the top, you can enjoy scenic views of Boston Harbor, the city skyline, and surrounding areas like East Boston and Winthrop. You might even spot the control tower at Logan Airport.
Restroom facilities are typically available at the Bunker Hill Museum located across the street from the monument.
The monument itself involves climbing many stairs and is not accessible for wheelchairs. However, the Bunker Hill Museum across the street is generally accessible.
The monument commemorates the Battle of Bunker Hill, one of the earliest and most significant battles of the American Revolutionary War, fought on June 17, 1775.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers panoramic city and harbor views, perfect for sweeping shots. The monument itself, with its imposing granite structure, is also a great subject from various angles on the ground.
Yes, you can take photos from the observation platform at the top. Be mindful of other visitors as the space can be small.
Morning light can be beautiful for capturing the monument's details, while late afternoon offers softer light and potentially stunning sunset views over the city.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require special permits. Always check with park rangers if you have specific needs.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the monument's scale and the expansive views from the top. A standard zoom lens is versatile for general shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Freedom Trail Walkers
💪 Fitness Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Battle of Bunker Hill: A Pivotal Moment
The monument itself is a 221-foot granite obelisk, a design choice that echoes other famous American monuments. Its cornerstone was laid by the Marquis de Lafayette in 1825, a significant figure in both the American and French Revolutions. The construction faced numerous delays due to funding issues, but it was finally completed and dedicated in 1843. The monument's location in Charlestown offers a strategic vantage point, overlooking the harbor and the city.
Visitors can learn more about the battle at the Bunker Hill Museum, located directly across from the monument. The museum features exhibits that detail the events of the battle, the lives of the soldiers, and the historical context of the Revolutionary War. Ranger-led programs and demonstrations, sometimes featuring historical reenactors, further enhance the educational experience, bringing the history of this pivotal battle to life.
Climbing the Obelisk: A Physical and Historical Journey
Upon reaching the top, visitors are greeted by four small observation windows offering distinct perspectives of the surrounding landscape. You can see the Boston skyline, the USS Constitution docked in the harbor, Logan International Airport, and even Deer Island. The space at the top is quite confined, meaning visitors can't linger for too long during busy periods, but the views are certainly memorable.
It's important to note that the interior of the monument has undergone periods of closure for maintenance and renovations. Travelers are strongly advised to check the official National Park Service website or call ahead to confirm that the monument is open for climbing before their visit. This ensures you won't be disappointed upon arrival and can plan your visit accordingly.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit