The Wayside Concord
Historic home of literary giants Louisa May Alcott & Nathaniel Hawthorne, and a witness to Revolutionary War battles. Free tours!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate tours
The Wayside Concord
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic home of literary giants Louisa May Alcott & Nathaniel Hawthorne, and a witness to Revolutionary War battles. Free tours!
"Crazy how many different lives were changed in a single house across multiple generations and how the house grew with each."
🎯 Book a Guided Tour
Ranger-led tours offer incredible insights into the lives of authors and the house's history. Don't miss it!
🚗 Free Parking Available
Convenient free parking is located directly across the street from The Wayside.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Louisa May Alcott's Literary Haven
The Wayside
Step into the home where Louisa May Alcott penned 'Little Women.' Imagine the stories that unfolded within these historic walls.
Nathaniel Hawthorne's Residence
The Wayside
Explore the rooms once occupied by Nathaniel Hawthorne, another literary titan who found inspiration in this historic Concord home.
Revolutionary War Witness House
The Wayside
Experience a home that stood through the pivotal battles of Lexington and Concord, offering a tangible link to American history.
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Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Literary History & Revolutionary Roots
Free Admission & Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book a Guided Tour
Ranger-led tours offer incredible insights into the lives of authors and the house's history. Don't miss it!
🚗 Free Parking Available
Convenient free parking is located directly across the street from The Wayside.
📚 Literary Inspiration
Enjoy the screened-in porch and read books by authors who lived here while waiting for your tour.
📸 No Photos Inside
Remember, photography is not permitted inside the historic house.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book a Guided Tour
Ranger-led tours offer incredible insights into the lives of authors and the house's history. Don't miss it!
🚗 Free Parking Available
Convenient free parking is located directly across the street from The Wayside.
📚 Literary Inspiration
Enjoy the screened-in porch and read books by authors who lived here while waiting for your tour.
📸 No Photos Inside
Remember, photography is not permitted inside the historic house.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise The Wayside for its rich literary and historical significance, especially highlighting the insightful ranger-led tours and the incredible value of free admission and parking. Some note the seasonal opening and the no-photography rule inside the house.
"Great commentary and tour by ranger Rick. Crazy how many different lives were changed in a single house across multiple generations and how the house grew with each."
Merrett Willett
"FREE ADMISSION and close free parking across the street. This is the home of Louisa May Alcott and Nathaniel Hawthorne at different times in their lives but it is also the home of other authors and is an original witness house for the Revolutionary War battles of Lexington and Concord. Of course the home has had additions and modifications over the ages but it is possible to go on a tour led by National Park Service rangers. On the days when the house is open there are people who portray the residents. There is also a small visitor center and gift shop. Nextdoor is there is another Alcott family home which is also good but admission is charged."
William B
"Got a tour from one of the volunteers and it was fantastic. Definitely recommend a visit."
Jackie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Wayside is located in Concord, Massachusetts. It's easily accessible by car, with free parking available across the street. Public transportation options may be limited, so driving is often the most convenient method for visitors.
Yes, there is free parking available directly across the street from The Wayside, making it very convenient for visitors.
The Wayside is centrally located in Concord, making it walkable from other historic sites like Orchard House and Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, especially if you enjoy a stroll through this charming town.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to The Wayside is completely free! This makes it an accessible and valuable stop for anyone visiting Concord.
The Wayside is open seasonally. It's best to check the official National Park Service website or local listings for the most up-to-date operating hours and tour schedules before your visit.
While admission is free, tours are often led by National Park Service rangers and may have limited capacity. It's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak season, to secure a spot on a tour.
Guided tours are highly recommended as they provide the most comprehensive experience and historical context. While you might be able to see the exterior and grounds, the interior is best explored with a ranger.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Tours at The Wayside are led by knowledgeable National Park Service rangers who share fascinating stories about the authors who lived there, including Louisa May Alcott and Nathaniel Hawthorne, as well as the house's role in the Revolutionary War.
On certain days, people may portray the residents of The Wayside, bringing the history of the house to life. Check the schedule for these special events to enhance your visit.
No, photography and video recording are not permitted inside the historic house to preserve its integrity and protect the artifacts.
Author's Ridge in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery is the final resting place for many literary giants associated with Concord, including Emerson, Thoreau, Hawthorne, and Alcott. It's a poignant spot to visit after exploring The Wayside.
While both are significant Alcott-related sites in Concord, The Wayside was home to Louisa May Alcott for a period and also housed Nathaniel Hawthorne, and has Revolutionary War history. Orchard House is where the Alcott family lived for many years and where 'Little Women' was written. Orchard House typically has an admission fee, while The Wayside is free.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Wayside itself does not have dining facilities. However, Concord center offers a variety of charming cafes, restaurants, and bakeries for you to enjoy a meal or snack before or after your visit.
While there are no specific picnic areas, you can enjoy the pleasant weather on the screened-in porch or nearby public spaces in Concord. Please be mindful of the historic nature of the site.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is not allowed inside the house. However, you can capture beautiful exterior shots of The Wayside and its grounds, as well as the surrounding historic Concord landscape.
Absolutely! The historic architecture of The Wayside, the charming New England scenery, and nearby literary landmarks like Sleepy Hollow Cemetery offer numerous picturesque photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pro-tip: Combine your visit with a walk through Sleepy Hollow Cemetery to find the graves of these famous authors, making for a memorable literary scavenger hunt. Remember that no photos are allowed inside, so prepare kids for that rule beforehand. The free admission is a huge plus for family budgets!
📚 Book Lovers & Literary Enthusiasts
Consider visiting after exploring Orchard House, another key Alcott site, to get a fuller picture of her life in Concord. The chance to sit on the porch and read works by the former residents adds a unique, immersive element to the visit.
🏛️ History Buffs
Understanding how the house evolved with different residents, from literary figures to those who lived through wartime, provides a rich tapestry of American life. The free admission and parking make it an easily accessible historical deep-dive for anyone exploring the Concord area.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A House of Literary Giants
Beyond its famous residents, The Wayside also holds the distinction of being an original witness house to the Battles of Lexington and Concord. This means the house stood during the opening engagements of the American Revolutionary War, making it a site of immense historical importance. The National Park Service offers guided tours that expertly weave together these narratives, bringing to life the stories of authors, artists, and patriots who shaped American culture and history.
Experiencing The Wayside: Tours & Atmosphere
While photography is prohibited inside, the experience of walking through the rooms where literary masterpieces were conceived and historical events unfolded is profound. Some visitors enjoy the chance to relax on the screened-in porch while waiting for their tour, perhaps even reading a book by one of the authors who once called The Wayside home.
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