Located near Lexington and Concord, the small town of Bedford in Greater Boston played a key role in the early exchanges of the American Revolutionary War on April 19, 1775. This historic town is the starting point of the Minuteman Commuter Bikeway, a 10-mile rail trail that mirrors the route taken by Paul Revere during his famed Midnight Ride. Bedford is home to a wealth of Revolutionary history, with charming colonial houses and a library that preserves a militia flag believed to have flown at the pivotal battles.
Exploring Bedford’s Minuteman Commuter Bikeway
Three historic railroad lines converge at Bedford’s Depot Park, where the well-known Minuteman Commuter Bikeway begins. This 10-mile paved trail runs along the route of the old Boston & Maine Railroad, stretching to Alewife station in Cambridge. Notably, the section between Bedford and Lexington dates back to 1846, echoing the path taken by Paul Revere to warn of the British approach in the early hours of April 19, 1775.
At the trailhead, visitors can find a historic freight house that now serves as a museum, offering insights into Bedford’s complex railroad history. For those needing bike supplies, the nearby Bikeway Source is a dedicated store that caters to all cycling needs.
Visit the Historic Job Lane House
Located at 295 North Road, the Job Lane House is a colonial saltbox house dating back to 1713. This historic home was built by Job Lane, the grandson of one of Bedford’s earliest settlers. Job Lane himself was a town officer and church deacon, and his son was a Minuteman wounded at the Battle of Concord. The house remained in the Lane family until the mid-19th century and was later acquired by the town in the 1970s.
In the early 1990s, a barn was added to the property, designed to match the style of the 1720s, offering visitors a glimpse into 18th-century life in Bedford. Tours of the Job Lane House are available on the second and fourth Sunday afternoons from May through October.
Discover the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
On Bedford’s western edge, the banks of the Concord River are part of the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, which spans about 12 miles of riverfront between Billerica and Wayland. This expansive area is predominantly composed of freshwater wetlands, making it a prime spot for birdwatching in Massachusetts.
The refuge is home to various waterfowl species, including blue-winged teals, wood ducks, black ducks, and mallards. As the Concord River serves as a migratory corridor, over 220 bird species have been recorded here. During spring, visitors might spot black-and-white warblers, tree swallows, turkey vultures, and ring-necked ducks, while fall brings sightings of yellow warblers and rose-breasted grosbeaks.
Bedford Free Public Library and the Historic Bedford Flag
Founded in 1876, Bedford’s public library moved to its current building in 1968 to accommodate the town’s growing population. Expanded in 1999, the library now offers a wide range of resources, programs, and services for the community.
A notable artifact housed in the library is the Bedford Flag, thought to be the oldest intact battle flag in the United States. Oral tradition suggests that it was flown at the North Bridge during the Battle of Concord on April 19, 1775. Made from crimson silk damask, the flag features an armored arm holding a sword and is framed by the Latin motto “VINCE AUT MORIRE” (Win Or Die). Though its exact origins are unclear, the flag likely dates to the early 18th century. It is preserved in a climate-controlled, secure room and can be viewed upon request.
Treat Yourself at Bedford Farms Ice Cream
Bedford’s oldest continually operating business, Bedford Farms Ice Cream, has been a local institution since its inception as a dairy in the 1880s. The business shifted its focus to ice cream after World War II, and by the 1980s, ice cream had become its primary product. Bedford Farms now operates two locations, including one in Concord, and boasts a state-of-the-art production facility.
Popular flavors include Coffee Oreo, Peanut Butter Cup, and Green Monster (mint ice cream with fudge and Oreos). The shop also offers a variety of limited-edition and seasonal flavors, such as Pumpkin. Bedford Farms serves frozen yogurt, sherbet, sorbet, and soft serve, with benches outside where patrons can enjoy their treats.
Walk or Ride the Narrow Gauge Rail Trail
The Narrow Gauge Rail Trail follows the path of the historic Billerica and Bedford Railroad, the first common carrier two-foot-gauge railway in the United States when it was established in the 1870s. Though the original line was not commercially successful, it paved the way for similar lines in Maine. By 1885, the railbed had been converted to a standard-gauge extension of the Lexington Branch of the Boston & Lowell Railroad.
The last passenger train passed through in 1931, and freight services ended in the 1960s. Today, the stone-dust trail extends for three miles to the Billerica line. Along the way, visitors can stop at Memorial Park and explore Fawn Lake, a picturesque spot with a rich history.
Explore the Reformatory Branch Trail
West of Depot Park, the Reformatory Branch Trail stretches four miles to Concord Center. Unlike other trails in Bedford, this rail trail remains undeveloped, offering a more rustic experience. Plans to pave the Bedford section were under consideration at the time of writing.
The trail runs along the former Middlesex Central Railroad line, built in 1873, which later served the Old Concord Reformatory (now the Massachusetts Correctional Institution – Concord). The Reformatory Branch Trail provides a scenic route to the Concord unit of the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge and the historic North Bridge, where the first shots of the American Revolution were fired.
Relax by the Serene Fawn Lake
Fawn Lake, a tranquil oasis near the Narrow Gauge Rail Trail, is surrounded by woods and fed by natural springs. The lake was expanded in the 1870s for Hotel Sweetwater, which promoted the water’s supposed medicinal properties. At the turn of the 20th century, the lake’s waters were used in various pharmaceutical products.
Recent cleanup efforts have focused on removing invasive aquatic plants from the lake. Today, visitors can enjoy a network of trails that meander through the woods and around most of the lake’s shore, offering a peaceful escape from nearby roads.
Visit the Historic Two Brothers Rocks
Located by the Concord River, the Two Brothers Rocks were deposited by a glacier around 11,000 years ago and have served as a landmark for centuries. This site marked the intersection of three Native American trails and later served as a boundary marker for land grants given to Massachusetts Bay Colony governors John Winthrop and Thomas Dudley. Despite their differences, the rocks symbolized cooperation and democracy. Today, the Two Brothers Rocks can be reached on foot via the blue-blazed trail through the Altman Conservation Area, starting at the Dudley Road Trailhead.
Experience Local Farming at Chip-In Farm
The Reformatory Branch Trail passes by Chip-In Farm, a charming farmstand and general store. Known for its fresh eggs collected daily, Chip-In Farm also offers a variety of fresh produce, artisanal groceries, and baked goods. The farm is home to various barnyard animals, including sheep, goats, miniature horses, and a pig, which visitors can feed. The farm also hosts activities such as goat yoga classes, providing a fun and unique experience for visitors.
Bedford is a town steeped in history, offering a blend of natural beauty, historic landmarks, and charming local businesses. Whether exploring the rail trails, visiting colonial homes, or enjoying local treats, there is something for everyone in this picturesque New England town.
FAQs:
What is the Minuteman Commuter Bikeway?
The Minuteman Commuter Bikeway is a 10-mile paved rail trail that follows the route of the old Boston & Maine Railroad from Bedford to Alewife station in Cambridge. It is closely associated with Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride during the American Revolution.
When can I tour the Job Lane House?
The Job Lane House is open for tours on the second and fourth Sundays of the month from May through October, typically in the afternoon.
What kind of wildlife can I see at the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge?
The refuge is a hotspot for birdwatching, with over 220 recorded species, including various waterfowl like blue-winged teals, wood ducks, and mallards. The refuge is also a migratory corridor, so many species pass through in spring and fall.