Fans of Thoreau can travel off the beaten path to the house where he was born, which is about 2.4 miles east of Concord center. Henry David lived in his grandmother's farmhouse for only a few months after his birth, but the rural retreat would prove influential and inspirational throughout his life. The grounds are still an inviting place for exploration and reflection.

Guided tours show off the restored farmhouse, but the grounds are free to explore at any time. Midway between Lexington center and Concord center, turn north on Old Bedford Rd.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Wayside

1.35 MILES

Also known as the 'Home of Authors,' this gracious Colonial mansion was home to three writers of note during the 19th century. Louisa May Alcott,…

2. Orchard House

1.44 MILES

Louisa May Alcott (1832–88) was a junior member of Concord’s august literary crowd, but her work proved to be durable: Little Women is among the most…

3. Sleepy Hollow Cemetery

1.74 MILES

This is the final resting place for the most famous Concordians. Though the entrance is only a block east of Monument Sq, the most interesting part,…

4. Concord Museum

1.79 MILES

Southeast of Monument Sq, Concord Museum brings the town’s diverse history under one roof. The museum’s prized possession is one of the ‘two if by sea’…

5. Ralph Waldo Emerson Memorial House

1.85 MILES

This house is where the philosopher lived for almost 50 years until 1882. Emerson was the paterfamilias of literary Concord, one of the great literary…

6. Bullet Hole House

1.91 MILES

On your way up to Old North Bridge, look for the yellow Bullet Hole House, where British troops purportedly fired at the owner of the house as they…

7. Robbins House

1.93 MILES

Just opposite the Old North Bridge, this modest 544-sq-ft clapboard farmhouse belonged to the family of Caesar Robbins, one of Concord's first freed…

8. Old Manse

1.98 MILES

Right next to Old North Bridge, the Old Manse was built in 1769 by Ralph Waldo’s grandfather, Reverend William Emerson. Today, it’s filled with mementos,…