Bunker Hill Monument

Monument · Charlestown

Bunker Hill Monument

Monument · Charlestown
Monument Sq, Charlestown, MA 02129

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Bunker Hill Monument by null
Bunker Hill Monument by null
Bunker Hill Monument by null
Bunker Hill Monument by null
Bunker Hill Monument by null
Bunker Hill Monument by null
Bunker Hill Monument by null
Bunker Hill Monument by null
Bunker Hill Monument by null
Bunker Hill Monument by null
Bunker Hill Monument by null
Bunker Hill Monument by null
Bunker Hill Monument by null
Bunker Hill Monument by null
Bunker Hill Monument by null
Bunker Hill Monument by null
Bunker Hill Monument by null
Bunker Hill Monument by null
Bunker Hill Monument by null
Bunker Hill Monument by null
Bunker Hill Monument by null
Bunker Hill Monument by null
Bunker Hill Monument by null
Bunker Hill Monument by null
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Bunker Hill Monument by null
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Bunker Hill Monument by null
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Bunker Hill Monument by null
Bunker Hill Monument by null
Bunker Hill Monument by null

Highlights

Granite obelisk with 294 steps offers scenic views of Boston  

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Monument Sq, Charlestown, MA 02129 Get directions

nps.gov
@boston_nhp

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Monument Sq, Charlestown, MA 02129 Get directions

+1 617 242 7275
nps.gov
@boston_nhp
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@bostonNHP

Features

wheelchair accessible entrance

Last updated

Sep 14, 2025

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Robert Fellner

Google
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.

Jon Harrison

Google
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.

Megan Bland

Google
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.

Christopher Martin

Google
What a great ending to the Freedom Trail walk! Our legs were tired but we still climbed the stairs to the top to enjoy the view. The rangers were informative and helpful. We even had the chance to watch men in revolutionary costumes load and “shoot” revolutionary style guns. My boys loved it!

Sagar Bhatt Karia

Google
Good leg workout and memorable experience climbing the 294 steps. Nice views from the top. It's small at the top so you can't stay for long on a busy day. Free to enter and don't forget to take your sticker at the end.

Noah Von Dauber

Google
The grounds are very well kept and are run by the National Park Service. Bunker Hill is a must-see if in Boston but the visitors center and tower do close quite early... so make sure you time your visit properly.

Abbie T

Google
My cousins and I had so much fun running up the monument, after all 294 stairs, we reached stunning views, and cool little lookout area. It’s a tight staircase, with a railing and small windy steps. At the base, are some insightful rangers, there to talk about the history of the area. Recommend for anyone with a little extra energy!

Muxiang Pajerski

Google
This was the final stop on our self-guided Freedom Trail tour. By the time we arrived, it was late and raining, so the inside was already closed. Still, I’m glad we got to see it from the outside. That said, unless you're treating the walk like a bit of a hike (like we did) across downtown Boston, it might not be worth going all the way there just for this stop, especially in the rain.
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James R.

Yelp
Save some energy for this. You climb stairs to get to the monument, and then there are about 300 stairs to the top of the monument. There is a nice little museum at the bottom of the monument. The only bad news is that there is no bathroom at the monument. Great view, though. Put this one on your bucket list.
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Dani C.

Yelp
Be very mindful of their hours. Unfortunately we went on a weekday that the museum wasn't open. It was very strange to see so many local people lying out on the hill where this battle took place. lol. We still learned a lot and made a trip to Warren Tavern after. The American patriots were defeated at the Battle of Bunker Hill, but they proved they could hold their own against the superior British Army. The Battle of Bunker Hill was the first major battle of the American Revolution, taking place on June 17, 1775, in Charlestown, MA. The battle was fought between the British Crown and New England forces, and lasted about 2 hours. The battle is named after Bunker Hill, the highest hill, but most of the fighting took place on Breed's Hill. Led by Gen. William Howe, King George's troops climb Breed's Hill in perfect battle formation. Legend has it that as they advance, American officer William Prescott cautions his men not to waste their powder, exclaiming "don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes." The British attacked up the hill 3 times, but retreated twice before finally forcing the Americans to surrender due to a lack of gunpowder. Although the British won the battle, their troops count 282 dead and another 800 wounded.
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Vanessa W.

Yelp
We went here on the anniversary of the battle at the request of my father in law. This location is legendary in the way that Paul Reveres rode is, thanks to some 1800s PR. The grounds are open all the time and there are QR codes to scan with a very informative audio tour. The monument itself and the museum have more limited hours but worth visiting, especially for the free price tag. There were artifacts on the battle and insight into leaders and every day people who were affected by the battle. A good visit for someone interested in history.
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John S.

Yelp
Full Disclosure: Wear good walking shoes and be prepared for a big hill to climb. Walking the Freedom Trail isn't for the weak. If you do make it this far (and aren't starting here) it might be your toughest battle yet.
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Shwe N.

Yelp
can be underwhelming to some and i get it; which is why i was fine with seeing her from afar HAHAHA lov how these buildings are built and still kept clean!
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The Critical J.

Yelp
PROS: This monument was amazing. nice landscaping, very clean, tiny display of stuff inside the building 10 feet away from it, it's free, and staff is friendly. At the top there's a defibrillator, air vents for a/c, and security cameras for your safety CONS: This has no elevator so it requires you to climb 295 steps. They allow 20 people in at a time which the top room will get cramped OVERALL: I highly recommend you seeing the monument and climbing it if you're able to do so.
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Hanna Y.

Yelp
A beautiful view of the city that costs $0?? Didn't have to tell me anything else. You have to climb 294 steps that I would say was hard but you could also get through it pretty quickly. Just make sure to take rests when you need. Worth the climb!
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Ray F.

Yelp
This is a must visit. Both the Monument and the Museum. I strongly urge that you do it on foot, following the Freedom Trail. Save it towards the end when you are tired. It will allow you to really grasp the strategic significance of the battle and why this spot was so significant. Tour the Museum first and spend some time at the diorama to get oriented and understand what you will see across the street. The Monument is very impressive on the inside. Walk the grounds and enjoy the views. THEN, why this was where a major engagement took place will make strategic and tactical sense. Although the British forces managed to defeat the rebellious colonists within the hastily dug in positions on the 3rd try when the colonists were out of shot and powder, the British losses were significant and forced the British to leave Boston to refit. As leave the Hill, RIDE back and enjoy a meal with beverages in honor of those that gave their lives.
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John M.

Yelp
Great park! It is the start or end of the freedom channel and this adds to its appeal. This review is more so a review of the whole freedom trail ha ha. So the bunker hill monument is very impressive considering the times that it was built. It's just like the Washington monument in DC. My girlfriend and I visited this around October 2023. I guess it was under maintenance because there was a ton of scaffolding surrounding it. It's found in a great open space with Adirondack chairs. Very quiet. Nice place to spend a warm morning.
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Brittany T.

Yelp
Under construction/restoration right now. Beautiful area for a great monument. Houses around monument are also beautiful. Lots of people decorating for Halloween
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Chasey R.

Yelp
This was the final stop for us. After climbing the stairs to get to it the others decided to go to the top of monument. I was exhausted so I decided to sit it out. At the time we went it was free but a little wait to get in. The person in charge of line control was only letting in as many as six to ten at a time. You had to wait till they left to go in. We also went to the museum which was across the street. Yes we needed the bathroom. Then while waiting we took a stroll through the store. It's very small but it had some stuff. I picked up the freedom set and a magnet for $20.00.
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Sasha B.

Yelp
It was nice that you can actually get up on the very top. It's 294 steps, which is not very much. The view is nice, though some of the windows are not very clear to look through.
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Francine L.

Yelp
Bunker Hill Monument is on the closer side to the USS Constitution and I would suggest doing all this at the same time so you don't backtrack. During the time that I came here, I wasn't able to walk the steps which were kind of a bummer but understandable since we are in Covid times. But you can look at the monument and also there is a guy that speaks about the history of this place. He was very good at his storytelling and any people were sitting and listening to him. The place itself has houses around it and it just feels nice and safe. Overall I have to say I fell in love with Boston when I was at Bunker Hill. The sunlight just made everything look so picture-perfect. It is quiet and people were so friendly here! This is still a good place to come and take a photo at.
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Tricia B.

Yelp
By a miracle, we found street parking right by the front of the monument and across from the museum. On a clear sky August day, it is HOT up there and space in the shade is limited. There are benches around the monument, as well as informational signs giving an explanation of the Battle of Bunker (Breeds) Hill. The museum across the street is a must stop. It provides more historical information, and a lovely gift shop!
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Sunny P.

Yelp
The Bunker Hill Monument is one of the furthest stops away from downtown on the Freedom Trail, but worth the walk. This is the site of the first major battle of the Revolutionary War, Bunker Hill. The Monument sits on the middle of the grassy area and there is a short walking path around the edges. You are able to go up into the monument, but be warned there is no elevator. You need to walk up 294 stairs in a tight space. It is really neat at the top but the windows are really scratched and misty so some parts are hard to see out of. It is also a very small space up there so they only allow 20 people at a time. If it is busy you may end up waiting for a while.
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Linda I.

Yelp
It was a nice place to visit and free. The ground was well maintained. View from the top was pretty nice. The staff was really nice and willing to answer any questions. There are free street parking in the area.
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Jeremy J.

Yelp
That's a cool monument that we saw while we were in Boston walking around seeing all the scenery just enjoying life and really get a check out Boston. I was really pleased by everything the bus and head to offer is very clean and friendly and easy to get around. So this is one of the first things we saw was the Bunker Hill monument it's very large took a lot of good photos this is an overall good experience
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Lily C.

Yelp
Informative and so historically significant, how can you not give a five star review? Yes, visit!
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Nico Samneil S.

Yelp
I bet the view on top is nice but it is not stroller friendly. Monument looks like the same as one in washington dc
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Rocky R.

Yelp
We decided to go into Boston via Uber which was about a 1/2 drive from Braintree, MA. We started our tour of Boston with visiting Bunker Hill (AKA: Breed's Hill) located near the legendary Freedom Trail which is like a 3 hour walking tour of significant Boston historical sites. Unfortunately we could not get into the monument itself, it was closed. I understand there are stairs, about 250, to the top of the monument. The monument resembles a smaller scale Washington Monument. The musuem was also closed. The site itself is historically significant to Revolutionary War buffs since it was a major battle during the Revolutionary War.
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Anthony G.

Yelp
This monument erected in commemoration to one of the great battles in the American Revolution, it is a must see for anyone interested in American history. It is a US National Park, and the park rangers are actually very helpful and actually take the time to give you a history of the battle and on the creation of the monument. Most of the things to do take place at the bottom of the monument. There are displays and maps of the battle. You can also, if your feeling up to it, decide to climb the tower of the monument. It is 294 steps up and another 294 down. There is no elevator up. There is a huge warning sign saying that those who have breathing or heart issues should not attempt to ascend. My brother and I both decided to show how manly and awesome we are by going up. He gave up after 1/3 of the way up and walked down. I decided to keep going. It wasn't easy, a big part of that reason was that the tower significantly narrows as you reach the top. I have a slight issue with claustrophobia. I do not like very enclosed spaces and there should have been a warning about it. I still kept going and reached the top. After taking a breathe, I took pictures from the top of the monument. It gives some good views! I went down and then joined my family. Honestly I was sore for the next hour, so if your not fit... you may want to skip the tower climb too! This was one of the things recently that made me decide to start exercising regularly again. Definitely check this monument out!
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Danielle D.

Yelp
I was in Boston for a short stay and had just enough time to do a few things. I was glad I decided to visit the Bunker Hill Monument. It's a historical location that you should definitely visit if you're in the area. I chose to do the Bunker Hill Monument after visiting the Boston Tea Party Museum and taking a boat ferry for just a few dollars which was beautiful! From the ferry I was able to take so many beautiful photos of the harbor. The ferry stopped right near the USS Constitution which was great! I was able to visit that and the Bunker Hill Monument was just a short walk from there. It was a great ending to my evening.
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Blue A.

Yelp
This park is the end of the freedom trail, and it's a really nice monument. Honoring one of the first major battles of the Revolutionary War, it's so cool to take a step back into history. The entire freedom trail is a must for anyone visiting Boston. The monument sits up on a hill and it was extremely windy (and cold) when we went, but worth it. There are some signs where you can read a little about the history. During COVID the tower is closed, but in normal times you can climb up and it offers some nice views. It's tight quarters and anyone with difficulty breathing shouldn't try to climb it according to warning signs.
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Angela L.

Yelp
If someone gives less than five stars to a national Monument, I'd be very confused, like, what negative thing could you possibly have to say about a national monument? LOL I went during the government shut down (boo), but it was still beautiful from the outside. The lawn and scenery surrounding Bunkerhill Monument looks so beautiful and it's such a nice area to take pictures. This area is in a residential neighborhood, that I'm sure is very expensive but looks like a nice neighborhood to walk around. If you aren't planning on going into the monument, you should be done here within 10mins. It doesn't take up much space and there isn't anything to do other than read the plaques and take pictures.
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Seth A.

Yelp
Bunker Hill Monument was my favorite sight to see along the self guided Freedom Trail Walking Tour of the city of Boston. Btw, the Freedom Trail Walking Tour is a fantastic way to discover Boston, including all of the major historical attractions....all by following red cement bricks embedded into the sidewalk. I highly recommend the Freedom Trail! Back to Bunker Hill Monument....it's located towards the end of the Freedom Trail Walk, actually, it's the last stop along the 16 stop trail. It stands alone, in a quiet section of historic Charlestown. You can take plenty of unimpeded photos outside the monument as it sort of reminded me of quintessential Washington Monument in DC...a statuesque landmark in a quiet part of town. You can go inside Bunker Hill Monument for free and climb the stairs to the top to get a picturesque view of the skyline of Charlestown and beyond. There is no elevator, but the climb is 294 stairs and in my opinion, worth the trek. When I came here during a random weekday over the summer time, it wasn't crowded. I was able to start my climb up the steps without issues or being interrupted by tourists. Though...before coming here, I did read that you need to obtain a climbing pass from the Bunker Hill Museum at the base of the hill at 43 Monument Square. The passes are free and are offered on a first come, first served basis. During my experience, I skipped getting a pass and headed up the stairs without being stopped or checked for a ticket. I can imagine when visitation is busy, then yeah, you need to obtain the climbing pass. I guess I just got lucky during my visit! Bunker Hill Monument is open to climb and explore 9am - 4:30pm daily. A couple more points I'd like to mention..... As you climb, there are markings along the steps indicating how many stairs you have scaled to the top. For example, every 50 steps, it said 100, 150, 200....all the way to 294. This was helpful as you knew how far along and when the hike ended. At the summit, unfortunately, as you may expect, it is a tight space and it's not open aired. It's enclosed by glass windows. Some of the windows were fairly scratched which made for mediocre photos from high above. I actually appreciated the views and took better photography from the Skywalk Observatory at the Prudential Tower. Regardless, hiking the steps still made for a worthwhile opportunity. I spent 15-20 minutes at the top before heading back down. Overall, I very much enjoyed my time and visit to Bunker Hill Monument. I didn't mind climbing the stairs to the top and it wasn't too taxing for myself, even after walking the entire Freedom Trail Tour just to get here. I'd recommend to everyone to walk around the Monument from the outside, take some good photos (especially on sunny days when it makes for memorable pictures, lol) and get inside and climb those 294 steps to the pinnacle!
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Daniel R.

Yelp
Great piece of Boston history. Definitely worth the trek to the top. Just watch your head on that last step. The air is thin up top and it's a small space. I went in the fall (mid October) but I can see this place getting super hot in the summer and it would be miserable up there with a bunch of people. Loved the experience.
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Bruce K.

Yelp
I really wish that the Monument was open later. We got here at around 7pm and it was still very full daylight. With the skies as clear as they were, the view from the top must have been amazing. Oh, well. National Historic Site, there's still quite a lot to explore even after closing time. Lots of captions and signage to help you get an understanding of Bunker Hill, even if much of the battle took place at nearby Breed's Hill. While the Colonists did not win the battle, they inflicted significant damage on the British forces. As said by Brigadier General Nathaniel Green, "I wish we could sell them another hill at the same price."
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Sanjay G.

Yelp
know the history related to this monument... It was erected in commemoration of the Bunker Hill Battle. The battle was fought on June 17, 1775. It was one of the first major engagements between British soldiers and American patriots during the Revolutionary War. The walk from the USS Constitution up through the surrounding neighborhood was beautiful. The monument is a hollow granite tower with a staircase on the interior. At 294 steps to the top, I have to say I was a bit disappointed to be met with a small room with a few small windows overlooking the city. The spiraling staircase was a little scary at moments because, after a while, they start to Narrow and kinda scary. Skip it if you're claustrophobic or if breathing isn't your forte. space is small and the views out over the area are not eye-popping by any means. We're glad we climbed to the top, but it may not be worth it to everyone. The guy at the information desk was super nice and gave us more info on our next stop, the USS Constitution, and told us about the tour times and ferry information. I guess it the end of freedom trail which starts from Boston Common.
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Harish V.

Yelp
My next stop after Quincy market coz I wanted a good exercise after eating the lobster roll. The Bunker Hill Monument was erected to commemorate the Battle of Bunker Hill, which was among the first major battles between British and Patriot forces in the American Revolutionary War.There is a office right across the street with few exhibits and you can collect your free ticket to go on top of the tower. There are 294 steps to the top and the stairs are very narrow so you have to be lil cautious. Not great views coz the top is closed . They have small windows to see around.Good amount of grass to relax and do yoga. The neighborhood is beautiful with great houses.
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Megan K.

Yelp
Not for the faint at heart. I'm young and you think there aren't a lot of stairs. Think again. The view is breathtaking (pun intended) and totally worth it, but if you're an asthmatic, come prepped and ready to use your inhaler is all I'm saying.
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Ashley L.

Yelp
Bunker Hill Monument is an iconic spot in Boston that is the final stop on the Freedom Trail. This spot was among the first major battles between British and Patriot forces in the American Revolutionary War and is a special place in American History. A beautiful park/monument that offers gorgeous views and a peaceful place to take in the quiet beauty away from the hustle and bustle of the downtown city of Boston, I'd highly recommend coming here if you're not able to make it through each stop of the Freedom Trail. They also hold reenactments here as well, so be sure to ask about it!
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Xia Y.

Yelp
This was a nice hike up the hill to Bunker Hill from the USS constitution. This is a tourist attraction so there will be a lot of tourists. You can also purchase a ticket to climb to the top of the monument if you choose to.
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Lady Esmeralda Q.

Yelp
Free Admissions** So much history here. I was visiting Boston for a few days and we followed the freedom trail, and one of the stops is here the Bunker Hill. As you go up you see the beautiful Bunker Hill Monument. If you want you can take the 294 steps and go to the top of the Monument for some breathtaking views of the beautiful city of Boston. It is a work out. I ran the first 100 steps and boy was I sore for the next couple days. Coming down I had a shakey caves, It's a good cardio. Take it easy if you decide to go up, but it's definitely worth it.
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Danielle F.

Yelp
Come here to get your history while also getting your workout in! There's several National Parks workers here to help you and it doesn't cost anything to get in. If you want to climb, you may want to verify first, as a friend has encountered it closed before. I just went and climbed up the 294 steps. Luckily there was an ice cream truck with water parked down the street at the small park! Of course, the views are amazing and make the climb well worth it!
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Lauren C.

Yelp
One of the important historical sites you'll find as you travel The Freedom Trail in Boston. The area around the monument is nicely cared for and landscaped. A nice spot to stop for a few photos. The monument can be climbed to view the top and the view from the top. There are 294 narrow steps to the top. The width of the staircase really only accommodates one person so it's necessary to stop several times on the way down to allow room for people traveling to the top. On a hot day this is not a fun climb as there are only a few windows that allow any air inside the staircase. It's also just enough stairs to make walking painful for several days following the climb. At the top there isn't much room, just enough space to grab a few photos and keep moving, all the way back down the 294 steps.
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Daniel S.

Yelp
The Bunker Hill Monument is a 221 foot tall obelisk that marks the end of Bostons Freedom Trail and the beginning of the American Revolution. The soil that the Bunker Hill Monument stands on is hollowed ground. Here the American Colonists fought the British soldiers on June 17, 1775. This was an intense battle with a lot of casualties. "Don't fire til you see the whites in their eyes," symbolizes the intensity of the Colonist soldiers. We would loose this battle. We'd win several more and become the United States of America. After becoming the United States of America, on this very ground where the majority of the first battle of the American Revolution was fought, soldiers who fought Patriots formulated the plan to build a monument to remember the heros. In 1843, the Bunker Hill Monument was built. On my last day in Boston, we walked the Freedom Trail from the Charlestown Bridge to the Bunker Hill Monument then to the Old State House. The Bunker Hill Monument is the northernmost point of the Freedom Trail. When you walk it from Boston Commons it is the end of the trail and if you walk it toward Boston Commons it is the beginning. The interesting fact about the Bunker Hill Monument is that it really is Breed's Hill. This is where the majority of the battle took place. There are so many more interesting facts I am sure in the new Bunker Hill Museum across the street. In my recommendation, it is highly advised to visit the Bunker Hill Monument as part of touring the Freedom Trail. As soon as we crossed Causeway Street and headed into the Charlestown Bridge walkway which overlaps the Freedom Trail over the Charlestown River the anticipation began. From the railing of the bridge I'd take in the Bunker Hill Monument rising above the Charlestown shoreline. Past the bridge we were in a quiet residential community of Boston called Charlestown. The brick walkway of the Freedom Trail led us through a couple of community parks and historically preserved buildings to the anticipation of seeing the Bunker Hill Monument. Bordering the Freedom Trail was another monument, the gaslight lamps. When I set eyes on the Bunker Hill Monument, it reminded me of the Washington Monument around 440 miles south down US 1. Both monuments are monumental. And both monuments I passed over climbing up a couple of hundred steps in exchange for more energy touring. In both monuments there is a set of steps leading to the base. Here in Boston, the Freedom Trail information signs and Monument signs provide educational insight on the first battle of the American Revolution and the Monument. When I walked closer to the Monument, I set eyes on the statue of Colonial William Prescott who played a major role in the battle. When I looked up at the 221 foot tall granite obelisk, I preferred to be looking instead of climbing the 294 steps to the top. We'd walk around the Memorial and lodge taking in the spot where the first battle of the American Revolution was fought. I did my best to be in the moment. Regardless that I was at the base of the Monument, I was on a hill that was at a higher elevation in Boston. Gradually we'd make our way into the part of the city that the top of the obelisk looks down on. I can't say it enough that when you visit Boston that you have to see a good portion of Bostons Freedom Trail including the Bunker Hill Monument. I came so close to missing out on Bunker Hill Monument. If it hadn't been for Spirit Airlines emailing us that there was a delay in our flight, I am ashamed to say that we would of missed out on Bunker Hill. I don't want anybody to make the exact mistake we nearly made. Whether you see Bunker Hill Monument on the ground or climb to the top it is a Boston must visit with a major portion of Bostons Freedom Trail.
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Matthew F.

Yelp
One of the earliest and most important battles of the American Revolutionary War, most schoolchildren grow up understanding the phrase "Don't shoot until you see the whites of their eyes!". Of course that part of the story is fiction, but here you can learn the true tale. The battle's name is a misnomer. While the colonial fortification was supposed to be built on Bunker Hill, they ended up building it on Breed's Hill. It was on Breed's Hill that the majority of the battle was fought, and where the monument stands. The colonials fought very well, retreating only when they ran out of gunpowder. The monument is TALL, and narrow. I didn't walk it, so I confined myself to the hill. Sadly, it's hard to appreciate the strategic position the hill once had as most of the old harbor was filled in, so all you see is an expansive recreational area.
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Christine F.

Yelp
Very interesting to see the sight of the infamous battleground. We were able to climb up the monument without a ticket (I think because it was after 4?), but tickets are free regardless. It's a tight spiral stairway going up to the top and definitely a good cardio workout. It was pretty busy, so we ended up having to wait a bit for people to come down as we neared the top. Dope views once you're up there.
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Rhonda W.

Yelp
We got the chance for a free weekend in Boston ... my husband is more into history than i am .. I'm more into visually interesting and playing with my camera. We did the on off bus and walked all around .. tried to compromise and through in some history sites for my hubby.
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Holly S.

Yelp
We were walking the "Freedom Trail", and this was one of the sights. It looks like a small Washington Monument. Colonists fought the British here in 1775. 294 steps up a narrow winding staircase........you reach the top....and there are windows to look out. Then you trek back down 294 steps. (much easier going down...just sayin). This is where the phrase "don't fire till you see the whites of their eyes" was born, William Prescott, an American Colonel , fought with the troops in several brutal battles there in Boston. Muskets, bayonets , as well as knife killings were common. The American soldiers that were left.....retreated when mostly everyone had been killed. .....and we lost the battle. Later we would win the "war".....and become The United States of America. Kind of a big deal..... The 221-foot granite obelisk was built between 1827 and 1843 in Charlestown, Massachusetts. Amazing feat considering what the were working with. The blocks used weighed TONS..... Amazing tribute.
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Jim W.

Yelp
For what it is, this is well done. They have a visitors' center / museum across the street run by the NPS. There, they issue tickets for you to climb the stairs in the monument (just short of 300). Parking is not a huge issue (on a Saturday) around the perimeter of the large lawn which serves as the base of the monument. We found a space at the curb after less than half a loop. The displays in the museum offer some context for the battle. This also appears to be on the Freedom Trail, if you are walking that. I climbed the stairs. It was a bit strenuous, but not bad. Views at the top are okay (at least 2 - 3 of the 4) but it gets crowded quickly up there. If you are visiting Boston and/or are a marginal history buff, this is very worthwhile.
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Kelly J.

Yelp
Bunker Hill Monument was so cool! We climbed 295 steps to the top for the best views! And trust me, those steps weren't easy after walking 10+ miles earlier that day. But the views made it all worth it! The interior of the museum type area at the bottom is all beautiful granite. If you stop at this site I highly recommend going inside and having a look around. The walls and floor are gorgeous, and they also have some historical artifacts to check out. Everyone working at the monument was very friendly and helpful with questions. We didn't have any, but I noticed lots of others talking with monument staff and seeming to get good responses. If you visit the area this is definitely a must see. And though the 295 steps to the top are a bit treacherous (not only are they difficult, but it's a tight squeeze, straight up, and if it's a nice day it's going to be super warm in there with no air circulation), I highly recommend making the trip to get up there. Seeing the city from that viewpoint was one of my favorite parts of the day!
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Kevin B.

Yelp
Remember learning about the Battle of Bunker Hill in elementary school? If so, come visit the place where it all happened! (And if not, re-school yourself by watching "Are you smarter than a fifth grader" - and then come visit the hill). The large stone obelisk marks Bunker Hill itself, where the historic battle - one of the first and most significant in the American Revolution - was fought. It was here that the American rebels first gave the British a reason to respect them in battle. The casualties the British suffered took them aback and forced them to reconsider the mettle of these "untrained Yankee farmhands." You can appreciate the battle for yourself at the monument and museum. Climb all 294 steps of the monument to catch great views of the city (and then let your winded-ness remind you to work out more!). Then visit the museum across the street to learn all about the battle. Best of all - it's all free! In an expensive city where most museums charge an arm and a leg, that's a feat in and of itself. So come enjoy classic American history and a rare example of New England generosity at the Bunker Hill monument and museum!
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Manda Bear B.

Yelp
Free admission, thank you. I learn so much of the Battle of Bunker Hill and all. And that 294 steps up to the top, get my cap in pain for 2 days! And framing claustrophobic folks, don't try it! Luckily we climbed on the week day and it's barely fits 5 people on top. Can you imagine on the weekend? You can smell all kind of people up here, no thanks.
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Jessica S.

Yelp
Assuming you began at the Boston Common, this should be your last stop along the historical Freedom Trail. Admission into the monument is FREE! Also be sure to check out the museum located just across the street at the bottom of the hill. You might also have a need for the bathrooms on the first floor! Probably the best thing about this monument is the climb up the obelisk. FYI -- you need a climbers permit from the museum during the busier months (spring-summer time). Otherwise, make your way up 294 steps to the top. The steps cloister upwards, so it could be a dizzying ascent. It's also a very skinny stairwell, so don't charge up or down the stairs too quickly. I don't know how someone in their right mind would want to complete the climb in the hotter months because even in 60 degree weather I was dripping sweat in those stifling, tight areas. I do easily heat up so it might be OK for someone else. The top offered some spectacular views of greater Boston for sure! Claustrophobia soon set in as more people filed in, so it was a short stay up there. It was one sweet climb though and my thighs were burning! A very gratifying workout indeed!
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Yuko H.

Yelp
We started our Freedom Trail walk from the Bunker Hill Monument. If we would have started other way, I don't think I had enough energy to climb up 294 steps! Closest T station is Orange Line Community College. Once you get off, just look for the monument and start walking towards it. It was about 10 mins walk. We read history book prior to our visit to fully appreciate the significance of this place but story we listened the ranger's story. He was very comical story teller. "Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes". Patriot forces did with what they had. We all learned about the American Revolutionary War at school, but to hear from the ranger made me re-think of the significance of the Battle of Bunker Hill, a very important part of US history. Climbing up 294 steps was harder than I anticipated. I recommend bringing a bottle of water, and be prepared for crowded area at the top. No attendant controlling how many goes up or down, depending on the time, it might get too crowded. View from the top was amazing. I liked that bridge as well as the view of the harbor, imagining 240 years ago, there were British battle ships at this harbor... Admission is free. Maintained by the National Park Service. After listening to the ranger, I made small donation to them to help them maintain this historical place.
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Natalie H.

Yelp
Was walking along the Freedom Trail in the evening, so we arrived at the Bunker Hill Monument after the National Park visitor center had closed. Though we weren't able to climb the monument, we so enjoyed walking around the beautiful neighborhood and spending time in the park. There were a lot of people out for an evening stroll and lots of cute dogs playing. Would advise going here earlier in the day as it's difficult to get here unless you walk.
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Tayler U.

Yelp
Easy walk from trolly stop. I wasn't able to because I didn't know it was a thing, but you can climb up the stairs to the top! Great museum across street too
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Andres A.

Yelp
The story of our Country. If not for our Patriots who were willing to sacrifice it all we would not be here. Important to know how it all started. The last stop on the Freedom Trail but worth the effort. If you are not tired of all the walking then take the 294 stair trek up the Monument. If you have the time the Park Rangers also provide information about what happened at the Battle of Bunker Hill. I must be honest the walk up the stairs is not for the feint of heart but the view is worth it.