Minute Man Dog Policy
Minute Man National Historic Park is Dog Friendly
Minute Man National Historic Park lets visitors experience battlefields and buildings associated with the first battle in the American Revolution on April 19, 1775. The park is composed of three different nearby sections in Concord, Lincoln, and Lexington, with The Battle Road Trail running through all three portions of the park. There are also guided tours and historic structures to see, including Hartwell Tavern, which is a restored 18th century home.
Minute Man National Historic Park is dog friendly, and dogs are allowed on grounds and along the trail while on a leash. However, dogs are not allowed inside buildings.
Minute Man National Historic Park also runs the BARK Ranger Program, where you can earn a special dog tag, bandana, and certificate by learning and following responsible practices (see Jaws' awards in teh picture above and the BARK Ranger section below).
Note: Minute Man National Historic Park doesn't provide trash receptacles, but you're still responsible for bagging and removing pet waste.
- Website
- https://www.nps.gov/mima/index.htm
- Pet Policy Details
- https://www.nps.gov/mima/planyourvisit/pets.htm
- BARK Ranger
- Yes []
Trail Policy
There are several trails here, including the 5 mile long Battle Road Trail, and dogs are allowed on trails while on a leash no longer than 6'. The Battle Road Trail runs through the three sections of the Historical Park and is rich with both history and natural beauty.
BARK Ranger
Bark Ranger is a great program offered at many National Park Service destinations. It teaches dog owners how to explore parks responsibly with their dogs, and participants often receive a special reward after completing the program. Many parks offer a Bark Ranger dog tag, sometimes free and sometimes available for purchase, while others may provide a bandana, sticker, certificate, or another park-specific item. To get started, stop by a park office or visitor center and ask for the Bark Ranger checklist. Once you and your dog complete the activities, return the checklist to receive or purchase the reward offered at that park. See the link below for more details.
B.A.R.K. is an acronym for:
- B: Bag your poop
- Help keep the park clean by bagging and picking up your dog poop, and properly disposing of it. Don’t leave your bagged poop on the side of the trail, hanging from branches, or throw it into the woods. Please note dog poop is not a natural fertilizer — it can carry disease that can spread to wildlife or other dogs.
- A: Always wear a leash
- Dogs must be restrained on a leash no longer than 6'. Retractable leashes that extend beyond 6' are not allowed. Not everyone appreciates a dog running up to them, and many people are scared or allergic to dogs — a leash prevents uncomfortable situations between your dog and others. Leashes also help protect your dog from running off if anything spooks them.
- R: Respect wildlife
- Dogs can chase or scare wildlife such as birds and turtles. They can also damage nesting areas. Some parks have wildlife, such as bears, coyotes, or wolves, that can threaten your dog. Please be respectful of wildlife with your dog, and if you do encounter wildlife, keep dog at distance to protect both your dog and the wildlife.
- K: Know where to go
- Know which trails allow dogs, and which don’t. Don’t leave dogs unattended in vehicles while you go off to hike. See the link below for more details.
We also have a list of all parks that run the BARK Ranger program.
Location & Map
Have a photo of your dog here?
Note: Policies can change -- please make sure to check official dog/pet policies prior to making plans or booking travel.
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