Boston Massachusetts Free to Low Cost Attractions

Boston Massachusetts, the home of a great deal of early American history is brimming full with tourist attractions and many of them are quite costly. This article is going to describe some of the free to low cost vacation attractions that families can partake in and still have a tremendous visit. No where else in the US will you be able to see, touch and feel the buildings and bricks that housed the many brave men who shaped the future of our country and consequently shaped our lives.

The Freedom Trail

When in Boston, be sure to get yourself situated on what is called the Freedom Trail as it will guide you around to some of the great historic spots for which Boston is renowned. The Freedom Trail is a red line that is 2.5 miles long. It is made of red-brick so be sure and wear comfortable walking shoes. Bricks can really kill your feet! As you walk along this trail you will pass by over 16 nationally significant historic sites. Each site is a precious remembrance of an historic time in our country's development and as such is a treasure. Along the Freedom Trail there are fabulous museums, churches, meeting houses, burial grounds and more. Thanks to the good people of Boston, there are historic markers that shed light on the story of the American Revolution. For more information on the Freedom Trail you might want to look at this website - http://www.thefreedomtrail.org/.

Bunker Hill Monument

There isn't a school child in the United States that hasn't studied the famous battle of Bunker Hill so, if you have a chance while in Boston, be sure and go and see this historic site. On the location, a monument has been dedicated to the men who fought in this famous battle. Admission is free and you will be able to climb the 221 feet monument if you so desire.

USS Constitution - Old Ironsides

When George Washington was president it became necessary for him to sign an act to create a naval armament (guard). So, he authorized the construction of six frigates -what we would call cruisers today and one was to be called USS Constitution. If you decide to put a visit to the USS Constitution on your itinerary, be sure and check out this website (http://www.ussconstitution.navy.mil/) for times of tours. Remember, they say to show up for the tour time you want at least 30 minutes before it is scheduled due to increased security checks.

Arnold Arboretum

The Arnold Arboretum is a part of a creative idea called Boston's Emerald Necklace designed by Frederick Olmsted. The Emerald Necklace, a 250-acre park, is a series of green spaces and is the oldest arboretum in North America. It has been designated as a National Landmark and it is a part of Harvard University. Check out this website for more information about the arboretum when you plan your trip to Boston. http://www.arboretum.harvard.edu/

The Old Granary Burying Ground

It is quite a humbling moment to stand beside the tombstone of great American heroes of the Revolutionary War period. But, that is exactly what you can do when visiting the Old Granary Burying Ground. Famous individuals buried in the cemetery include: Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, James Otis, Mother Goose and John Hancock, just to name a few.

Massachusetts State House

The Massachusetts State House was built in 1798 and is on the top of Beacon Hill. The dome of the State House was originally made of wooden shingles but today it is covered in copper and 23 karat gold. Yes, that is a lot of gold! It is worth a trip to the State House just to see all that gold.

The gold actually wasn't originally meant for looks or to be ostentatious. It was used to keep the leaky State House dry as the roof leaked. While in the State House, take a look at the wooden Sacred Cod Fish that hangs in the House of Representatives. The significance of the cod fish is that it represents the importance of the fishing industry to the Commonwealth. Not to be outdone, the logging industry also is represented in the State House. A wooden pinecone sits atop the golden dome in respect for the significance of the logging industry to the Common wealth as well.

Boston is a city of many tourist attractions, many of which are quite expensive for families on a budget. The attractions listed in this article are wonderful in their significance to our history, are fun and interesting for one and all and they do not cost an arm and a leg.