Adams National Historical Park
Things To Do
Things To Do
There are many things to do here at the Adams National Historical Park whether it is going on the guided tour of the homes, wandering the grounds on your own or coming to one of our special events. Whatever your choice is we are sure you'll have a great time!
Guided Tours
Park your car in the parking garage behind the Visitor Center and leave the rest to the park rangers!
Tours of the park leave from the Visitor Center daily during our open season (April 19 - November 10). Tours depart the Visitor Center on a trolley which will bring you to the Presidential Birthplaces where you will be dropped off for a guided tour with a Park Ranger. After this half hour tour the trolley will then bring you to the Old House where you will have an hour long guided tour with a Park Ranger. The trolley will then pick you back up and return you to the Visitor Center. Tours last approximately two hours and the cost is $5.00 for adults, under 16 are free. All National Park Passes are honored. Please be aware that the only restrooms for the park are located at the Visitor Center. Large bags and backpacks are not permitted inside of the homes.
Nearby Attractions
Visit the United First Parish Church
The United First Parish Church is an important part of the Adams story and is just a short walk away from the Visitor Center. Both Presidents and their First Ladies are buried inside of the chuch. Tours are offered daily between April 19th and November 10th on a walk up basis. Fees apply.
The Abigail Adams Birthplace
The Abigail Adams Historical Society maintains Abigail's birthplace in tribute to this most distinguished American Woman. The Birthplace, located in Weymouth, Massachusetts, depicts early colonial life. The Society opens the birthplace to the public for tours each summer. Much work and restoration have gone into the preservation of this historic house so that it may be preserved and maintained as a memorial to Weymouth's most distinguished daughter, Abigail Smith Adams. Located in Weymouth, Massachusetts at the intersection of North and Norton Streets. A small admission fee is charged. (781) 335-4205
Adams Academy /Quincy Historical Society
In his will, John Adams deeded 211 acres of land to the town of Quincy to be used to build a classical school when income from the property had been realized. John Adams established the Adams Temple and School Fund, to carry out his wishes. When the Adams Academy opened in 1871, it was known as one of the nation's finest preparatory schools for young men. Students came from all over the country and from other nations to attend. The school closed on April 22, 1907, since then, the money from the Fund has benifitted Quincy Public Schools and the Woodward School for Girls. In 1893, Charles Francis Adams Jr., John Adams' great-grandson, was instrumental in establishing the Quincy Historical Society, headquartered in the Academy since 1972 and home to the Quincy History Museum. The museum and gift shop are open to the public, a small admission fee is charged. Please call for hours. Contact Adams Academy/Quincy Historical Society, 8 Adams Street, Quincy, MA 02169; (617) 773-1144
Adams In Depth
News from the Parks
Colorado Section of Vast Bike Network is 1,000 Miles
January 5, 2009 - 12:43pm
More than 1,000 miles of the 50,000-mile bikeway being spliced together throughout North American lies in Colorado. The Colorado portion is part of the Great Parks section, which includes 2,518 miles from Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada, to Mesa Verde National Park outside of Durango.
January 5, 2009 - 12:43pm
More than 1,000 miles of the 50,000-mile bikeway being spliced together throughout North American lies in Colorado. The Colorado portion is part of the Great Parks section, which includes 2,518 miles from Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada, to Mesa Verde National Park outside of Durango.
Ranchers Oppose Yellowstone Bison Relocation
January 5, 2009 - 12:32pm
Ranchers are voicing concern about plans to relocate some Yellowstone Park bison to Indian reservations in Montana and Wyoming. The ranchers are worried about the animals' history of carrying brucellosis, a disease that causes domestic cows to miscarry.
January 5, 2009 - 12:32pm
Ranchers are voicing concern about plans to relocate some Yellowstone Park bison to Indian reservations in Montana and Wyoming. The ranchers are worried about the animals' history of carrying brucellosis, a disease that causes domestic cows to miscarry.
A Trip to Yosemite National Park via YARTS is a Must for Valley Residents
January 5, 2009 - 12:31pm
The YARTS bus sped up Highway 140 from Merced into the foothills. It passed Mariposa and stopped at the entrance to Yosemite National Park. A sign read, “Chains required.” The driver parked, and deftly fitted the chains over the tires. A horde of enthused travelers lined up outside the bus, but there were no more seats. Instead of turning them away, the kindly driver allowed them to board the bus and stand in the aisle for the remaining 13 miles of the trip.
January 5, 2009 - 12:31pm
The YARTS bus sped up Highway 140 from Merced into the foothills. It passed Mariposa and stopped at the entrance to Yosemite National Park. A sign read, “Chains required.” The driver parked, and deftly fitted the chains over the tires. A horde of enthused travelers lined up outside the bus, but there were no more seats. Instead of turning them away, the kindly driver allowed them to board the bus and stand in the aisle for the remaining 13 miles of the trip.
Nene Killed on the Road in Haleakala National Park
January 5, 2009 - 12:21pm
An adult nene was killed on the road at Haleakala National Park on Dec. 28. Motorists traveling to the park are asked to drive slowly and cautiously. Visitors reported the dead nene to Visitor Use Assistant Tony Manion at 7:30 a.m. Park Ranger Chad Riggin retrieved the dead nene from the road near mile marker 16.
January 5, 2009 - 12:21pm
An adult nene was killed on the road at Haleakala National Park on Dec. 28. Motorists traveling to the park are asked to drive slowly and cautiously. Visitors reported the dead nene to Visitor Use Assistant Tony Manion at 7:30 a.m. Park Ranger Chad Riggin retrieved the dead nene from the road near mile marker 16.
Life's a Beach: U.S. Virgin Islands are Calling You
January 5, 2009 - 12:19pm
Don't just sit there. Pick a destination and plan a vacation, maybe to someplace a little exotic, where national parks come with tropical beaches, and boats rather than big RVs are a common mode of transportation. You can enjoy all that without fretting over currency exchange rates or making sure that your passport is up to date if you head to a little paradise called the U.S. Virgin Islands.
January 5, 2009 - 12:19pm
Don't just sit there. Pick a destination and plan a vacation, maybe to someplace a little exotic, where national parks come with tropical beaches, and boats rather than big RVs are a common mode of transportation. You can enjoy all that without fretting over currency exchange rates or making sure that your passport is up to date if you head to a little paradise called the U.S. Virgin Islands.
