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Bunker Hill Monument
Category: Public Services & Government Landmarks & Historical Buildings Landmarks & Historical Buildings [Edit]
43 Monument Sq(at Winthrop St)
Charlestown, MA 02129
Neighborhood: Charlestown
(617) 242-5641
- Nearest Transit:
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Warren St @ Church St (9109, 9111, 92)
Common St @ Park St - Winthrop Square (89/93, 9109, 9111, 93)
Warren St @ Winthrop St (9109, 9111, 92)
47 reviews for Bunker Hill Monument
Review Highlights
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"We walked up the freedom trail towards it." In 13 reviews -
"Sagrada Familia (350 steps), TD Bank Five Boro Bike Tour..." In 25 reviews -
"The obelisk is open til 430 for you to climb." In 7 reviews
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47 reviews in English
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Review from Pat T.
Rockville, MD
2/9/2012
Free and, more importantly, educational ;) The staff is really nice so don't be shy to talk to them - that's what they are there for! Don't forget to walk across the street (towards the freedom trail) and go into the museum - the top floor has a lighted show of what happened on the Hill. If you take anything away from visiting Boston it is that Boston is rich in American history (revolutionary era).
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Review from Elizabeth P.
Medford, MA
1/9/2012
We came by the Bunker Hill Monument this past weekend and used it as our starting point for the Freedom Trail. There's not all that much at the monument itself: the obelisk of course, a small green area, and some statues of major figures involved in the Battle of Bunker Hill. That being said, there is a small museum across the street from the park which is worth a short stopover, particularly if you want more information on the history of the battle and the monument. On weekends, parking around the monument is free and open (there's permit parking during the week)
You can climb the monument for free, which is definitely an experience. The interior is narrow, rather dark, and winding, with just enough room for two people to go by one another--if you're claustrophobic, I don't recommend it! There are 294 steps to the top, which was more difficult than it sounded to me. It left me wobbly-legged and sore the next day. The view from the top is quite nice, though... it's definitely worth the climb, although I'm not sure how soon I'll be back. -
Review from Julie D.
9/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
I am very sad to say that we arrived after closing time. What meant to say is that I didn't get to climb the 294 steps to the top. BJ was sad. I think I was happy.
Very charming little park. Nice views of the city. Be sure to check the hours before you visit, so you don't get disappointed. -
Review from Tammy T.
3/4/2012
Unless you're ridiculously fit, I suggest not taking this climb after doing the entire freedom trail in a day. It's free to hike up the monument (and after doing it, I would not pay for it). It's a bit claustrophobic once you get to the top but you get a relatively nice view of Boston within fogged windows. In retrospect, I wish I had just stayed with my aunt , sister, and dog on the grass outside the monument. It's a monument nonetheless, but not my favorite of those on the Freedom Trail.
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Review from Natalia H.
San Jose, CA
10/28/2011
294 steps! Have you every thought why we have calf muscles? I've been sore for 2 days from climbing Bunker Hill (went up way too fast) and thank God for that because it made me realize the functions of my body parts.
Free. Beautiful view from top of the monument. -
Review from Dean S.
Lincolnwood, IL
7/11/2011 3 photos
I walked the entirety of the Freedom trail and this was easily my favorite part. I didn't really enjoy much of the history along the trail, but I was really a sucker for the views at the top of the Bunker Hill monument.
It's 294 steps to the top, and by howdy I sure was winded by the end of it. The width of the stairwell is pretty tiny and only gets smaller and smaller as you go farther up. I wouldn't recommend any claustrophobics to try it out. But there's a nice rewarding breeze at the top, and a terrific view of the city to the south through the port holes. It's also fun to greet and congratulate the people breathing heavily that just made it up.
The way down is much easier, but by then my legs were all constricted and wobbly, so I took my sweet time going down. -
Review from Sereia C.
4/16/2011
I love the Bunker Hill Monument by day and by night. Yes, night. Did you ever lay on the grass here on a hot summer night and stare up at the stars when the sky is completely clear? You definitely should experience that! Beautiful.
I also love the monument for a killer quad and glute workout....along with kick-ass cardio workout. Here's what you do: go up and down 3 times. The first time, walk it. The second and third times, go as fast as you can, stepping on every step, or walk it and do every other step. Take breaks at the top to enjoy the view, and stretch/grab water each time you're at the bottom. It's almost 300 winding stairs, so you will definitely feel the burn!
Go early in the morning, or you won't be able to go fast up the stairs, as it gets pretty jammed up with tourists. -
Review from Jeff C.
San Francisco, CA
i walked all 294 steps! Take your time. It gets really hot and stuffy inside the narrowest stair case w/ tons of elderly people huffing and puffing up those stairs. I did it once and will never do it again. lol
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Review from Rachel A.
Jackson Heights, Queens, NY
7/5/2010 7 photos
Inhaler, lamaze breathing, paper bag. Oxygen tank? Keep those things in mind if you plan on climbing Bunker Hill Monument. If you are asthmatic, pregnant or claustrophobic, I don't recommend it. The journey up Bunker Hill Monument is not for the faint.
Sagrada Familia (350 steps), TD Bank Five Boro Bike Tour (42 miles), hills of San Francisco. Those experiences will not help you up at all, unless you did them last week. Bunker Hill Monument only has 294 steps but they are, indeed, a challenge. Steps 1-100 were a warm up. Steps 101- 200 knocked the wind out of me and burned all the fat cells in my thighs. Steps 201 - 294 went much quicker but also got me a little dizzy. The space narrows towards the top and at times were almost pitch black. Before I knew it I was at the top and I think it took less than 10 minutes.
The observation tower was pretty cool and provided some nice views of the city and Harbor. Making it to the top and back down is a major accomplishment. Congratulations, you're alive. Remember that with each breath you take. Every step I was reminded that I should eat better. Of course once I left Bunker Hill, we went to get cannoli. The North End was next door, what else were we supposed to do?
The grounds of Bunker Hill are quite nice. Lots of people laying around the grass and relaxing. There is a small museum across the street and I recommend it if you want to learn something about the battle and the real reason about dumping tea. Plus, they have air conditioning. You will be thankful for that during the month of July.Listed in: It's Okay to Act Like a…
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Review from Christina V.
Hialeah, FL
9/15/2010
It kinda looks like a mini Washington Monument. We walked up the freedom trail towards it.. it was under construction so we couldn't go inside. Which, from reading other reviews, is sort of a work out! lol
Either way it is really pretty. And the park around it is very calming. Its only about a five minute walk from the USS Constitution tour so we did that and we then walked over to the monument. There is a small museum across the street but its nothing crazy.. a good place to beat the heat. haha -
Review from Alena B.
10/15/2011
This is 294 steps at is pretty much at the end of the Freedom Trail. Make sure to get here before closing time or you'll be locked out looking up at the top of the monument. The walk itself isn't bad. I had hip surgery one year before climbing this the last time and didn't even feel it. The view from the top is lovely and well worth the trek. Boston is great...the Trail is great and this is the icing on the cake. ENJOY!
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Review from Steve L.
9/7/2008 2 photos
One of the stops for the Old Town Trolley was the Charlestown Navy Ship in Charlestown. From here we took a 15 minute walk up to the Bunker Hill Monument. Statues and memorials engraved in stone surround the hill.
The Bunker Hill monument itself is a mini version of the Washington Monument. The kids and our other traveling companions wanted to climb up all 294 steps to the top. I did it a few times before, so I opted out, and walked around the perimeter of the monument, and enjoyed the view of the houses.
Not surprising, the kids and the adults who when up were a looking a little peaked when the came back down. An ice cream truck is strategically parked at the bottom of the hill, but convinced the kids to hold off.
The building next to the Monument used house a museum for the monument, but it has now been relocated down the hill -
Review from Michael F.
Phoenix, AZ
9/20/2010 8 photos
I was here this past weekend and I dragged one of my colleageus to see the Bunker Hill.
After a long walk, I couldn't of been more happy to reach the monument.
The weather was perfect and it was so rejuvenating to sit on the grass and admire the beauty of this grand obelisk.
After taking pictures and resting for a while, we decided to check out the museum and then climb the tight winding staircase to the top.
We lucked out because the obelisk was under construction and it was opened on the day that we visited.
The monument has 294 steps and when you reach the top, the view is definitely spectacular and awe inspiring.
Cost: FREE -
Review from Ann L.
5/26/2008
We went up Bunker Hill Monument. It's a National Historical Park site which makes it Cool, Plus it's FREE! It's to commemorate the Battle of Bunker Hill. It's a nice looking obelisk that you can see anywhere in Charlestown.
You can get a dated stamp that proves you've been there. Talk to the ranger that's there and get a brochure on the Bunker Hill Monument plus a Freedom Trail brochure if you wish.
Then climb the 294 stairs to the top. It's pretty evil and not advised if you have a heart condition. It'll make you out of breathe for sure. There's only railing on the way down and it's curvy too.
When you get to the top, the windows are tiny, only 3 of them.
Rest up, then you have all those same steps to do on the way down.
Hrs:
9am-4:30pmListed in: Things I did on my Boston trip…
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Review from Michael C.
Boston, MA
8/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
Not a whole lot to do at the Bunker Hill Monument, but if you're visiting Boston and have some time to kill, take a walk to the top. This will also fullfil your workout requirement for the day.
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Review from Samantha E.
Alexandria, VA
7/16/2011 2 photos
I enjoyed Bunker Hill not only because it was simple and straightforward but the also because of the greenspace. Families (both local and tourists) were relaxing out on the lawn and enjoying the peasant summer weather. The obelisk is closed for a few more weeks for renovation though.
Listed in: Summer 2011 Road Trip
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Review from Zac S.
4/24/2009
me legs, me legs!
they burn, burn!
Good hike to the top, great view once there.
windy too.
don't let your mind imagine the bldg rocking.
mind did.
then I almost fell down the stairs.
that would have been cool -
Review from Tiff D.
7/20/2009
Sunny Sunday afternoon and I just want to be out in the sun. Sometimes the beach is just too far or you dont want sand in your underpants...
My friend lives in Charlestown so we decided to walk over to the monument and lay on the grass. Seems like we werent the only ones with that idea..plenty of people just laying out relaxing.
It was nice. I only wish I had snacks. Maybe a picnic next time?
I dont do history so this review is based purely on the grassy area in front of the history stuff...and it still gets 4 stars. -
Review from Christina C.
San Francisco, CA
5/20/2009 4 photos
250ish steps winding circularly to the top. FREE admission. Donations would be nice.
As if walking along the Freedom Trail wasn't enough, climbing up this monument will get you to FEEL the BURN. Ok not really, but you can get out of breath. There's a marker on the stairs every 25 steps to show you how far you've gone. Luckily for me, I didn't get stuck behind anyone going up. However, I had to 'pull over' a few times to let people pass down.
When I reached the top, I was ecstatic until I saw it was PACKED with a boy scout troop. It was crowded and way too hot with that many people. The only air is coming from the stairwell or defunct elevator shaft. There are 4 windows (spaced out each 90 degrees) but they don't open for safety reasons. You can see the view of downtown Boston and the Bay, and surrounding towns/suburbs/whatever.
On 2 of the windows, there are metal rings. I thought they were marking something interesting, but nope- just pointed to another museum.
It was alright, nothing spectacular. Its a nice tribute to the Battle of Bunker Hill. The history buff in you will like it. My advice would be to go early in the day when its not as hot or packed.Listed in: Beantown hit list
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Review from Jef S.
1/12/2008
Walking up to the top of this thing is So. Not. Worth. It.
Nice park and information center, though, considering that the main draw here is a massive pointy concrete dildo.Listed in: Boston: Living in the…
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Review from Joanna G.
San Pablo, CA
10/6/2011
I really like Bunker Hill. It is a great monument to visit. I am an avid runner and run about 6 miles each day. Going up with the monument was not bad but coming down was. After we had descended, my legs were wobbly and hurt. My legs were actually in pain for the next three days. I was able to run again on the 4th day.
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Review from Tim Y.
10/5/2009
It's a good way to finish a walk on the freedom trail, and a nice little bit of exercise to boot. At 200+ 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.
Skip it if you're claustrophobic or if breathing isn't your forte. As an asthmatic, I had no problems at all, but I have relatively well-conditioned legs that got me there and back without much post-climb wobble. Those who aren't ready for it will be gasping for breath as people squeeze by in the cramped staircase.
I think the walk to, around, and back from Castle Island was far more interesting than this, but I suppose it's important to get all the tourist stuff out of the way..."when in Rome" and all. -
Review from Debby L.
11/27/2009 7 photos
The metro stops at the bottom of the hill at the community college. Once you get out, you can walk into town and up the hill to the monument. The neighborhood is beautiful, filled with old brick buildings with stoops.
I stopped at least 10 times to take pictures and when we got to the monument, it was breathtaking. The fall leaves were everywhere, and the obelisk stood out amongst the trees.
The museum is nice inside, and the area around the obelisk is also beautiful. Kids play in the large grassy area and there are benches to sit and admire the scenery.
The obelisk is open til 430 for you to climb. Although everyone tells me not to do the climb bc it's so small at the top with a tiny window...the challenge of 294 steps still egged me on.
We huffed and puffed our way up the the winding staircase. Although I thought I was going to die at step number 200...somehow, I got to the top to join the insane amounts of people cramped up there, all taking pictures. I took one by the window and we hailed out of there.
It felt great to do the steps of the obelisk, but unnecessary if you want to go for the view. There isn't really any, so enjoy the view from the bottom. Climb the steps only if someone eggs you on, or the challenge overcomes you.
Lovely monument.Listed in: BOSTON
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Review from Jack M.
Boston, MA
10/19/2009
Big phallic symbol!
Not actually Bunker Hill!
Pointless object!
People go here to walk their dogs. Be careful where you step.Listed in: Boston Tourist Traps
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Review from Deb K.
Boston, MA
7/23/2008
This is one of the few phallic historical monuments that I have climbed up that actually had the stair count stenciled on the stairs. And at every 25 no less! Let's face it. When you go to a new city, as a tourist, the first thing we all look for is the big monument sticking out of the ground. Then we want to climb to the top, for the view. Heck, I have even been ballsy enough to not take the elevator when it was an option (hello, Eiffel Tower), just so I can say I did it.
The problem with these monuments are that you never know where the f*** you are other than not at the top yet because they didn't think to update us on the stair count. I love being able to count down and once I hit 5 stairs on these things, I usually lose track because I am just thinking about powering through all the sucky stairs ahead of me. Thanks for making it easy for me Bunker Hill. Another reason why Boston rocks. Oh yeah, and it is free.Listed in: Free??!? In Boston?!?! What,…
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Review from Jocelyn G.
Boston, MA
8/29/2007
Oh, dear Monty.
See, I was once a Park Ranger here and I spent many a day at the Monument explaining where Bunker Hill really was (a half mile away), what hill we were really on (Breed's Hill), and just what Evacuation and Bunker Hill Day entailed.
Because this place is so popular with tour groups, you should go to this location of the Freedom Trail first. You can either walk up from North Station after going to the USS Constitution or you can walk down from Community College (about a half mile from that stop or the ship). There are Ranger talks each day on the half hour and they last between 10-20 minutes long. The later in the day it gets, the more people go...including tour groups with their own leaders shouting in various languages about the hill or mobs of children who race up the stairs only to throw up on the replica of the original monument on the site.
Can you tell I hated that part of the job?
Anyways, during the winter, there aren't as many events but in the summer, there is musket firing and a parade on the Sunday closest to June 17th.
The new renovation was recently completed and Monty looks great. Definitely go and experience the city while trying to breathe after racing up 293 steps to glory.Listed in: Favorite Historic Places
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Review from Ling H.
3/17/2010
Bunker Hill is probably a one time thing for most people. But if I were to come back with a new group of friends, I would definitely do it again.
We visited at a time where it was rainy and snowy and so the view wasn't at its best, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. The spirailing staircase was a little scary at moments because after a while, they start to blur together! Well for me they did.
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. Thanks!
Oh, and don't think 294 steps is nothing, but very doable even for the most unathletic :) -
Review from George B.
Charlotte, NC
11/19/2008
This is where it all began.....
Boston is full of early American history and the Bunker Hill Monument is a salute to those brave souls who sacrificed everything to bring about this great nation. It is part of the National Parks so bring your passport book to get stamped to show off to everyone. The climb to the top of the monument is grueling. The day I went it rained and was a bit windy. The steps inside were drenched in water. However the climb to the top was worth it to see the awesome views of the city. -
Review from Ger T.
Arlington, MA
7/17/2008
Sitting back and thinking about it for a moment, the Bunker Hill monument is a curious way of memorializing the battle. Not that I don't like the obelisk and the view it provides of Boston, but it's not immediately apparent as to WHY they chose to build such a monument when they could have chosen from many other edifices or even a battleground walk. I'll come back to this in a minute, but as I mentioned, it's a nice view of Boston and the surrounding area (Medford, Somerville/Cambridge/Arlington) from Charlestown. I went 4th of July weekend, and it was a very clear day so you could really see for miles all around. The windows are small though, and the space is rather cramped, and of course there are the 294 steps to climb before you can get up to the viewing room. If you're not a particularly active person, I would say that you aren't missing a ton if you decide not to attempt the climb.
Back to the obelisk and the choice of monument, it was only after I went into the (fairly new, I believe) Bunker Hill museum just across the street that I understood what they were trying to do. The second floor of the museum has what amounts to a "play-by-play" of the battle, and if you look up, the ceiling is dome-shaped with a 360 degree mural painted around its base depicting how Boston looked on the day of the battle. When the colonists built their fortifications on the top of Breed's Hill, they could look down 360 degrees and see the British coming from all angles, and this is what the obelisk is trying to give yo9u a feel for.
The mural itself is amazing, but what I wish I had done was to go into the museum first, look around at the exhibits and the mural, THEN gone up to the obelisk viewing room and tried to match places then with what I saw as modern Boston.
In all, I wouldn't say it's the best monument on the Freedom Trail, but it's a very nice experience, the museum is new, and everything is free!Listed in: Historical New England
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Review from Anya S.
4/3/2010
Somehow I missed the sign that said there are 294 steps. At about 150 steps I started to wonder what I am doing. Almost died around 250...
The view was totally worth it.
I think I want to do it again. -
Review from Melissa B.
Brooklyn, NY
1/8/2008
It's a cool piece of history. The location is so lovely. The cute houses from the 18th-19th century. That's really cool. I'm glad we squeezed this in on our way back to NYC. It was worth it.
I didn't climb up the stairs. After Notre Dame, it's really not that important anymore.
Visiting this place wanted me to crack open my old U.S. History book again and read up on the battle. That's got to say something.Listed in: 2 days in Boston
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Review from Pauline L.
San Francisco, CA
1/2/2010
294 steps..it was irresistible a dare to climb those teeny tiny steps all the way up to Bunker Hill tower....the final kicker was that it was free. Free to walk up there, free view of Boston, and free to get those glutes toned.
I did alright going up. People going down kept cheering me on, and I really needed it since I was huffing so hard, I was looking to keel over/throw up or maybe do both. When I got up there, there were tiny glassless lookouts to take pics of Boston, but it was freezing!
For those 2 gallons of sweat I poured out, I only stayed up there 10 minutes cause it was so cold. The coming down part was what finished me off....NEVER ever go behind a mother with 4 toddlers...not only did she hold up the line, there wasn't any way of going around them without knocking one of those kids down 294 steps. My knees were shaking by the time I got down..*shakes fist at crazy moms dragging their poor kids up some monument*
Do this on a sunny day in spring...the summers are too humid and hot, and the fall and winter days are going to make you freeze your hiney. -
Review from Jason K.
Edina, MN
6/10/2010
My wife and I were going on the Freedom Trail a little later in the day but we found out that it did not go the full 2.5 miles, which consisted of the North End Church, USS. Constitution, and the Bunker Hill Monument finishes off the tour.
The monument is actually Breeze Hill, not Bunker Hill and it was a loss for the American's although the English lost a lot more men than the Americans.
The hill has a nice statue in front of an army leader and then there is a small visitor center. Then to the Monument.
It is a tall obelisk that reminds me a lot of the Washington Monument, on top is a small window on each side. We found out next that it is 294 steps straight up when we got there.
At about 150, I started breathing pretty hard. By 294 I was huffing. The chamber on top can hold about 10 adults comfortably and it allows you to see the Boston Skyline, which was very beautiful on a perfect summer day.
A group of kids came up next, so it was time to go. The trip down was a lot better than the way up. My shirt was drenched with sweat by the time it was all over. -
Review from Brian R.
Lynn, MA
5/24/2009
I always thought this one of the few parts of Charlestown that stood out in a positive way.
This hill holds a strong part of our American History. While history may not be as interesting to some, I enjoy it. I haven't been here in years......I'll have to stop by to take the fun task of climbing those steps. -
Review from Vivienne J.
San Jose, CA
7/2/2009
Climbed it - enjoyed it - paid for being out of shape because of it.
Why oh why didn't we know there was a museum nearby? That is the kind of stuff we really wanted to see.
Definitely worth a stop even without the museum. :) -
Review from Heather L.
San Francisco, CA
7/17/2008
Freaking amazing monument. You have to walk to the top. It's only 294 stairs. But beware of the overweight and the out of shape taking up space on the way up. The view once you get to the top is well worth the climb.
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Review from Paul C.
Fremont, CA
9/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
This was my final stop on the Freedom Trail and you could definitely see it from a distance as you are walking the trail. It's in a very nice neighborhood and it was good to see people bringing there families here. I happened to be out on a nice clear and sunny day and it was nice to sit on the park bench to relax and enjoy the serenity. Even though there were people around, it seemed really peaceful and a good place to clear the mind and be in a state of deep thought. I didn't get a chance to climb to the top as many families with kids were going up and down the stairs. I bet the view from the top would be amazing though as you would be able to see all of Boston being that high up. Definitely recommend coming here if you are on the Freedom Trail or not. Also, it's a spectacular sight to see at night when the sun is gone and the lights go on causing it to glow.
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Review from Shan C.
Boston, MA
5/28/2009
It's fun, it's free and what a view. I thought I would be funny and try to run up the stairs, but I am not a person who runs nor works out. So about 50 stairs into it I had to rest and walk the rest. LOL.. Remember this is on Breeds Hill.
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Review from Noelle C.
Temecula, CA
5/13/2009
If you don't mind climbing up the 300 odd steps to the top the views are nice but not 300 steps nice. lol I mean it's cool and free so I can't really complain but it would have been nice if the top was a bit larger to accommodate the crazy tourists who actually desired to climb all the way to the top. I will say that each step has a number on it to show you how out of shape you are when you can't breathe by step 25.. but hey just follow the freedom trail here and you could see all of Boston pretty much.
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Review from David T.
Malden, MA
8/26/2009
Great place to visit. Long climb up, but the view is worth it. Funny enough, going back down is the hardest part (on the quads!). This is one spot on the Freedom Trail you don't want to miss.
