Boston for Free

The cradle of U.S. freedom has plenty to do for free, in the city and nearby. Some examples:

Freedom Trail, Boston. Historic walk past Revolutionary War sites, including Old State House where Declaration of Independence was read in 1776. (617) 242-5642

Cardinal Spellman Philatelic Museum, Weston. 3 million stamps library, exhibits. (781) 894-6735

Charlestown Navy Yard National Historical Park, Charlestown. Active Navy yard from 1800 to 1974. (617) 242-5601

Harvard University Museums, Cambridge. Art and natural history museums. (617) 495-9400 and (617) 495-3045.

Old Schwamb Mill, Arlington. Museum of 19th century industrial woodworking. (781) 643-0554

King Hooper Mansion, Marblehead. 18th century house and garden, with art exhibits. (781) 631-2608

Cranberry World Visitor’s Center, Plymouth. History and cultivation of cranberries. (508)747-2350

South Shore Art Center, Cohasset. Rotating exhibits of contemporary art. (781) 383-2787

Porter Thermometer Museum, Onset. Collection of more than 3,000 thermometers. (508) 295-5504

Seamen’s Bethel, New Bedford. Built in 1830 as nondenominational whalers’ chapel; setting for “Moby Dick” chapter. (508) 992-3295

Source: Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism