Up to an hour
Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House
Explore the Little Women author's home with a Louisa May Alcott House tour.
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What you'll do
Explore the charming clapboard farmhouse where American classic Little Women was set. Louisa May Alcott wrote her famous, semi-autobiographical novel here in 1868, and loosely based the story on her own family life with her sisters at Orchard House. Continuously in print for over 150 years, Little Women is translated into over 50 languages.
Imagine stepping back in time and walking through the same halls Louisa May Alcott once did. Her home, known as Orchard House, in Concord, is more than just walls with a roof - it's a peek into her life. This is where Alcott wrote her famous novel, "Little Women". It's like stepping into a page from a history book, but much more interesting.
Orchard House isn't just known as Louisa May Alcott's home, but also as the "Little Women House". Why? It served as the setting for her well known book! Each space tells a story, showing how closely Alcott based her novel on her real family life. It's like walking into the world of the March family, and trust us, it's an adventure you wouldn't want to miss.
Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House tour highlights
Remarkably, the 17th-century house had retained its structure and authentic architectural look since it was built, so you'll get a real insight into Colonial America as you explore.
Step across the threshold and enjoy the warm, inviting ambiance of this iconic house, which is decorated with Alcott family artifacts. As you're guided through the home, you'll not only easily picture Jo, Meg, Amy and Beth in scenes from the book, but you will also stand where the Alcott sisters performed their own plays, marvel at artwork adorning the walls and doors, and learn about the fascinating real-life family upon which the characters were based.
You'll see the 'shelf desk' where Louisa wrote her novel, built for her by her father, the melodeon in the dining room that Elizabeth Alcott played and many of May Alcott's drawings and sketches.
Your lively guide will recount personal stories and anecdotes along your tour, bringing history and Little Women to life!
Did you know?
Louisa May Alcott's House FAQs
Q. Who used to live in the Orchard House?
A. The Orchard House was home to the celebrated author Louisa May Alcott & her family. It's where she wrote and set her novel, "Little Women".
Q. Can I tour the whole Orchard House, like every single room?
A. Not exactly all of them. While you can explore a number of rooms, including Louisa's bedroom and her father's study, some areas are not open to the public to help preserve certain parts of the house.
Q. I'm really into photography, can I take photos inside the Orchard House?
A. They actually don't allow photography inside the house, but you're welcome to snap away on the outside!
Q. What can I expect to see during my visit to the Orchard House?
A. Well, besides soaking up some serious history, you'll see a wealth of Alcott family artifacts, original furnishings, and personal possessions. It's like stepping back into the 19th century!
Q. Is Orchard House accessible for those with mobility issues?
A. Unfortunately, due to the historic nature of the Orchard House, it's not fully accessible to folks with mobility issues. The second floor, for instance, can only be reached by stairs.
What's included
Access to the Louisa May Alcott House and grounds.
Where you'll be
399 Lexington Rd. Concord,, Boston, USHow to get there
Take the T: Orchard House is accessible from Boston and points west via the MBTA Commuter Rail Fitchburg line, and is a 20-25 minute walk from Concord's Commuter Rail Station on Thoreau Street. Phone for detailed walking directions.
Operating hours
Monday - Saturday: 10AM - 5PM
Sunday: 11AM - 5PM
Closings & holidays
Easter; Thanksgiving; December 24, 25, 31; January 1, 2.
Open at 12pm on Patriots’ Day.
Open extended hours (10 am – 4:30 pm) on MLK Jr Day, Presidents’ Day, Veterans’ Day, Day after Thanksgiving, weekdays between Christmas and New Year’s.
All holiday hours are subject to change without notice. See the Louisa May Alcott House website for more details.
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