All the houses on this street are worth seeing, and the tour of Longfellow’s House is a way to really appreciate the surrounding sense of place that’s been sustained for several centuries in the area. Longfellow may not be especially familiar to many visitors — and its Longfellow’s story, not Washington’s that’s most prominently on display here. But even someone who hasn’t read a Longfellow poem (or just as likely doesn’t know Longfellow was a poet... or read poetry... etc...) will enjoy the colorful story of the place.

Timed ticked tours of the authors home. Mostly original furnishings and nicely kept up. A nice place to spend an hour or so. Ranger led discussions. Check calendar

What. wonderful hidden gem! So much history and beautiful grounds. The perfect pace for a small wedding!

When I first came to the Boston area for grad school, this was one of the first gems I found. They have a beautiful garden behind the house that is free and open to the public. I would sometimes just sit and try not to think (after too much thinking for classes ;) and enjoy the peace and quite of that lovely space. They have a sun dial that has an inscription that roughly translates to Think that this day will never dawn again. Something I think about from time to time.Their house tour is interesting and informative lead by National Park Rangers who are happy to answer your questions and share fun stories.They also do regular activities here. Ive been able to go to a few lectures. In 2019 I went to a lecture by Teddy Roosevelt that was very engaging. And I loved that they had a teddy bear nestled in the tree behind the actor! I also went to a lecture in the Carriage House about the role of Native Americans and African Americans in leadership in the Revolutionary War Army. If you have an opportunity to participate in any of their programming, take it!I have also been privileged to work with them in a volunteer capacity in connection with my congregation that meets in a chapel across the street. We have been able to assist in the deadheading of their lilac bushes. Its a cool project that gives me added connection to and pride in this wonderful piece of history.

Went here when it was closed, so we only got to see the garden. It was lovely, though. Lots of cool history. Local artists like to paint here, which is cool. There is a visitor’s center. The paint is not great, wish the national gov would take better care of it.

Walking down Brattle Street is experiencing American history. When in Cambridge you must take the Longfellow House tour and also inquire about a guided tour down Brattle led by a National Park Ranger. See where George Washington headquartered during the Revolutionary War, learn about the mob expelling Tory loyalists one night in the late 18th century, and discover the many renown friends and visitors Longfellow hosted in his residence.

Beautiful house and grounds. The tour was great and very informative! We enjoyed the tour and learning about the Longfellow family and George Washington. A nice, free, hidden gem right off the Charles river. They even have events here like live music, movies, etc.

The grounds are pretty, quiet, and perfect for just sitting and relaxing with a cup of coffee

This place was fabulous! I went on the 50 minute tour of the house and learned a lot. The ranger Anna has been here for 7 years and knows just about anything you can think of asking. There was also a small garden, gift shop, and memorial.

Wonderful visit with kids.We took our 4th and 2nd grade children to Longfellow House on a trip to downtown Boston. The parking was a little bit of a challenge because many nearby lots were full, so consider parking a near the edge of town or further out and take the train or T into town.The guide was informative and offered several historical tidbits that were of interest. She was quite attentive to our children, pointing out things that they would be interested in (kids hideaways, for example).Of course, this is a museum, so if you cant control your children (or yourself), you should probably go elsewhere as this is a historical location with breakable furniture, etc.All told, Longfellow House is a very good choice to see if youre doing a historical tour of Boston/Cambridge.

The full house tour (on the hour) with ranger, Nicole Mello was spectacular! Nicole is extremely knowledgeable and has a great sense of humor, making this the best tour Ive been on in the area.The home is filled with original furniture, objects, and art work. There were also art supplies to use in the garden, which is lovely.There is also a first floor, half-hour tour half past each hour. Free, Ranger led tours are the only way to your the home to protect the objects.There is also free parking on the streets nearby making this a great activity for budget minded folks.

This place is really charming and filled with history: a former headquarters of General George Washington during the siege of Boston and the home of Longfellow (the house was a wedding gift to Longfellow given by the father of the bride, Nathan Appleton). The tour around the house is very informative and absolutely free. Great little tour, had Anna as our leader and her enthusiasm for the place really shone through, making the tour all the more interesting. Also happened to be the park service anniversary.

Always exquisitely manicured. This property is in a very historic and plain old popular, area of Cambridge. If its a nice weekend or holiday, you may want to take public transportation as parking is free and far between and expensive... Unless you come early on the weekends and park at a meter... Thats free all weekend with no limit!!! Harvard Sq, historic West Cambridge, and Mem. Dr./Charles River area will give enough stuff to see for a year... If you go everyday!!

Beautiful home located near Harvard and a short walk from the red line. Great staff.

The free guided tour was extremely informative and easy to follow. Our guide had a wealth of information. The house itself is nicely preserved and its nice that you can view it without being roped off from the artifacts inside. Also dont miss the garden outside!

Our visit to the National Park Service’s Longfellow house/Washington headquarters was an unexpected treat! There was a nice little garden outside and a small visitor center but our tour guide was knowledgeable and obviously enjoyed talking about Longfellow, his house and Washington’s base there. The House was filled with furniture, photos and artifacts but what made the tour so good were her stories. It is just a few blocks from Harvard Square and worth the visit!

Excellent national historical site!! Ranger led tours are the best with excellent knowledge and stories of the house, its history and tenants, most notably Longfellow and Washington! For those with handicap parking placards, easy parking available alongside the visitor center !

Awesome piece of American literary History. Easy to find and visit anytime.Great preservation of an early American Georgian mansion.

After decades of passing the Longfellow House, I finally visited this summer and couldnt figure out why I hadnt been before. This eclectic house transcends any notion that people are still intimately familiar with the poetry of Longfellow (they are not) but is a well-curated and well taken care of representation of the house, the people who lived in it and the times that they lived in. Bonus? You come out remembering some Longfellow (if not necessarily reading his poetry any more often).

A must see. What an enjoyable experience. Take the tour, listen to the story and take in the atmosphere. Truly takes you back in time. Its free but I would have paid. Dayana our guide was awesome.

A wonderful and free National Parks Service (NPS) site that is plenty entertaining for all, young and old, local or from abroad. The rangers are very knowledgeable and the site appears to be well-staffed. They are continually working to restore and maintain what most be a costly landmark mansion to be as historically accurate as possible.

Excellent lecture and lovely carriage house of Longfellows to hold the talk in looking forward to the non-fiction book by Jessie Morgan- Owens The Girl in Black & White

Everything is original to the Longfellows. Great 1 hr tour that takes you through the whole house.

Amazing home and history. Free tours by the National Park Service. Our guide was fabulous.

Beautiful house with amazing historical artifacts. Free tour led by knowledgeable ranger brought everything to life. Gorgeous garden you can visit anytime during daylight hours.

Good place. Normally people overlook it. It has rich history. The lawn is well maintained. Looks like any other home in the area. History sets it apart.

We thoroughly enjoyed our tour of the Longfellow House. The grounds were beautifully maintained. Our tour guide Katie wowed us with her passionate and well versed knowledge of the historical site. She provided us with so many inside details that we felt transported back to the time of the Longfellows. We walked away with a new found appreciation for this historic site and would definitely recommend this sure and tour to all history buffs and even those looking for something unique to do!

Authentic historical house a pleasant 10 min walk from Cambridge Sq. No cost. Informative tours by staff.

This museum is a testament to the incredible work the National Park Service does. The home is beautifully preserved and maintained, and the tour was engaging and replete with information through multiple historical lenses. I missed the tour guides name to give a recommendation, but her focus on Longfellows wife Fanny was a great addition to the tour.

Really enjoyed the activities that were set up on the lawn for kids (period costumes, doll making, games/toys, etc.). We took the express tour, since we had young children along. Our guide was very friendly and engaging with them. Gardens were beautiful at our visit (July). I would have loved to stay to draw them with the provided art supplies, but our kids were getting tired.

Tried to visit with a two year old to learn about our family heritage. My son was being well behaved with an occasional outburst (as most children do). Our tour guide was very nice, but other guests gave us the stink eye the entire time. We politely excused ourselves halfway through the tour. Despite the fact that there were at least 5 rangers on duty (some of which were just sitting around), no one offered to let us just walk through the rest of the house quickly to see more about our family. I highly recommend that this location devote some time to create a family tour (25-30 minutes). My son may have been a little young, but how are our children supposed to learn about history if we exclude families that are trying to give their children these learning experiences? Currently, I do NOT recommend this if you have a child of any age.

Wonderful museum my boss lives across the street from here I go to museum all the time and I am free Fair lawn NJ the staff is so nice and they take there time to show you everything they do not rush you bring your kids they will love History

This lovely home is now closed for the winter season.It is undergoing painting and other updates.Make this a destination when the Longfellow House reopens next spring.Enjoy the beautiful gardens.Absorb the history

Fantastic historical sight. A must see. Everything is set up as it was when Longfellow lived here. The tour guide was fantastic. She really knew her stuff. She told the story of Washingtons stay there and Longfellows family and life there. You could ask about any piece in the home and she would have an answer. Cannot say enough great things about this house and my visit there.

Well preserved original furniture and decor. Interesting history

The grounds were very nice and the neighborhood is beautiful, however the house had not reopened for the season so we did not get to enjoy a tour

A research trip for me. The staff heloed me locate some great materials

It was a fascinating experience. The tour guide did a phenomenal job explaining the historic importance Longfellows house played in the early history of our nation. It was an exhilarating experience to be in a place where the great thinkers and founders of our nation gathered to plan the birth of our great country. After visiting this historic wonder, I felt even prouder to be an American!

Our tour guide was a font of enthusiasm and engagement. She made the visit much more interesting than expected!

Really cool piece of history to visit. Hour-long tour was so informative for local and national history, and it was free (in case you’re looking for an inexpensive and educational way to kill time around Harvard Square). The garden is also beautiful, with a few types of roses in the summer!

Great piece of history! Free and wonderful tours.

Very friendly and knowledgeable staff. Had a great tour there!

It gave good background as to why Longfellow was important and an understanding of the politics of the era. You get to go in every room of the house. The tour guide was exceptionally knowledgeable. One hour guided tour.

Secret tunnels in the basement. Too bad Henry Wodsworth Lonfellows father was a traitor at the Hartford Convention and Longfellow lied about Paul Revere, but they have an amazing garden and gorgeous lilacs hanging over a brick wall.

Beautiful museum residence very well looked after, also the garden is wonderful

Just a few blocks from Harvard, this was our favorite sight while visiting Boston. First, General Washingtons headquarters in 1775, then later the family home of one of Americas favorite poets. This house is packed with history and original family furnishings, left largely the way it was when Longfellow was alive. The tour guide was knowledgeable and enthusiastic and had so many wonderful stories to share. And its free! If you love the poems you will love this tour!

The Institute is closed for winter and the otherwise lush garden withers. One should visit only in summers from mid April to mid October

Closed for the season but beautiful fall colors

This is one of the best-preserved historic houses in the United States, especially considering the original furniture and other contents. It is like stepping back into the late 19th century. George Washington lived here for 8 months while controlling Boston-area military operations in the Revolution. The house is better known for its association with the Longfellow family and it is laid out pretty much as Longfellow left it. The staff are friendly and professional. Each tour guide adds his or her own interests to the tours, so there is always an opportunity to learn something new. This is a must for all lovers of history and literature. Free admission as it is administered by the National Park Service. Parking is always challenging in Harvard Square, but the house is a lovely 10-minute walk from the MBTA red line Harvard subway station.

I accidentally found this while walking around Cambridge. The free tour was very interesting and informative. I couldnt think of a better way to spend an hour in the morning, especially when it was raining out!

Loved this place! Read Forever and Forever by Jodi Kilpack first and you will feel a connection to the home. Our tour guide Anna was excellent!

Stop and visit!Houses can tell stories; come and experience this one!

What a unique and inspiring monument to American History! This poets residence with resonating connections to the Revolution and the Civil War maintains a legacy of good will and service to the community.

One of the best guided house tours Ive ever been on. Kudos to the NPS for taking care of and showcasing this treasure.

Excellent tour. Our tour guide, Meagan, was exceptional! Loads of historical and fun facts.

Longfellow House has free concerts and poetry readings in the summer. Check their website. Most concerts feature excellent Berklee Music students.

Not to be missed!

Beautiful historic landmark in the heart of Cambridge. The garden in the back is spectacular, especially in the spring and summer. Worth a visit if in Harvard Square.

What a great place! The gardens are beautiful and the tour guides were interesting and helpful. Check out their website for free concerts and other events!

Very worthwhile attraction... Geo Washington early campaign HQ also Longfellows house. Tour heavy on the history... skimmed the important artwork on the walls.

A Hidden jewel Neighboring Porter, David, Harvard squares. Be sure to walk around garden in early morning.

Fabulously restored colonial era complex.

Amazing history, ask for more details!

Very historical! Well maintained. Theres a group playing jazz music outside the garden. Very relaxing!

We thoroughly loved our tour of the Longfellow house - our tour guide (only 22 years old!) was a a great storyteller and could recite some of Longfellows poetry. Its a free tour - I recommend it to everyone!!!

Informative tour lots of history

We had a very informative tour of the house and learned a great deal about Longfellow and his family.

I highly recommend the informative, hour long tour. It really gives you a good sense of the family who lived there.

Awesome historical site! Knowledgable guide and beautifully maintained home

Interested in American history and literature? Here is one

Amazing tour by Anna, can tell she loves her job.

Finally got here to visit. Exceeded my expectations. Excellent tour - highly recommended.

Its beautiful & it helps people appreciate things we have today wonderful

Great free tours of a fabulous old home with a rich, vibrant history. Garden and interior are spectacular.

Great guide on the short tour

Disappointing exclusively pagan bacchanal decor exposes that whoever curated the House left out ANY reference to God and the Bible, let alone Jesus Christ. No doubt there are artifacts being kept somewhere that might tell the truth, but not in the Craigie House. This, even though it is historical fact that both Washington and Longfellow revered Jesus Christ in their writings (Longfellows Christos & personal writings) and according to MANY historical accounts.Sure, the meme is that they were all deists BUT the facts do not bare this out. There are even many accounts of Washington converting to Catholicism on his death bed (according to his slaves). The Historical book series The Light and the Glory documents the Christ-centeredness of many of the Founders and George Washingtons Sacred Fire 1st Editionby Peter A. LillbackAlso extensively documents Washingtons faith.

The staff was extremely professional and it was an amazing and interesting place to visit, all in all.

What a wonderful place of inspiration, resonating with reminders from Americas military history

The park ranger made the tour an enormous success! Thanks Katie!

I didnt even realize this was in my backyard! Amazing cool piece of history

Top notch historical venue with great tours during season.

Excellent museum tour by highly qualified rangers!

In the summer they have tours and paint materials for public use

Great tour guides, beautiful historic home, free!

Historically

No tour the day i went

Wow! What a great museum!

Love this place!

My ancestors rock

Great place!

Great tour

Those of us that refuse to learn from history ate doomed to repeat it!

Interesting and passionate your guide

Super great history adventure

Calm and welcoming, the historical place charms with its magic.

Great museum

Great historical building, excellent tour.

Very nice place. Spirit of history