Depot Park

Bedford, believe it or not, has a unique place in U.S. railroad history, a place which Depot Park celebrates. The Park is situated at the western terminus of the Minuteman Bikeway, itself a reminder of the long-defunct Middlesex Central Railroad, on whose right of way it is built. Served by a depot building and a freight house (both still standing and both elements of the Park), the MCR opened a freight and passenger-bearing extension from Lexington to Bedford in 1873. Branches were subsequently extended to Concord (the "Reformatory Line") and to Billerica, the latter in 1877 by the newly formed Bedford and Billerica Railroad, which operated over the first two-foot common-carrier narrow gauge track in America. The BBR didn't last long, however, declaring bankruptcy and selling off its rolling stock after only a year in business.  Service to Billerica was reestablished in 1885 on standard gauge track by what subsequently became the Boston and Maine. Traffic to and through Bedford dwindled until, in the mid-fifties, the last steam-drawn freight passed through Depot Park, ultimately giving way to self-propelled commuter cars (Budd cars, named after their manufacturer). Even these finally packed it in when the blizzard of 1977 stranded a Budd car idling overnight at the Park in anticipation of carrying the next morning's crush of workers into North Station. This was the last straw for the passenger service's by-then owner, the MBTA, which shortly after rescuing the marooned Budd car ended traffic to Bedford. In 1991 the right of way was "railbanked" and, to the rejoicing of bike owners, the rest is history.

To get there either consult a suburban atlas or MapQuest for the best way to get to "bacon road at loomis street" in Bedford, or, if you're a risk taker, try this …

From Route 128/95

Exit at 31B and merge onto Route 225 toward Bedford. Drive west 2.1 miles on Route 225 (becomes the Great Road) through the lights at Hartwell Avenue, Shawsheen Road, and the Great Road Shopping Center, to the fourth set of lights at Loomis Street. Turn left and drive 0.3 miles down Loomis Street to Depot Park; it's on the left just before the stop sign at South Road. There's plenty of parking between the Freight House and Depot buildings but, if not, another large lot is located just across South Road, adjacent to the big red barn housing the Bikeway Source.

Alternatives to Route 128

From Burlington or Concord, take Route 62 to downtown Bedford. In both cases, although 62 intersects the Great Road at different points, turn right; those coming from Burlington will then find themselves going west on the Great Road, while those from Concord are going east. Drive 62 a short distance to the lights at Loomis Street and turn left (Burlington people) or to the lights at South Road and turn right (Concord). In both cases Depot Park will pop up on the left in about a quarter mile.

From Lexington, take Bedford Street over 128 and follow the "From 128/95" directions.

From Westford and other points west

Drive Route 225 east through the Carlisle rotary and over the Concord River to Route 4 in Bedford. At 9:00 in the morning there may still be a delay at this intersection as Route 4 commuters from Chelmsford and Billerica, attempting to circumvent Route 3 construction, merge with those from Carlisle. Plan on five minutes extra just in case. Follow the combined Routes 4 and 225 east (staying left when Route 62 joins this highway potpourri) to the stop light at South Road in Bedford Center. Turn right and descend a slight grade about a quarter mile to Depot Park, at the bottom of the hill on the left.

For those navigating to the start with MapQuest or a GPS system:

94 Loomis St, Bedford, MA 01730 or N42 29.171, W71 16.644

To contact us call 978-808-0900

GOOD LUCK !!!