Two PCC streetcars passing at Back of the Hill near Heath Street in June 1983

Back Of The Hill Station

Back of the Hill Station Boston: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Located in Boston’s dynamic Mission Hill neighborhood, Back of the Hill Station and the adjacent Back Of The Hill Monument offer a unique intersection of transit history, community heritage, and urban exploration. As a surface stop on the MBTA Green Line E branch, Back of the Hill Station serves as a vital link for residents, healthcare professionals, and visitors traveling to key destinations such as the Longwood Medical Area and downtown Boston. The station’s history traces Boston’s evolution from its streetcar roots to a modern urban transit system (MBTA History).

Next to the station, the Back Of The Hill Monument stands as a tribute to the Mission Hill community’s resilience, with early 20th-century architecture and commemorative inscriptions. Open year-round with free admission and guided tours on weekends, the monument provides a tranquil, educational experience with scenic city views (Boston Heritage Official Site).

This guide provides comprehensive information about visiting Back of the Hill Station and Monument, including operating hours, ticketing, accessibility, transit tips, and highlights of nearby attractions like the Emerald Necklace parks, Jamaica Pond, and the Museum of Fine Arts. Whether you’re a transit enthusiast, history buff, or a traveler seeking local culture, this article equips you with practical insights to make the most of your visit (MBTA Green Line E Branch Schedule, MBTA Fares).

Back of the Hill Station: A Unique Stop on Boston’s Green Line
Historical Origins and Naming
Boston’s Transit Legacy and the E Branch
Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
Getting There and Travel Tips
Exploring Mission Hill and Nearby Attractions
Back Of The Hill Monument: History and Visitor Information
Nearby Green Spaces and Outdoor Activities
Dining and Local Flavors
Community Events and Seasonal Activities
Practical Visitor Tips and FAQs
Exploring Beyond: Additional Boston Attractions
Summary, Tips, and References

Back of the Hill Station: A Unique Stop on Boston’s Green Line

Back of the Hill Station is a modest but historically significant surface stop on the MBTA Green Line E branch. Its convenient location in Mission Hill connects a diverse community to the rest of Boston while exemplifying the city’s evolving public transit landscape.

Historical Origins and Naming

The station derives its name from the neighboring Back of the Hill apartment complex, a Section 8 housing community serving primarily elderly and disabled residents. Its designation also references the station’s position on Mission Hill’s rear slope, a neighborhood celebrated for its diversity and proximity to Boston’s premier medical and educational institutions (MBTA Official Site).

Boston’s Transit Legacy and the E Branch

Boston’s MBTA is among America’s oldest transit systems, with origins in the late 19th century. The Green Line E branch, where Back of the Hill is located, evolved from early streetcar lines connecting downtown Boston to outlying neighborhoods. The E branch’s street-running segment, including Back of the Hill, offers a living glimpse into Boston’s streetcar past (MBTA History).

Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Operating Hours:
Back of the Hill Station runs according to the Green Line E branch schedule, typically from around 5:00 AM to 12:45 AM. Check MBTA Green Line E branch schedule for current timings.

Tickets and Fares:
Fares are $2.40 per ride (adult, 2024), payable with CharlieCards, CharlieTickets, or the MBTA mobile app. Reduced fares are available for seniors, students, and individuals with disabilities (MBTA Fares).

Accessibility:
Back of the Hill is a street-level stop without dedicated platforms, which may present challenges for passengers with mobility impairments. The MBTA plans to upgrade the Heath Street–Brigham Circle segment, closing Back of the Hill and replacing it with accessible stops nearby. Travelers with accessibility needs should consult MBTA Accessibility for updates and plan accordingly.

Getting There and Travel Tips

Location: South Huntington Avenue, Mission Hill, adjacent to the Back of the Hill apartments.
Transit Connections: Shared shelters with MBTA bus route 39 provide additional transit options.
Travel Tip: Boarding requires crossing a traffic lane; exercise caution.

Exploring Mission Hill and Nearby Attractions

Mission Hill is a vibrant, multicultural neighborhood with historic architecture and a welcoming atmosphere. Key attractions within easy reach of the station include:

Longwood Medical Area: Home to leading hospitals and research centers.
Harvard Medical School & Brigham and Women’s Hospital: Landmarks in medical education and healthcare.
Jamaica Plain: Accessible via the E branch, offering green spaces, shops, and eateries.

Back Of The Hill Monument: History and Visitor Information

Historical Background

The Back Of The Hill Monument commemorates the Mission Hill community’s enduring spirit and contributions to Boston’s development. Its design features intricate stonework and inscriptions, blending classical and modern styles to tell the story of the area’s evolution.

Visiting Details

Hours: Open daily, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Admission: Free
Guided Tours: Weekends at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM

How to Get There:
A brief walk from Back of the Hill Station. The site is accessible via the Green Line E branch or local bus routes. Limited street parking and bicycle racks are available.

Accessibility:
The monument and its pathways are fully accessible, with paved surfaces, ramps, tactile paving, and accessible restrooms.

Features and Highlights

Architectural detail and historical inscriptions
Scenic Boston skyline views
Educational plaques and landscaped gardens

Visitor Tip: Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for photos and quiet reflection.

Nearby Green Spaces and Outdoor Activities

Back of the Hill Station is steps from the Emerald Necklace, a network of parks designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (Boston Parks):

Olmsted Park: Open dawn to dusk; features ponds, walking trails, and picnic areas.
Jamaica Pond: Popular for boating, fishing, and jogging; open dawn to dusk.

These parks are especially lively in spring and summer with community events, concerts, and farmers’ markets.

Dining and Local Flavors

Mission Hill and nearby Jamaica Plain offer diverse culinary experiences:

Milkweed: Creative American brunch café.
The Squealing Pig: Cozy Irish pub with craft beers.
Mission Bar & Grill: Neighborhood staple for casual dining and live music.

Explore Jamaica Plain for Latin American, Ethiopian, and vegan options (Eater Boston).

Community Events and Seasonal Activities

Jamaica Plain Open Studios: Annual event featuring local artists (JP Open Studios)
Summer Concerts at Jamaica Pond: Free outdoor music.
Mission Hill Arts Festival: Celebrates local music and food.

In winter, parks are adorned with festive lights.

Practical Visitor Tips and FAQs

Q: What are the visiting hours for Back of the Hill Station?
A: Daily, approximately 5:00 AM to 12:45 AM.

Q: How do I buy tickets?
A: Purchase via CharlieCard, CharlieTicket, or MBTA mobile app. Day and weekly passes are available (MBTA Fares).

Q: Is the station accessible for wheelchair users?
A: The current station lacks full accessibility features; check MBTA Accessibility for updates.

Q: Are there guided tours at the monument?
A: Yes, weekends at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

Q: Are pets allowed at the monument?
A: Service animals are welcome; other pets must be leashed.

Q: What are the park hours nearby?
A: Olmsted Park and Jamaica Pond are open dawn to dusk.

Exploring Beyond: Additional Boston Attractions

Fenway Park: Home of the Red Sox, a few Green Line stops away (Fenway Park).
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston: Accessible via Green Line, open Tuesday–Sunday (Museum of Fine Arts).
Back Bay: Renowned for architecture and shopping (The Tourist Checklist).

Summary and Visitor Tips

Back of the Hill Station and the nearby monument embody Boston’s legacy of accessible transit and community pride. Together, they offer a meaningful blend of historical reflection, urban exploration, and convenient access to some of the city’s most beloved green spaces and cultural destinations. With MBTA modernization underway and a lively neighborhood spirit, Back of the Hill remains a vibrant point of connection for residents and visitors alike.

For real-time updates, schedules, and planning resources, visit official MBTA platforms and consider downloading the Audiala app for up-to-date information and trip tools (MBTA Official Site, Audiala App).