Welcome to the cradle of the American Industrial Revolution! It’s quite the claim to fame, and Lowell’s industrial past is still celebrated today thanks to Lowell National Historical Park, which has preserved a number of beautiful, red-brick buildings such as Boott Cotton Mill and Museum, and the waterway infrastructure which both fed their need for energy and transportation. Indeed, the canal system and rivers are integral parts of Lowell’s character to this day. You can venture out on these rivers by way of tour boats or explore them by kayak should you so wish. The city is also known for being the birthplace of the influential 20th-century author Jack Kerouac, as well as notable artist James Abbott Whistler who painted the famous Whistler’s Mother picture. Read on for more information on these things to do in Lowell, Massachusetts.
1. Browse through the old carriage exhibits at National Streetcar Museum
Fans of A Streetcar Named Desire may be surprised to learn that they don’t need to travel to New Orleans to see one of the inspirations behind Tennessee Williams’ world-famous play. Yes, one of that city’s French Quarter streetcars today plies its trade on the two miles of tracks in downtown Lowell after being rescued from disrepair in the 1980s. Appropriately enough, the car is called Desire. It is one of the trolleys which operates an ‘on track’ exhibit from March to November as part of the National Streetcar Museum. What’s more, you can ride them free of charge. Planning is underway to extend the tracks into the wider downtown area.
National Streetcar Museum
Address: 25 Shattuck Street #1819, Lowell, MA 01852
Website: National Streetcar Museum
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 11am - 4pm
2. Tap into your creative side at Western Avenue Studios
If you’re an art fan then you’ll find much to enjoy in this former mill site, which sits alongside Pawtucket Canal. Home to more than 300 artists, this 265,000 sq ft (24,619.3 sq m) complex, which encompasses five buildings, has found a new lease of life as a bespoke arts and crafts unit that has turned this canal location into a hive for artistic endeavour. There are more than 30 art studios and around 50 loft spaces where local artists live and work. It also hosts a busy calendar of special events, classes, and drop-in sessions.
Western Avenue Studios
Address: 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA 01851
Website: Western Avenue Studios
Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 12pm - 4:30pm; Wed - Sat: 12pm - 5:30pm; Sun: 12pm - 4pm
3. Explore the history behind America's Industrial Revolution at Lowell National Historical Park
When you think of national parks, what do you picture in your mind? Rolling landscapes and open country? Well, think again. Lowell National Historical Park is located in downtown Lowell and preserves numerous examples of this historic area’s textile industry and the striking buildings that housed it. Located close to the Merrimack and Concord rivers and alongside a number of canals, this urban area is home to everything from the aforementioned street trolleys to the sprawling Boott Cotton Mills Museum and a memorial to famous writer Jack Kerouac. So whether you’re a history buff seeking to explore Lowell’s past during the Industrial Revolution, a fan of red-brick architecture and streetscapes, or seeking to explore museums, there’s plenty for you to see here.
Lowell National Historical Park
Address: Visitor Center, 246 Market Street,, Lowell, MA 01852
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
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4. Go kayaking and canoeing at UMass Lowell Kayak Center
Located on the banks of the Merrimack, this centre runs a series of rentals as well as a number of training programmes for those eager to try their hand at kayaking, paddle-boarding, or canoeing. They also operate a number of launch sites in the wider area, from the Nashua River to the west and a spot on the Concord River to the south, which provides plenty of choices for an aquatic adventure. Besides the rentals, the centre runs shuttle services, making it easier for you to get to and from your departure point. They also offer special tours, including sunset and full moon events for a unique experience.
UMass Lowell Kayak Center
Address: 500 Pawtucket Boulevard, Lowell, MA 01854
Website: UMass Lowell Kayak Center
Opening hours:Mon - Fri: 3pm - 8pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 8pm
Price: from 15 USD
5. Watch spectacular performances at Merrimack Repertory Theatre
Entertaining Lowell audiences for more than four decades, Merrimack Repertory Theatre plays host to numerous productions every year, with famous works such as Glengarry Glen Ross by David Mamet and adaptations of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol among those to have delighted audiences. Indeed, the latter proved so popular that it appeared for 11 consecutive seasons. World premieres and off-Broadway transfers have also made their way onto the theatre’s boards in past years, giving you an ample chance to take in a memorable theatre visit.
Merrimack Repertory Theatre
Address: 50 East Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA 0185
Website: Merrimack Repertory Theatre
6. Visit Boott Cotton Mills Museum
A key part of Lowell National Historical Park, Boott Cotton Mills Museum occupies part of a striking red-brick building complex that is as much a source of inspiration for amateur photographers as it is for history buffs seeking to learn more about the city’s role in the US Industrial Revolution. The museum includes preserved mill machinery exhibits and a range of historical artefacts, while some of the neighbouring houses show you how people who worked in the mills once lived, complete with recreations of typical 1850s decor and furnishings. There are also a number of nearby tour options available, including taking to the neighbouring canals by boat to learn more about Lowell’s past.
Boott Cotton Mills Museum
Address: 115 John Street, Lowell, MA 01852
Opening hours: 9:30am - 5pm (daily)
Price: from 3 USD
7. Embark on an adventurous bike ride at Lowell-Dracut-Tyngsboro State Forest
Lowell isn’t just its historic industrial heritage. The wider area - and its various canal-side paths - boast plenty of walking, hiking, and cycling options. One such destination that is sure to appeal to fans of the great outdoors is Lowell-Dracut-Tyngsboro State Forest, which sits to the north of the Merrimack River, on the north-west side of Lowell. Stretching across more than 1000 acres (405 hectares), it houses some 6 miles (10 km) of trails. The area’s various wetlands, which include Lake Althea, also make it a popular boating spot - should you prefer to leave your two-wheeled transport behind.
Lowell-Dracut-Tyngsboro State Forest
Address: Trotting Park Road, Lowell, MA 01854
Opening hours: 7am - 6pm (daily)
8. Admire the exhibits of the New England Quilt Museum
Quilting, an American tradition, and Lowell’s rich textile history combine at New England Quilt Museum. Enchanting visitors with its colourful array of artistic and historic quilts, the museum features permanent and special exhibitions which highlight this cultural art form. It also boasts classrooms and workshops where you can try your hand at quilting. Part of Lowell National Historical Park, the site also houses a library and a museum shop where you can pick up souvenirs or some equipment to make your own quilts at home.
New England Quilt Museum
Address: 18 Shattuck Street, Lowell, MA 01852
Website: New England Quilt Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 9 USD
9. Enjoy some ice hockey action inside Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell
Ice hockey fans will get ample chance to catch some live action during their visit to Lowell. Tsongas Center plays host to the UMASS Lowell River Hawks, an NCAA Division 1 outfit, which competes in the Hockey East Association’s college ice hockey league. It was also once home to the AHL side Lowell Devils before the franchise moved to Albany and, later, Binghamton. Even if you’re not a hockey fan, the site is also a basketball venue as well as a popular music and live entertainment spot - with the likes of the legendary Bob Dylan and child-friendly PAW Patrol among the acts to appear in 2019.
Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell
Address: 300 Arcand Drive, Lowell, MA 01852
Website: Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell
10. Visit Patrick J Mogan Cultural Center
Another attraction you can enjoy within Lowell National Historical Park, Patrick J Mogan Cultural Center is named after one of the key figures in the creation of the park. Today, the facility plays host to a range of community projects and exhibits aimed at highlighting Lowell’s “human story” and boosting the profile of cultural activities within the area. Indeed, the site is a base for everything from the Cambodian dance of the Angkor Dance Troupe to exhibits highlighting the story of the Mills Girls and migrants who once flocked to the textile factories for work.
Patrick J Mogan Cultural Center
Address: 40 French Street, Lowell, MA 01852
Opening hours: 1:30pm - 5pm (daily)
11. Tickle your taste buds at the infamous Cobblestones of Lowell
So far we’ve explored some of the cultural and environmental charms of the area, but there’s also plenty of culinary fun to be had. Located inside one of the area’s historic red-brick buildings - and within walking distance from key attractions - Cobblestones of Lowell is a great option when looking to grab a bite or a drink, or if you simply wish to take a short break from sightseeing. The menu boasts everything from New England seafood dishes to hand-cut steaks and burgers, while its array of locally-sourced craft beers and cocktails will likely delight those seeking a nice drink with friends.
Cobblestones of Lowell
Address: 91 Dutton Street, Lowell, MA 01852
Website: Cobblestones of Lowell
Opening hours: Mon: 12pm - 10pm; Tue - Thu: 12pm - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 12am; Sun: 10:15am - 9pm
12. Offer prayers at Holy Trinity Church
Holy Trinity Church or Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church of Lowell, to give it its full name, holds daily services so you’ll have ample chance to stop by for a little worship or to offer some prayers during your travels. Even if you’re not of a religious disposition, the church is an interesting destination for downtown sightseeing. Dating back to 1906, it was the first church built for a Greek Orthodox congregation in the entire USA and has been on the National Register of Historic Places for more than 40 years. The iconography on the main dome’s interior will also make for a striking target for your camera.
Holy Trinity Church
Address: 62 Lewis Street, Lowell, MA 01854
Website: Holy Trinity Church
13. Unwind at Kerouac Park
Celebrated around the world, 20th-century author and poet Jack Kerouac is indelibly linked to Lowell, after being born in the city and spending his childhood here. His spontaneous writing style and works covering everything from travel to spirituality were hugely influential, inspiring numerous musical greats of the 1960s, from The Doors to Bob Dylan. This rich legacy is celebrated in Lowell at the park which bears his name. Located within National Historical Park, this spot features marbles inscribed with key passages from his various works.
Kerouac Park
Address: 75 Bridge Street, Lowell, MA 01852
Opening hours: 5:30am - 7pm (daily)
14. Visit the famous Whistler House Museum of Art
Another celebrated son of Lowell, James McNeill Whistler - who was born in the city in the 19th century - went on to achieve global fame for his paintings and etchings. As well as being one of the founders of the tonalism art style, he is known for iconic paintings such as Whistler’s Mother or Arrangement in Grey and Black No.1, to give it its official name. Whistler House Museum of Art is based within the home where he was born and displays a permanent collection as well as pieces from its members. Exhibits include a room dedicated to Whistler’s etchings. This museum also hosts a number of special events, as well as youth art programmes and classes.
Whistler House Museum of Art
Address: 243 Worthen St, Lowell, MA 01852
Website: Whistler House Museum of Art
Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 11am - 4pm (closed from Sun - Tue)
Price: from 7 USD
15. Admire the collection at Pollard Memorial Library
The main library for Lowell, Pollard Memorial Library is home to more than 250,000 books. Not only that, but those who pick up a book will be following in some illustrious footsteps. Jack Kerouac used to visit this place as a teenager, and this connection is still celebrated today in a corner of the library which bears his name. Open six days a week, and until late evenings on most weekdays, you’ll also have ample chance to swing by this attractive 19th-century building yourself.
Pollard Memorial Library
Address: 401 Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA 01852
Website: Pollard Memorial Library
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 9am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed Sun)
16. Have a drink at La Pradera Bar & Grill
This nightspot is likely to appeal to revellers seeking a place to enjoy a good drink with friends and some music to dance to into the wee hours. Open Fridays and Saturdays until two in the morning, La Pradera plays host to a range of DJs and karaoke. Should you feel a little peckish, there are a number of shared food and snack options to satisfy that appetite between stints on the dance floor.
La Pradera Bar & Grill
Address: 1717 Middlesex Street 2nd Fl, Lowell, MA 01851
Website: La Pradera Bar & Grill
Opening hours: Fri: 5pm - 2am; Sat: 8pm - 2am (closed from Sun - Thu)
Time to hit these cobblestone streets
From National Streetcar Museum to the pretty, red-brick buildings from the Industrial Revolution, there’s a heap of things to explore and enjoy during a visit to this corner of Massachusetts. Where will you head to first?
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