Lowell National Historical Park

Things To Do Near Lowell National Historical Park

Start your visit to Lowell National Historical Park with a boat, trolly, or walking tour. Then, rotate on to another one as each tour focuses on Lowell's different aspects of life. You can also join staff for a free Wellness on the Walkways event. Stick around until evening to join rangers on a short boat ride on the Potomac River. 

Hiking Trails

• Stony Brook Conservation Trail

  The Stony Brook Conservation Trail starts near the intersection of Plain Road and the Pan Am Railroad. This trail runs around the outside of the Story Brook Conservation property through wooded areas. It is a great place to see migratory birds during the spring and fall. Bring your leashed dog along on this hike. 

  Location

  Stony Brook Conservation Land, 66 Depot St, Westford, Massachusetts 01886

  Length

  3.2 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

• Abbot School Trail

  Park in the south parking lot at Abbot School and hike across the parking lot to start this trail. Walk behind the playground and along the trail that parallels Depot Street. Hike down the wooden steps and follow the cart road to get to the old stone wall. Hike across the stream and climb the slight hill until you reach Cummings Road. 

  Location

  Abbot School, 25 Depot Street, Westford, Massachusetts 01886

  Length

  3.1 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

• Grassy Pond Life Course and Trail

  This one-mile trail starts off Plain Road between Depot Street and Stony Brook Road. It runs around the vernal pool clockwise. This area is an excellent option for seeing wood frogs. At about the halfway point, there is a looped 0.5-mile extension often used for jogging. The trail has fitness stations along its entire length. 

  Location

  Grassy Pond Conservation Area, Plain Road, Acton, Massachusetts 01720

  Length

  1 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

Sightseeing

• The Brush Art Gallery and Studios

  See rotating art exhibits at The Brush Art Gallery and Studios. This gallery offers many workshops and is right next to the park. 

  Location

  256 Market Street, Lowell, Massachusetts 01852

• Merrimack Repertory Theatre

  Actors at the Merrimack Repertory Theatre present seven shows annually from September to May. Most of their shows have a contemporary theme. They also offer training classes for young actors. 

  Location

  50 East Merrimack Street, Lowell, Massachusetts 01852

• St. Anne’s Church

  Stop and see the unique architecture of St. Anne’s Church. It was built from rubble that was dug out of the Merrimack Canal that runs next to the church. This church has many stained-glass windows, including some made by the Tiffany Company. Be sure to see the 5-ton peal of bells. 

  Location

  8 Kirk Street, Lowell, Massachusetts 01852

Museums

• Middlesex Canal Museum and Visitors Center

  Learn the history of the 27-mile-long Middlesex Canal by stopping at the Middlesex Canal Museum. The canal, which was considered a remarkable engineering feat, connected the Merrimack River with the port of Boston. Learn about various places to visit along the canal. 

  Location

  71 Faulkner Street, North Billerica, Massachusetts 01862

• The National Streetcar Museum at Lowell

  Learn the role that streetcars played in American history. Then, take a ride on the Historic Car 966 around the city. It makes several stops at other venues. This streetcar was initially used in New Orleans. 

  Location

  25 Stark Street, Lowell, Massachusetts 01852

• New England Quilt Museum

  See quilts made by some of the world’s best quilt artists at the New England Quilt Museum. While many of the quilts have a historical significance, contemporary quilts are in the collection as well. They also serve as an excellent resource for new quilters. 

  Location

  18 Shattuck Street, Lowell, Massachusetts 01852

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Everything Greek

  If you have Greek ancestry or just love Greek culture, check out Everything Greek. You will find great items inspired by Greece for special occasions like birthdays and christenings at this store. It is also a great place to pick up home décor. 

  Location

  477 Market Street, Lowell, Massachusetts 01854

• St. Joseph the Worker Shrine Gift Shop

  Located at Lowell National Historical Park, this gift shop features religious books and giftware. This store inside the St. Joseph the Worker Shrine also carries unique gifts for many special occasions. Check out their selection of gold and silver jewelry. 

  Location

  37 Lee Street, Lowell, Massachusetts 01854

• El Pasto Mexican Bar & Grill

  El Pasto Mexican Bar & Grill is a terrific place to get Mexican and Latin American foods made from traditional recipes. You will love the hand-carved Mexican furniture used in many locations at this restaurant. A live mariachi band plays regularly. 

  Location

  124 Merrimack Street, Lowell, Massachusetts 01852

• 1981 Ramen Bar

  Get creative twists on Ramen noodles at 1981 Ramen Bar. Try their sharing platters or their steamed bao buns. Many of their menu items are very spicy - perfect if you like your food with a kick! 

  Location

  129 Merrimack Street, Lowell Massachusetts 01852

How To Get To Lowell National Historical Park

Lowell National Historical Park is about 30 miles northwest of Boston, and it is easily accessible by getting on Interstate 93 North. Exit on 37 B and get on Interstate 95 South. Take Exit 50 A-50B for United States Highway 3. Get on that highway going north. This road does some twists and turns, and you should be sure to follow them until you reach Interstate 495 North. Follow it to Massachusetts 3A North. Get on Thorndike Street by turning left. Continue going straight on Dulton Street. Turn right on Merrimack Street and left on Kirk Street to reach the park. 

Address

Lowell National Historical Park, 67 Kirk St, Lowell, Massachusetts 01852

Fee: Entry fee $0

Learn how the Industrial Revolution created jobs in America by visiting the Lowell National Historical Park. New industry allowed many to immigrate to the United States for work while Americans and earlier immigrants were promoted into higher-paying positions. Then, explore the surrounding area, which is full of plenty of opportunities for shopping and dining fun. There are many terrific museums to visit, so you can get a better understanding of life in Lowell at the start of the Industrial Revolution. The best way to explore this area is in an RV. Rent one on RVshare.com if you do not have your own.