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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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