Lowell, Massachusetts
Enjoy an easy drive to Lowell in your RV rental from RVShare! Known as the cradle of the American Industrial Revolution, the city of Lowell is the fourth largest city in Massachusetts and the home of many historic places. The city was incorporated in 1826 and by the 1850s, the city was the largest industrial complex in the country due to the thriving textile industry. By the 1930s, the city fell into hard times although it had an economic boost before World War II, which was short-lived. In the 1970s, the city became the home of thousands of Cambodians, which helped the city to rebound, thus paving the way to shift its focus on its cultural diversity and history. Today, Lowell is becoming a trendy, affordable community with thousands of residents commuting daily to Boston for work.
Lowell is an interesting to visit especially if you are a history buff. We have come up with our own personal list of favorite places, which we think will appeal to you.
Popular Tourist Attractions
Boott Cotton Mills Museum
The Boott Cotton Mills was part of the industrial revolution of the city and was in operation until 1955. It has since been restored and re-opened and pays tribute to the mill and the mill tradition of the city. It features authentic mill equipment and the “Weave Room” where visitors gets to observe how a working mill actually looks like and allows visitors to feel the roar of a working mill. A tour guide is on hand to explain the history of the mill while walking through its exhibits. You can also watch a video about the mill. The Museum gift shop, which is next to the Weave Room, is where you can shop for gift items and souvenirs. You can also visit the boardinghouse, a short walk from the mill, where women who worked in the mill were housed.
American Textile History Museum
The city of Lowell was the core of the textile industry during the 1850s until the early 1900’s. The textile industry is integral to the history of the city and its people. The American Textile History Museum will take you back to that time when it all began. The museum provides visitors a glimpse of the history of the textile industry through exhibitions, collections, education programs, on-line catalogue and research library. Its collection of tools, machinery and equipment will fascinate you, some of which dates back to the early 1800s. It also houses one of the largest textile samples collections. Aside from its permanent exhibits, it also features upcoming exhibits related to the textile industry. The museum is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
Western Art Studios
Just a short distance from the heart of the city, the Western Art Studios consists of two buildings, six floors and 245 studios where you will find artists working in all style, discipline and media. It was established in 2005 and has drawn in thousands of tourists annually. It features about 300 artists of all art genres. The studios are open every first Saturday of the month, which is when you get to see the artist work in their studios and interact with them. It also houses a massive variety of art on display and for sale, which is open daily. If you love art, you must visit the Western Art Studios.
Campgrounds and State/National Parks
Boston Minuteman Campground
Approximately 16 miles from Lowell, the Boston Minuteman Campground is a large wooded campground located in the town of Littleton. It is a great place to stay if you want to check out the historical sites of Lowell and the surrounding areas. It is one of the nicest RV Parks in the area with a very helpful staff. The RV Park has a total of 99 spaces, 89 of which are full hookup site with room for slideouts. Amenities and services include a swimming pool, laundry facilities, restrooms and showers, camp store, playground, picnic area, movie and book library, game room, recreational hall, and wi-fi internet access. The campground season is from May 1 to October 19.
Field & Stream RV Park
Although located in the state of New Hampshire, the Field & Stream RV Park is just 26 miles from the city of Lowell. It is a fantastic option if you want to check out the Lowell, the town of Brookline and the surrounding areas in between these two places. It has a total of shaded 54 spaces, 21 of which are full hookup sites with patios and room for slideouts. Amenities and services include wi-fi internet access, cable TV, playground, a pond, laundry facilities, restrooms and showers. The Field & Stream RV Park has planned activities for RVers all year round.
Berry's Grove Campground
Just a few minutes from Lowell, the Berry’s Grove Campground is your best option if you want to explore the city of Lowell. It exudes a very friendly and quiet atmosphere, which is excellent for RVers who wants to have a relaxing and delightful time in a campground. The campground is along the shores of Lake Mascuppic, which means you can enjoy numerous water activities. The campground has 24 gravel shaded full hookup sites with room for slideouts. Although the campground does not have that much in terms recreational facilities and amenities, being beside a lake spells lots of fun! Berry’s Grove Campground is open all year round.
Events
Festivals
Lowell Folk Festival
The second largest free folk festival in the country, the Lowell Folk Festival is held from Friday through Sunday on the last full weekend of July. The event has drawn in thousands of people from all over the country and is one event you should not miss if you do visit the city. It features five stages where numerous artists perform traditional music and dances. The event also showcases authentic crafts demonstrations, delicious ethnic foods, art and children’s activities. The event is open to the public.
Lowell Southeast Asian Water Festival
The Lowell Southeast Asian Water Festival began in 1997 to celebrate the heritage and culture of the Cambodian community in the city. In 2002, it became a celebration encompassing all Southeast Asian communities in Lowell. The event is held every third Saturday of August. The one-day event starts with blessings from Buddhist monks and a parade along the Merrimack River. The highlight of the festival is the boat races, which starts at 9 am and ends around 5 pm. It also features numerous food and craft booths. The festival is open to the public.
The city of Lowell is like a time machine. It will transport you back in time when the city was once the cradle of the American Industrial Revolution with it numerous historical sites that are well preserved. Why not check out these sites and be fascinated with the city’s rich culture and history. Take a trip to Lowell soon and discover more.
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