Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Lawrence, MA

One of the first systematically designed cities in the United States, Lawrence was established in 1845, under the direction of textile industrialist Abbott Lawrence (1792-1855) and the collaborators of the Essex Company.

This initiative involved substantial infrastructure development, which included the construction of two canals flanking the Merrimack River to facilitate a series of mills and the creation of a long island along the northern bank.

For enthusiasts of historic industrial architecture, Lawrence presents an enticing destination. Many of the large factory edifices have been repurposed into lofts, workplaces, restaurants, dance studios, and fitness centers, while others remain operational, such as those utilized by New Balance.

The substantial brick facades of the mills have also been transformed into vibrant canvases for street art, much of which has been commissioned by the Essex Art Center.

1. North Canal Historic District

For those captivated by the extensive mill structures of Lawrence, one of the most rewarding activities is to explore the streets and witness every aspect of this unique urban landscape.

The North Canal Historic District is bordered by the Spicket River to the east and Broadway to the west, encompassing the expansive man-made island situated between the North Canal and the Merrimack River.

Initially, the cityscape may seem austere; however, there are diverse shops, eateries, a brewpub (Spicket River Brewery), and cultural venues located on both sides of the North Canal.

An iconic landmark situated on the southern bank of the Merrimack River is the Ayer Mill Clock (1909), reputed to be the largest mill clock globally. The four faces, positioned 267 feet above the river, are merely six inches smaller than the Elizabeth Tower in London.

The Ayer Mill complex is currently owned by New Balance, which relocated here in 1978 and has an outlet at 5 S Union Street.

2. Lawrence Heritage State Park

To gain context during your exploration of Lawrence, a visit to the Lawrence Heritage State Park is recommended, which comprises three units along the Merrimack River.

Begin your journey at the Visitors Center, which is situated in a boarding house from the 1840s and features two floors of interactive exhibits detailing the industrial history of Lawrence and its neighboring regions.

Exhibits include models of mills and boarding houses, alongside a fully restored turn-of-the-century kitchen, providing a vivid representation of the life experienced by Lawrence’s international migrant workforce.

Particular attention is dedicated to the significant 1912 Lawrence textile strike (the Bread and Roses Strike), which lasted three months in response to dismal working conditions and abrupt wage cuts.

At the island’s western tip, Pemberton Park draws attention to labor conditions, commemorating the 145 workers who lost their lives during the Pemberton Mill Disaster of 1860.

3. Lawrence History Center

For a deeper understanding of the history of Lawrence and the experiences of its residents, the Lawrence History Center is situated in a repurposed Essex Company complex.

This facility comprises an office building, blacksmith shop, carpenter shop, stable, and warehouse, all originating from the early 1880s and included on the National Register of Historic Places.

The center boasts extensive collections, including comprehensive records of the Essex Company’s business and planning activities, hundreds of oral histories, and over 40,000 photographs and glass plate negatives.

This serves as an invaluable resource for researchers; however, the center also welcomes visitors to experience captivating exhibitions derived from its extensive archives.

4. Lawrence Farmers’ Market

Set against a backdrop of striking industrial architecture, a vibrant farmers’ market operates downtown on Saturday mornings from April through October.

The Lawrence Farmers’ Market provides an excellent opportunity to support local businesses, with over 70 vendors participating each week.

Products include local produce, eggs, sustainably raised meats, honey, coffee, cut flowers, teas, wines, jams, sauces, preserves, and a variety of handmade skincare items, candles, and more. From May through October, an additional market is held on Tuesday evenings in South Park.

5. Essex Art Center (EAC)

Located in one of the prominent mill buildings along the North Canal is an art center that serves Essex County. The Essex Art Center hosts well-curated solo and themed exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing a diverse range of artistic disciplines.

Typically, these exhibitions run for approximately two months, ensuring that there is often something new to explore during your visit.

The center also contributes to many of the murals that now adorn Lawrence’s mills and organizes the annual Fiesta en la Calle block party in July.

Additionally, the EAC is an active participant in the Lawrence Arts Collective, fostering arts and culture throughout the city via installations, performances, and gallery showcases by resident artists.

6. Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens

In stark contrast to the industrial landscape of Lawrence, there lies an exquisite estate nearby in North Andover.

This property dates back to 1729 and served as the summer residence for Helen Stevens Coolidge and her diplomat spouse, John Gardner Coolidge, who was a descendant of Thomas Jefferson, from 1914 onwards.

The house was constructed by merging two late Federal farmhouses into one structure in the 1910s, designed by Colonial Revival architect Joseph Everett Chandler.

During the summer months, visitors can tour the elegantly appointed interiors of the house, gaining insights into the lifestyle of affluent city dwellers in the early 20th century. The gardens have been recently enhanced and offer a joyous experience, hosting various events including a tulip bloom festival each spring.

7. Den Rock Park

Adjacent to the Stevens-Coolidge House, Den Rock Park spans 120 acres along the Shawsheen River. Initially intended as a cemetery site, it was repurposed into a public park in 1896.

Enhancements made during the Great Depression by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) included trail development, as well as the construction of two amphitheaters and stairways carved into Den Rock, the substantial granite outcrop for which the park is named.

The cliff within the park is popular among rock climbers, while its trails meander through wetland areas and alongside a serene stretch of the Shawsheen River.

8. Fisichelli’s Pastry Shop

This family-operated Italian bakery has maintained its establishment at the same location since 1915. Notably, Fisichelli’s Pastry Shop continues to utilize the very same oven employed by founder Orazio Fisichelli more than a century ago.

During the Great Depression, the Fisichelli family opened their bakery to serve as a community hub. Italian immigrants would come together to share recipes, leading to the creation of some of Fisichelli’s renowned specialties, such as its handmade Italian cookies.

Visitors can expect to find a delightful array of soft biscottis, cannolis, vanilla and chocolate pasticiotti, cakes for all occasions, and more.

9. Spicket River Greenway

The Spicket River winds through the northern regions of Lawrence, merging with the Merrimack River at the eastern end of the North Canal.

Historically, a continuous sequence of public parks has lined the riverbanks, but in 2013, these green spaces were interconnected by the 3.5-mile Spicket River Greenway.

This paved, multi-use trail traverses attractive residential neighborhoods, flanked by historic mill districts that are currently experiencing revitalization.

Visiting during the summer months, the lush banks of the Spicket River offer ample tree cover, accompanied by numerous convenient stops at nearby bakeries, cafes, or restaurants.

10. Methuen Rail Trail

Located at Manchester Street Park, near the western trailhead for the Spicket River Greenway, another trail provides access along what was once the Manchester and Lawrence rail line (established in 1849).

The converted rail corridor extends through the northern section of Lawrence and into neighboring Methuen, covering nearly 2.5 miles. Historic railway infrastructure, including bridges, cuts, and a former station, can be observed at the intersection with Union Street.

This route seamlessly combines peaceful natural areas along the Spicket River, such as the marshy Nevins Bird Sanctuary, with impressive industrial structures.

11. Duck Bridge (Union Street Bridge)

Representing a significant aspect of Lawrence’s historic industrial landscape, this 1888 bridge crossing the Merrimack River stands as the state’s oldest double-intersection Warren through truss bridge, maintained by the Massachusetts Department of Public Works.

The Duck Bridge is also recognized as one of the oldest all-riveted bridges within the state, constructed by the renowned Boston Bridge Works, retaining many of its original components, including pedestrian railings.

A noteworthy reason to traverse the bridge on foot is the opportunity to appreciate the view, with the river bordered by monumental historic textile mills, creating an impressive man-made gorge.

12. Canal Street Antique Store

Adjacent to the North Canal, two attractive historic mill buildings have been transformed into a multi-dealer antique mall.

These buildings offer over 40,000 square feet of retail space, filled with a diverse array of furniture, collectibles, primitives, art, vinyl records, salvaged architectural pieces, apparel, vintage home appliances, and an abundance of unique decorative items from various periods.

The Canal Street Antique Store features over 130 dealers and a design center that highlights local artisans on the fourth floor.

13. High Service Water Tower and Reservoir

A prominent landmark visible from considerable distances around Lawrence is this 157-foot water tower, constructed in the Italianate style during the mid-1870s.

The High Service Water Tower crowns Tower Hill and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

This structure features an octagonal design, accompanied by a circular stairwell. The base of the tower can be accessed through a small park adjacent to Bellevue Cemetery.

This burial ground, dating back to 1847, is the final resting place for several former U.S. Congressmen, victims of the Pemberton Mill Disaster (1860), and notably, the Hollywood actress Thelma Todd (1906-1935), who died under suspicious circumstances.

14. Great Stone Dam

For those interested in the engineering feats that facilitated Lawrence’s industrial development, the Great Stone Dam represents the location where the Merrimack River was diverted to supply water to the North and South Canals.

This remarkable construction project, undertaken from 1845 to 1848, was built over Bodwell’s Falls. Now on the National Register of Historic Places, the dam measures 900 feet in length and 35 feet in height, rendering it the largest dam globally at the time of its completion.

The dam is constructed primarily of granite, with innovative hydraulic injections of concrete contributing to its exceptional durability over the span of more than 170 years.

A vantage point for admiring the dam can be found from the Broadway bridge, with particularly stunning views at sunset.

15. Riverfront State Park

Positioned a short distance upstream from the Great Stone Dam, the Riverfront State Park comprises the third unit of the Lawrence Heritage State Park.

In this area, both banks of the Merrimack River are adorned with dense woodlands and tranquil residential neighborhoods, making it an ideal destination for those seeking serenity and natural beauty.

A shaded riverside trail offers breathtaking views, complemented by additional pathways through the forest for a rejuvenating walk.

Amenities available include a boat launch, accessible playground, basketball and street hockey rinks, and facilities suitable for picnicking.