Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Lowell, MA

The city of Lowell, situated in Massachusetts, exemplifies the picturesque charm of New England. Over the years, Lowell has developed a reputation as a notable holiday destination, owing to its diverse range of engaging museums, tranquil parks, and vibrant attractions, including sports arenas and concert venues.

For literature enthusiasts, Lowell is recognized as the birthplace of acclaimed author Jack Kerouac, commemorated in Kerouac Park. The city is equally renowned for its industrial heritage, particularly its textile manufacturing legacy, making it a treasure trove of historical and cultural artifacts, such as original cotton mills, museums, and structures from the era when Lowell was pivotal to the industrial revolution across the United States.

Let us examine the top attractions in Lowell:

1. Boott Cotton Mills Museum

The Boott Cotton Mills functioned for one hundred and twenty years before its closure in 1955. Subsequently, it was meticulously restored and is currently managed by the Lowell National Historical Park. This museum aims to highlight the mill’s history and educate the public about this significant aspect of Lowell’s heritage. Visitors will find period mill equipment displayed, much of which is still operable, providing insight into the machinery’s functionality from previous decades. Additionally, the museum is nestled within a larger park area, with opportunities to tour surrounding buildings, including the original boarding house for female mill workers, antique storehouses, and a path adjacent to the scenic Merrimack River.

2. Lowell National Historical Park

Frequently regarded as a key site in the origins of the Industrial Revolution in the United States, the Lowell National Historical Park offers comprehensive insights into this remarkable historical era. The park hosts a variety of museums, exhibitions, and events throughout the year. Visitors can also explore the canal system and other architectural features that contributed to Lowell’s industrial prominence. The park provides a scenic environment for walking, educational lectures, and live events, including musical evenings, which are excellent avenues to deepen one’s understanding of Lowell’s historical and cultural significance.

3. Mogan Cultural Center

Located within the Lowell National Historical Park, the Patrick J. Mogan Cultural Center collaborates with the University of Massachusetts Lowell. It hosts a variety of exhibitions displayed throughout Lowell that illuminate the region’s history and culture. Operated by local volunteers and historians, visitors are welcomed to view current exhibits and gain more knowledge about the area’s historical context.

4. National Streetcar Museum

The National Streetcar Museum offers insights into the evolution of public transportation in Lowell through its collection of historical transportation vehicles. The crown jewel of the museum is a functioning streetcar named Desire, which operates in downtown Lowell from May to October, allowing visitors a ride on a piece of history. The streetcar was restored in 1984, and the museum provides information on its historical and political relevance, along with additional exhibits featuring vintage carriages.

5. The Lowell Devils

For those interested in American sports, Lowell’s local ice hockey team, the Lowell Devils, provides an exciting experience. Their home arena, the Tsongas Arena, draws large crowds for games. Visitors can consult local schedules to catch the next game, ensuring high-energy, fast-paced matches featuring talented players.

6. New England Quilt Museum

The New England Quilt Museum is dedicated to the preservation of quilts and the traditional craft of quilt making. Visitors can explore galleries featuring antique quilts, seminars, and presentations that delve into the art of quilting. The museum offers a wide array of quilt-related exhibits and also features a Quilt Library with literature on quilting. Moreover, interactive experiences are provided through quilt-making software available on-site.

7. Lowell-Dracut-Tyngsboro State Forest

Spanning over 1,000 acres across Lowell, Dracut, and the neighboring Tyngsboro, the Lowell-Dracut-Tyngsboro State Forest offers six miles of trails renowned for outdoor activities. For those seeking alternatives to hiking, the forest accommodates biking and horseback riding. In the winter, skiing and snowmobiling become popular among visitors, and wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy observing a range of species. The forest’s ancient trees, some dating back over a century, harbor a variety of rare bird species, making it an excellent destination for birdwatching.

8. UMass Lowell Kayak Center

The UMass Lowell Kayak Center offers summer kayaking opportunities that cater to both UMass students and the general public. Regardless of skill level, the center provides courses suited to various abilities and fitness levels, including classes for children and adults. Visitors can also rent kayaks independently. The center operates from May to August, and kayaks are available for purchase at the end of the season for those interested in acquiring a piece of kayaking history.

9. Kerouac Park

Depending on one’s knowledge of literary history, it may be noted that Lowell serves as the backdrop for five of Jack Kerouac’s novels. A resident of the city, the prolific author became synonymous with the Beat Generation; thus, a park was dedicated to his memory in downtown Lowell. Literary enthusiasts can discover numerous tributes to Kerouac throughout the park, which feature excerpts of his writings. The park provides a tranquil environment with ample green spaces, ideal for leisurely picnics or for cultivating one’s creative pursuits. Many locals regard this park as one of the most inspiring locations within the city.

10. Whistler House Museum of Art

The Whistler House Museum of Art stands out as the birthplace of renowned artist James McNeill Whistler and was established in 1908. This site also serves as the headquarters for the Lowell Art Association, showcasing both historical and local art. Here, visitors can admire numerous works by Whistler alongside pieces from other significant American artists, including William Morris Hunt and Frank Weston Benson.

11. Tsongas Arena

When seeking entertainment in Lowell, the Tsongas Arena is a prime venue, featuring performances from numerous acclaimed American artists over the years. Attendees can expect a diverse range of events, from classical music concerts to rock, hip hop, and jazz performances. In addition to musical events, the arena also hosts sports competitions, conventions, and exhibitions. Local listings can provide information on scheduled activities during your visit.

12. Boarding House Park

If your visit to Lowell coincides with the summer months, Boarding House Park is the place to be, featuring a variety of events including the Lowell Summer Music Series and the Lowell Folk Festival. The park is recognized for its lush landscaping and gentle slopes, ideal for enjoying concerts; attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or beach chairs for added comfort.

13. LeLacheur Park

Overlooking the Merrimack River, Edward A. LeLacheur Park houses Lowell’s baseball stadium and serves as a venue for catching local games. It is home to the Lowell Spinners, a minor league team affiliated with the prestigious Boston Red Sox, as well as the UMass Lowell River Hawks.

14. Rogers Fort Hill Park

Covering over 30 acres, Rogers Fort Hill Park features beautiful fountains, verdant pathways, and enchanting flower gardens. Out of the total area, an impressive 23 acres consist of woodlands and heritage trees, some of which are decades old. Species such as Japanese and Sugar Maples and Elms are prevalent here, making it an excellent spot for those interested in local Massachusetts flora and fauna. The park’s vicinity is also characterized by historical structures and Victorian architecture.

15. Merrimack River

The Merrimack River is often cited as a primary factor in the industrial growth of Lowell. Visitors can appreciate this magnificent waterway by walking along its banks, where they can view a turbine from the early twentieth century that powered the renowned Suffolk Mill. Guided tours, organized by rangers, provide further insights into the river’s historical significance. Notably, the Lower Locks feature original lock components, including a dam and sluiceway, showcasing how the river has been utilized over time. The recently constructed Riverwalk along the Merrimack River facilitates access to various local attractions, including Boott Mills and Tsongas Arena.