Lowell MassachusettsATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Lowell, Massachusetts.
1. Boott Cotton Mills Museum
INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION HISTORY
Boott Cotton Mills Museum is a former textile mill that stands as a powerful reminder of the changes the Industrial Revolution brought to Lowell and America. Visitors can experience the working looms and understand the lives of the mill workers who powered America's industrial growth. The museum offers a comprehensive look at textile manufacturing with interactive exhibits that bring history to life.
2. Lowell National Historical Park
AMERICA'S INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE
Lowell National Historical Park commemorates the city's integral role in America's Industrial Revolution across its 55-hectare urban landscape. The park features guided tours, historic mill buildings, and an intricate 8-kilometer canal system that once powered the mills. Visitors can also take a unique boat tour for a different perspective on the city's industrial heritage.
3. New England Quilt Museum
TEXTILE ART SHOWCASE
The New England Quilt Museum serves as a premier showcase for both antique and contemporary quilts in the heart of Lowell. The museum hosts four to five exhibitions annually, complemented by classes, family activities, and historical lectures about this distinctive American art form. Visitors can admire the intricate craftsmanship and learn about the cultural significance of quilting traditions.
4. Boarding House Park
OUTDOOR CONCERT VENUE
Boarding House Park offers a picturesque outdoor setting for concerts and cultural events in downtown Lowell. The park's natural amphitheater creates an intimate atmosphere for enjoying performances on warm summer evenings. Convenient parking is available at the garage located directly across from the venue.
5. Lowell Cemetery
VICTORIAN GARDEN SANCTUARY
Lowell Cemetery is a historic Victorian garden cemetery founded in 1841 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The cemetery's landscaped grounds feature ornate monuments and serene pathways that offer both historical significance and peaceful contemplation. Visitors can explore this final resting place of many of Lowell's industrial pioneers and notable citizens.
6. Whistler House Museum of Art
ARTIST'S HISTORIC BIRTHPLACE
The Whistler House Museum of Art is the historic birthplace of famous American artist James McNeill Whistler, established in 1878 as the Lowell Art Association. The museum houses an impressive collection of art that celebrates both Whistler's legacy and the broader American artistic tradition. Visitors can tour the preserved historic home and view rotating exhibitions that showcase diverse artistic expressions.
7. Lowell Memorial Auditorium
HISTORIC ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
Lowell Memorial Auditorium serves as a premier entertainment venue hosting concerts, theatrical productions, and community events in the heart of the city. The historic building features impressive architecture and excellent acoustics that have attracted performers and audiences for generations. The auditorium stands as both a cultural landmark and a living tribute to Lowell's commitment to the arts.
8. Tsongas Arena
SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT CENTER
Tsongas Arena is a multipurpose facility that serves as the home venue for the UMass Lowell River Hawks hockey team and hosts numerous concerts and events throughout the year. The modern arena offers excellent sightlines and amenities for spectators attending sporting competitions and entertainment performances. Named after the late U.S. Senator Paul Tsongas, the venue stands as an important gathering place for the Lowell community.
9. Kerouac Park
BEAT GENERATION TRIBUTE
Kerouac Park honors Lowell's famous literary son, Jack Kerouac, the iconic Beat Generation author known for works like 'On the Road.' The urban park features commemorative sculptures and inscriptions of Kerouac's writings that celebrate his contribution to American literature. Visitors can reflect on the author's legacy while enjoying this thoughtfully designed public space in downtown Lowell.
10. Worthen House Cafe
HISTORIC PUB EXPERIENCE
The Worthen House Cafe stands as one of Lowell's most historic dining establishments, dating back to the 19th century with a rich history and atmospheric charm. The pub features original details including vintage light fixtures and a storied past that reportedly includes visits from famous patrons like Edgar Allan Poe and Jack Kerouac. Visitors can enjoy classic pub fare and a selection of craft beers while soaking in the authentic historical ambiance.
11. Mill No. 5
ECLECTIC SHOPPING DESTINATION
Mill No. 5 offers a unique shopping experience housed within a renovated textile mill building on the fourth floor of a historic manufacturing complex. The indoor streetscape features independent shops, a theater, farmer's market, and various artisanal retailers in a creatively designed space. Visitors can browse local crafts, vintage items, and enjoy coffee while experiencing this imaginative repurposing of Lowell's industrial heritage.
12. Lowell's Boat Shop
AMERICA'S OLDEST BOAT WORKSHOP
Lowell's Boat Shop is America's oldest continuously operating boat building facility, established in 1793 and located a short drive from Lowell in nearby Amesbury. The National Historic Landmark continues to build traditional wooden dories and skiffs using time-honored methods handed down through generations. Visitors can tour the working museum to witness boat building demonstrations and learn about maritime craftsmanship that shaped New England's fishing industry.
13. Minute Man National Historical Park
REVOLUTIONARY WAR LANDMARK
Minute Man National Historical Park preserves the site where the opening battle of the American Revolutionary War took place on April 19, 1775, just a short drive from Lowell. Visitors can walk the historic Battle Road Trail, see restored colonial structures, and visit the North Bridge where the 'shot heard round the world' was fired. The park's visitor centers offer informative exhibits and films that bring the dramatic events of the American Revolution to life.
14. Pheasant Lane Mall
TAX-FREE SHOPPING DESTINATION
Pheasant Lane Mall offers a premier shopping experience just across the state line from Lowell in tax-free New Hampshire. The large retail center features over 135 stores including major department stores, specialty retailers, and a diverse food court. Shoppers can enjoy significant savings on purchases due to New Hampshire's lack of sales tax, making it a popular destination for Massachusetts residents.
15. Middlesex Community College Performing Arts Center
CULTURAL ARTS VENUE
The Middlesex Community College Performing Arts Center hosts a variety of theatrical productions, concerts, and cultural events in downtown Lowell. The venue combines modern amenities with the historic character of its building, creating an intimate setting for enjoying the performing arts. Both student productions and professional performances grace the stage throughout the year, offering accessible arts experiences for the community.