We had no idea what to expect when we pulled into the parking lot of Lowell National Historical Park. I discovered it during a quick Google search of national parks in Massachusetts whole vacationing in New England with the family. We enjoyed learning about America’s first industrial city, and the interactive exhibits were something the kids enjoyed exploring.

Here’s what you can expect on your visit of Lowell National Historical Park in Massachusetts.

The Visitor Center at Lowell National Historical Park

As with any national park, the visitor center is the best place to start so you can get a lay of the land and decide what you want to visit in the park. It’s even an opportunity to pick up a Junior Ranger packet for the kids.

The visitor center at Lowell National Historical Park walks you through the history of the area and the innovations that sped up fabric production. There are displays on looms, waterways and machines. You can learn about the immigrants and what life was like – including working conditions – in what has become known as America’s first industrial city.

If you’ve got time, take a moment to watch the film, “Lowell: The Continuing Revolution.” It’ll let you rest for a moment, and allow the kids to pass off something for their Junior Ranger badge.

While you’re at the visitors center, don’t forget to hit up the gift shop for the souvenirs – for our family, it’s a patch and the collectible tokens.

Take the Trolley

The best way to get from the visitor center to the next stop on your visit is the trolley. It’s just north of the visitor center, right next to the Railroad Exhibit. Take a moment to explore the large steam engine, and when it’s your turn to take the trolley, climb aboard and enjoy the vintage ride through the city streets of Lowell.

The trolley stops at the Boott Cotton Mills Museum. Note where you exited the trolley, because that’s where you’ll want to catch it again to get back to the visitor center and your parking spot.

Boott Cotton Mills Museum

The Boott Cotton Mills Museum is the large building just across the canal from the trolley stop. You’ll find a bridge to take you over the canal, then follow the signs to the entrance. Inside, you’ll find another gift shop and the museum entrance.

There is a cost to enter the museum: $6 for adults, $3 for ages 6-16, $3 for students, $4 for seniors (62+) and kids under six are free.

However, there are two ways to save some money on the entrance fees for the museum:

• National Parks Annual Pass: the passholder and three additional guests get a 50% discount on admission
• Every Kid in a Park Pass: the 4th grader and three additional guests get FREE admission (thank goodness for fourth graders)

Ask at the front desk that time the looms in the first room will start operating, then make sure you’re there to see them in action. The self-guided tour begins in a large 1920s era weave room. The machines – as shown in the video below – can be quite loud, so grab a pair of earplugs before you enter.

After you make your way through the large room, head to the building’s upper floors to learn more about the history of Lowell and the process of fabric-making.

Despite all the exhibits in the museum, the one our kids could’ve spent hours at was the manual loom. The great part about it: They learned to work together, each person responsible for their own part. In the end, they made at least a few inches of cloth and added a loom to their Christmas wish list. Haha!

Take a Guided Tour

Lowell National Historical Park offers a variety of tours, depending on the time of year. They include boat tours of the canals that were built to provide waterpower to the machines, or walking tours that focus on different aspects of the city.

Boat Tour of the Canals

Water power is what turned the gears that made the looms move, and a network of canals brought the water to where it was needed. There are admission fees for the boat tours, but the Every Kid in a Park Pass or the National Park Annual Pass do not offer any discounts.

Cost are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (62+), $8 for students and youths (age 6-16), and free for children 5 and under.

The boats are open-top, so be prepared with your own gear – sunscreen, poncho, hat, jacket, etc. The tour is about 90 minutes.

Walking and Trolley Tours

There are a few walking tours available, each of which start at the visitor center. Check the schedule before you arrive, as some of the tours are only offered during the summer months.

• Mill and Trolley Tour
• Engineering Innovation Tour
• Transforming Landscapes Tour

Visit the official website for a complete explanation of each of the tours offered. Don’t forget to stop at the visitor center on your way out so your young ones can be sworn in as Junior Rangers.

The Details

Lowell National Historical Park

• 246 Market Street, Lowell, MA 01852

Cost: Park admission is free, which includes the guided walking tours. There is a cost for:

• Boott Cotton Mills Museum: $6 for adults, $3 for ages 6-16, $3 for students, $4 for seniors (62+). Kids under six are free. There are some discounts available.
• Boat Tours: $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (62+), $8 for students and youths (age 6-16). The tour is free for children 5 and under. There are no discounts available for boat tours.

Hours: The visitor center is open year-round from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Years Day. Visit their website for specific hours for the museum, guided tours and boat tours.

Website: https://www.nps.gov/lowe/index.htm

Phone: (978) 970-5000

Interested in exploring other national parks? Read my latest travel tips about national parks all over the country.