Lowell National Historical Park


Lowell’s water-powered textile mills catapulted the nation – including immigrant families and early female factory workers – into an uncertain new industrial era. Nearly 200 years later, the changes that began here still reverberate in our shifting global economy. Explore Lowell, a living testament to the dynamic human story of the industrial revolution.

From Interstate Route 495 take Exit 89C on to the Lowell Connector. From Route 3 take Exit 80A if traveling southbound, Exit 80B if traveling northbound. • Take the Lowell Connector to Exit 5B (Thorndike Street) • Continue right on to Thorndike Street, which becomes Dutton Street • At the third traffic light continue straight under the overpass • At the next light turn right. Free parking is available at the City garage. Follow signs and walk through the mill courtyard to reach the Visitor Center

  • Arts and Culture
  • Craft Demonstrations
  • Cultural Demonstrations
  • Live Music
  • Boating
  • Boat Tour
  • Guided Tours
  • Self-Guided Tours - Walking
  • Boat Tour
  • Hands-On
  • Arts and Crafts
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Park Film
  • Museum Exhibits
  • Shopping
  • Bookstore and Park Store
  • Gift Shop and Souvenirs

  • Dams
  • Engineering
  • Industry
  • Factories
  • Mills
  • Immigration
  • Laborer and Worker
  • Migrant Workers
  • Labor Movement
  • Science, Technology and Innovation
  • Canals
  • Floods
  • Urban America
  • Women's History

Boott Cotton Mills

5 story brick factories with a clocktower surrounding a central courtyard

The Boott Cotton Mills is one of the best, most-intact complexes of cotton mills from Lowell's heyday in the 19th century.

Tsongas Center Programs

Two students weaving on the looms at the education center.

The Tsongas Industrial History Center, a partnership of Lowell National Historical Park and UMass Lowell's Graduate School of Education, offers hands-on interactive education workshops for more than 50,000 students each year.

Lowell NHP Trolley

Streetcar guided through Lowell by motormen with lots of passengers

Lowell National Historical Park operates reproduction vintage streetcars throughout the park and downtown Lowell. Climb onboard for a ride or a ranger-guided tour.

Boott Mills Weave Room

Two young visitors look over the rail at a room full of working looms

The working weave room at the Boott Cotton Mills Museum surrounds you with the sights and sounds of a turn-of-the-century working cotton textile factory.

Lowell Folk Festival

Street scene with lots of tents and crowds listening to Folk Festival music at Boardinghouse Park.

The Lowell Folk Festival, Lowell's signature annual event, brings traditional folk performers to 5 stages throughout the city and a huge variety of traditional ethnic foods from all around the world.