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National Historical Park
Lowell National Historical Park preserves and interprets the history of the American Industrial Revolution in Lowell. The park includes historic cotton textile mills, 5.6 miles of canals, operating gatehouses, and worker housing. Guided tours are available seven days a week.
Begin your visit at Market Mills Visitor Center. Market Mills is the former Bigelow Carpet Company complex, located on the site of one of the city's original textile mills. At the National Park Visitor Center you can plan your exploration of the major park sites and the city's rich industrial past, as well as make reservations for tours, explore exhibits and view the award-winning slide show, "Lowell: The Industrial Revelation."
Museums
The world's largest textile museum presents a unique experience for the family to enjoy. The magic of spinning and weaving comes to life in nearly 100 exhibits ranging from the interior of an 18th century Pennsylvania weaver's log cabin to a working 1870s woolen mill. Explore the sights and sounds of America's premier manufacturing industry from colonial times to the present. Experience the elegance and beauty of finished textiles showcased in colorful displays of extraordinary fabrics, exquisite coverlets, and period clothing from the Museum's extensive collections. For more information call (978) 441-0400.
Don't miss the roar of a 1920s weave room with operating power looms! The park's primary exhibit includes the weave room plus interactive exhibits and video programs about the Industrial Revolution, labor, and the rise, fall, and rebirth of Lowell. Daily talks at 2:15 and 3:15. Adults, $6.00, Seniors, 62+, & Students, $4.00, Youths, 6-16, $3.00. Family discounts and yearly passes also available. For more information call (978) 970-5000 (V/TDD).
Mill Girls and Immigrants Exhibit
Explore the history of the "mill girls" and immigrants in a Boott Mill boardinghouse. The Mill Girls and Immigrants Exhibit, located in the Mogan Cultural Center and the Boardinghouse, tells the human story of the Industrial Revolution by concentrating on the working people of Lowell. Daily talks at 1:30, 2:30, and 3:30. Free
The Brush Art Gallery and Studios
Discover twelve distinguished working artists and crafts people located in the restored Market Mills. These artists are talented individuals who rent studio space from the Brush and are on-hand to explain the techniques of their medium to visitors. The Brush is located at 256 Market Street. For more information call (978) 459-7819.
A satellite of the Seashore Trolley Museum is located in the Mack Building, 25 Shattuck Street. The museum presents the history of trolleys in Lowell in the context of American transit history. Also offered are rides on Desire, an electric streetcar from the Seashore Trolley Museum's premiere collection of historic trolleys.
The New England Quilt Museum preserves, interprets, and celebrates American quilting past and present. Through its exhibitions, programs, and technical assistance services, the museum provides inspiration, information and education. It is a resource for everyone who cares about quilting-from quilters, to collectors, to those who just love quilts. For more information call (978) 452-4207.
The Whistler House Museum Of Art opened to the public as a center for art in the City of Lowell in 1908. The Museum is the birthplace of Jame Abott McNeill Whistler, and is maintained as historic site and as a center for art in the City of Lowell. The Museum furthers its mission "to promote the study and appreciation of the visual arts" by maintaining a permanent collection, organizing contemporary and historical fine arts exhibitions and sponsoring a variety of educational and community cultural programs and events. For more Information call (978) 452-7642.
Tours
Boat and Walking Tours at Lowell National Historical Park
Fall-Winter-Spring Tours
Walking tours are offered daily from October-June. Tours range from 60 to 90 minutes and provide an exciting and educational look at Lowell's history. For more information call (978)-970-5000 (V/TDD).