Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center

"I had such a great experience with the on-site park ranger and volunteer staff! They were incredibly kind and helpful. This is a hidden gem of Massachusetts history, sharing interactive stories of local textile manufacturing and the expansion of the greater Lowell area! You’re able to visit multiple sites (including beautiful mills) along an easy-to-follow trail in a safe area of the city with free parking (validated). I highly recommend adding this park to your list. It’s great for both adults and children alike. There’s a great gift shop as well!"

"The rangers here were very friendly and quite knowledgable about the site. I took the junior ranger program to earn my badge. Yes I did compleat the booklet. The ranger started the movie tat told about thr historic site. We then went to the Boott musume and took the canal boat tour."

"Interesting history of the industrialization of this part of Massachusetts, one that set the pattern for many of industrial towns. There are a variety of activities like visitor centers, museums, trolley, walking paths, tours, and a junior ranger badge for kids."

"Your starting point on your journey through the industrial town of Lowell. Lots of free options, $12 canal tour, $6 Boots Mill self guided tour and a free walking tour of Suffolk Mill and boarding house. The gentleman working was helpful in orientation but would be nice if they had 2hr, half day and full day recommendations of what to see and do as many of the National Parks do."

"Our trip to the Mill Girls Boarding house and the Boott Cotton Mills was highly informative, introducing us to a place and time we knew nothing about and were startled to learn about the working conditions in the mill and the fortitude of the women, and eventually men, who worked there. The docent at the Boarding house was engaging and passionate about the Mill Girls and their plight. She was wonderful, answering all our questions. The exhibits are very good. The cotton mill was amazing, seeing weaving machines in action. Give yourself plenty of time to view the rest of the museum as you learn the process from cotton picking to textile product. Definitely watch the video presentation in the theater as you hear about the working conditions for mill workers in the 20th century. Helpful Facts: Fully air conditioned, elevators, restrooms, water fountains. $6 adults/ $4 seniors at the mill, while the Boarding house did not require a fee. Parking: plenty of on street parking within a block or 2 of the sites. Some spots were metered, many were not. I parked a block over and walking took just a few minutes."