Guided Tours

Guided tours are offered seasonally at Lowell National Historical Park. Go to the operating hours and season page to learn more about visiting the park.

Check our events calendar for special programs and events.

Outdoor tours may be canceled due to unsafe weather conditions, including high heat or rainstorms. If you are unsure about a reserved tour, please call us at 978-970-5000.

 

Step back in time by riding a trolley as you explore Lowell's history.

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Suffolk Mill Tour

Explore how numerous factors have shaped both the city’s past and its present. This tour combines a short trip through the historic city accompanied by a park ranger with a guided visit into the River Transformed Exhibit at the Suffolk Mill.

June 15 - August 31, 2025
Wednesday, Friday - Sunday at 2 p.m.

September 1 - October 12, 2025
Wednesday - Sunday at 2 p.m.

Visitors should plan for a 75-minute tour, much of which will be spent on your feet. Visitors can expect to walk as much as 1.5-miles on paved paths and are encouraged to bring water. This tour meets and ends at the Boott Cotton Mills Museum (115 John St.)

This tour is free. For more information and to register ahead of time, visit recreation.gov. Day of registration can be done at the Boott Cotton Mills Museum front desk.

 

Inside the Suffolk Mill, learn about how Lowell's mills were powered by turbines!

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A River Transformed Walking Tour

Discover how the power of the Merrimack River was harnessed into textile production in the 19th century. This tour combines a walk along the riverwalk accompanied by a park ranger with a guided visit to the River Transformed Exhibit at the Suffolk Mill.

June 15 - August 31, 2025
Monday and Tuesday at 11 a.m.

September 1 - October 12, 2025
Monday and Tuesday at 11 a.m.

Visitors should plan for a 75-minute tour, all of which will be spent on your feet. Visitors can expect to walk as much as 1.5-miles on paved paths and are encouraged to bring water. This tour meets and ends at the Boott Cotton Mills Museum (115 John St.)

This tour is free. For more information and to register ahead of time, visit recreation.gov. Day of registration can be done at the Boott Cotton Mills Museum front desk.

 

Explore the Pawtucket canal in style.

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Pawtucket Canal Tour

Who dug the canals? Who laid the stone walls? Who operated the locks and gates? Discover the human stories of the workers who built and operated Lowell's remarkable waterpower system while riding along the historic Pawtucket Canal. Disembark at the historic Francis Gate and explore how mill owners and engineers harnessed and directed water through the city. Find out who is still "working the water" today.

June 15 - August 31, 2025
Thursday at 2 p.m.
Friday-Sunday at 11 a.m. and 12 noon

September 1 - October 12, 2025
Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. and 12 noon

The Pawtucket Canal Tour begins at the Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center (246 Market St.) The tour involves at maximum of 0.75 miles of walking as well boarding a canal boat. Canal boats are not wheelchair accessible. Walkways follow a gentle, paved slope, but include uneven surfaces. Please wear comfortable shoes. Francis Gate access is dependent on water levels and may not always be available.

To enter the Francis Gate, visitors must disembark from the boat and climb a steep set of stone stairs. Visitors are welcome to remain in the boat if they do not feel comfortable climbing to the historic gatehouse with the ranger. Please use the restroom beforehand as there are none available on the tour. Bring water and sun protection as the boat is not covered. This tour meets and ends at the Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center (246 Market St.)

Pawtucket Canal Tour registration available now at recreation.gov.

 

See the Merrimack River in a new way!

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Riverboat Tours

Discover the stories of the people who made the Merrimack River their home throughout the centuries. Learn more about how the landscape has changed.

June 15 - August 31, 2025
Friday - Sunday at 4 p.m.

September 1 - October 12, 2025
Saturday and Sunday at 4 p.m.

These 60-minute tours on the Francis Cabot Lowell Riverboat leave from the UMass Lowell Bellegarde Boathouse (500 Pawtucket Blvd, Lowell, MA 01854).

For important tour information and directions, please check this link.

Reservations are required and can be found at recreation.gov.

 

Explore the special topics of Lowell throughout the year!

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Special Tours and Programs

Lowell National Historical Park often offers a variety of special talks, tours, and programs. Check our Special Events Calendar to learn more about these opportunities.

Full Works Tours

Offered on a limited basis, this special 2.5 hour-long ranger-guided tour provides a comprehensive look into how the water of the Merrimack River was harnassed into a complex canal system and use to power a massive cotton textile industry in Lowell in the 19th century. This tour meets and ends at the Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center (246 Market St.)

2025 Scheduled Dates: 6/28, 7/12, 7/20, 8/2, 8/10, 8/23

For more information and to register, visit recreation.gov.

 

Exploring Lowell Walking Tours

Explore the city of Lowell through a ranger guided walk. Discover the many exciting topics that make Lowell special. From the natural environment to the Industrial Revolution to urban renewal, the city of Lowell has something for everyone.

September 1 - October 12, 2025
Wednesday - Friday at 11 a.m.

Visitors should plan for a 45-minute tour, all of which will be spent on your feet. Visitors can expect to walk as much as 1 mile on paved paths and are encouraged to bring water. These tours meet at the Boott Cotton Mills Museum (115 John St.). These tours are free and open to all. No reservations required.

 

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