Riverboat Tours

 

NPS Photo

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

These 60-minute tours on the Francis Cabot Lowell Riverboat throughout the summer. Reservations are required, and can be made through Recreation.gov.

June 19- July 31, 2026

Select Fridays at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m.

Please note: The boat departs promptly on the hour, visitors should plan to arrive 10 minutes prior to the start of the tour to check in.

 

NPS Photo

Tours will begin at the UMass Lowell Bellegarde Boathouse located at 500 Pawtucket Blvd, Lowell, MA 01854.

Advanced reservations are required. To make reservations, please visit Recreation.gov for pricing and availability.

Please note that tour reservations will be closed at 11:59 p.m. the day before the scheduled tour.

 

NPS Photo

Parking: Free parking is available in the adjacent parking area for the Vandenberg Esplanade and along the shoulder of Pawtucket Boulevard.

Meet the tour ranger outside of the Bellegarde Boathouse on the left side of the building next to the fence. Visitors should plan to arrive 10 minutes prior to the tour start time.

The tour may be cancelled due to extreme weather, heat, or water levels. Visitors with reservations will be notified via phone.

Public restrooms at the Bellegarde Boathouse will be available at the start of the tour. There are no restroom facilities while on the riverboat or after the boat returns to the dock at the conclusion of the tour. Food is not allowed on the tour boats. Water is encouraged. Please plan accordingly.