Trolley System

Visitors board one of Lowell National Historical Park's trolleys.

NPS Photo

There are many ways to get around in Lowell. Some people move by foot, on a bicycle, or in a vehicle. One way to really stay on track during your time in Lowell is to ride in a historic trolley car.

Schedules are posted daily at the trolley stops and the Boott Cotton Mill Museum. Depending on the time of year, the trolley schedule can vary. To find out if the shuttle will be running during your visit, call ahead at 978-970-5000. When operating, the trolley is FREE to ride.

Many of the tours offered throughout the summer include a free trolley ride as part of the experience. To find out more about these tours, check out our Guided Tours page!

Morning public runs between the Boott Cotton Mills Museum and Suffolk Mill trolley stop are available Wednesday through Sunday.

The Trolley will NOT follow the posted schedule on the mornings of the Free Fun for Kids Concerts: July 8, 9, 15, 16, 30, and August 5, 6, 12, 13. A free trolley ride will be offered after the concert at 11:45 a.m.

Boott Cotton Mills Museum to Suffolk Mill	Suffolk Mill to Boott Cotton Mills Museum
10:00 a.m.	10:15 a.m.
10:30 a.m.	10:45 a.m.
11:15 a.m.	11:35 a.m.

 

Beginning June 21 through July 23, hop on the trolley for a a ride to visit the Suffolk Mill Turbine Exhibit!

Trolley will run Wednesday through Sunday from the Boott Cotton Mills Museum to the Suffolk Mill with return trips.

Boott Cotton Mills Museum to Suffolk Mill	Suffolk Mill to Boott Cotton Mills Museum
1:00 p.m.	1:20 p.m.
1:40 p.m.	2:00 p.m.
2:20 p.m.	2:40 p.m.
3:00 p.m.	3:30 p.m.

 

Electric streetcars began operating in Lowell in 1889. These popular modes of (relatively) speedy transport enabled commuters to live outside Lowell and work in the city. However, trolley companies were unable to compete with other modes of transportation. As a result, electric trolleys went out of service in Lowell in 1935. They returned in 1984 as part of Lowell National Historical Park's transportation system.

Learn more about the history of the trolleys in Lowell here: The Trolleys (U.S. National Park Service)