Visitor Center

 

 

Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center

246 Market Street

The Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center is a great place to plan your visit to Lowell. Sign up for tours, learn about special events, and plan your time at the Park's multiple exhibit locations.

Hours of Operation

July 19, 2025 - October 12, 2025

Open Daily
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

 

The Information Desk at the Visitor Center

Meg Moore

Information Desk

The Information Desk is the perfect place to plan your visit to Lowell National Historical Park. Talk to a park ranger to learn more about park exhibits, guided tours, and special events. This is also where you can purchase an America the Beautiful Parks Pass. The Visitor Center also has its own passport stamps.

Families are encouraged to pick up a copy of our free Junior Ranger activity book. The park offers three different versions of our Junior Ranger program, designed for different ages. We also offer the free Acre Community Ranger activity book, which focuses on the historic Acre neighborhood in Lowell.

 

A Park Ranger talks with visitors at the Visitor Center

Meg Moore

Introductory Exhibits

Explore the history of the Spindle City through exhibits at the Visitor Center. From the early industrial city to the modern local community, the Visitor Center highlights the stories of the people who lived and worked in Lowell.

Special exhibits at the Visitor Center also highlight unique Lowell stories. Learn about the early life of Jack Kerouac, famous author and Lowellian, in the Kerouac's Lowell exhibit. Hop on board an imitation trolley and learn about the history of streetcars in Lowell. Find out more about Charles Dickens' Lowell visit.

 

A mother and son play with blocks at the Children's Corner

Meg Moore

Children's Corner

Families can spend time together in the Children's Corner, a hands-on interactive area designed for young learners. Weave fabric on a hand loom, create your own gear system, or sit together and read a new book. The Children's Corner is free for all families to visit.

 

Lowell: The Continuing Revolution Film

Looking for an introduction to Lowell history? Lowell: The Continuing Revolution is an excellent way to explore the stories of the Spindle City. This 19-minute video, which plays in the Visitor Center theater, highlights the industrial history of Lowell, from the early "mill girls" and engineers to the immigrant workers who shaped the city for decades. The full video can also be watched online (below).

 

Duration:

19 minutes, 3 seconds

Explore the history of Lowell with this short introductory film. Lowell National Historical Park tells the story of an industrial city that has typified the American experience over the last 200 years.

 

Books and merchandise available at the Park Store

NPS

Park Store

Looking for a guide to the park's history and culture? Searching for an educational souvenir of your visit to Lowell? Start your search at the Park Store. America's National Parks, the park's cooperating association, operates a park store at the Visitor Center. A portion of America's National Parks' proceeds are returned to the park.

 

Parking

Lowell National Historical Park visitors arriving in vehicles no larger than 6'8" in height may park at the Hamilton Canal Innovation District parking garage at 350 Dutton Street, Lowell. Parking in this garage (only) is available to National Park visitors at no cost provided they obtain a valid parking voucher at either the Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center at 246 Market Street, or at the Boott Cotton Mills Museum at 115 John Street.

If you park in other City of Lowell garages or if you do not show a voucher when you exit that garage, you will be charged the posted rates for City garages, as shown here.

Disability designated parking spaces are provided in the city parking garage at 75 John Street. The garage has a height limitation of 6' 8" for vehicles. Vehicles that display disability license plates or a hanging placard may also park at no cost in any designated parking space within the City of Lowell.

 

Accessibility

For Visitors With Mobility Impairments:

The Visitor Center is fully accessible. A wheelchair loan is available on a first-come, first-serve basis and is free of charge. Inquire at the National Park Service information desk for more information.

Service dogs are welcomed throughout the Park, on tours and in all facilities. For more information about service animals, please refer to the ADA service dog guidelines.

For Visitors With Hearing Impairments:

A variety of written information is available in the Visitor Center information desk. The park's introductory film features captions. Please ask a staff member for more information.

 

Places to Go

• 

  Boott Cotton Mills Museum
• 

  Mogan Cultural Center
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  Northern Canal Walkway