Things to Do in Lowell, MA: Lowell Travel Guide
Things to Do in Lowell, MA: Lowell Travel Guide
Plan Your Trip
Looking for things to do in Lowell, MA?
This old mill city on the Merrimack River, about 45 minutes northwest of Boston, was one of the birthplaces of the American Industrial Revolution and the hometown of Beat Generation writer Jack Kerouac.
Much of downtown is part of Lowell National Historical Park, so you can explore working looms, canals, and red-brick mills on foot. Add Kerouac's favorite haunts, a lively arts scene, and free summer music, and Lowell makes a great day trip from Boston.
Top Things to Do
1. Take The Beat Goes On: Jack Kerouac's Lowell Walking Tour—A self-guided audio walk through the places that shaped Kerouac, from the mills to his favorite tavern.
2. Visit the Boott Cotton Mills Museum—Step into a weave room with 88 working power looms and feel what mill life was like.
3. Take a canal boat tour—Ride the canals that powered Lowell's mills with a park ranger.
4. Explore Jack Kerouac Park—Read passages from his books carved into granite columns.
5. See Kerouac's typewriter at the Mogan Cultural Center—View his typewriter, rucksack, and other belongings for free.
6. Visit Jack Kerouac's grave—Pay your respects at Edson Cemetery, a short drive from downtown.
7. Catch a free summer concert—Hear live music at the Lowell Summer Music Series and other outdoor shows.
8. Have a drink at the Worthen House—Sit in Lowell's oldest tavern, a Kerouac favorite.
Download the Complete Travel Guide
Includes:
-
✓ Complete travel guide
-
✓ Printable map
-
✓ One-day itinerary
-
✓ Hidden gems
-
✓ Travel tips
-
✓ Offline access
-
✓ Bonus recommendations not included on this page
Our Self Guided Tour
The Beat Goes On: Jack Kerouac's Lowell Walking Tour is a GPS-triggered audio tour that starts at the Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center and ends at the Worthen House, about two blocks away. Along the way, it visits Jack Kerouac Park, the Boott Cotton Mills, Lowell High School, and Pollard Memorial Library. The walk takes about an hour, and you can park for free at the Visitor Center.
Free Things to Do
1. Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center—See exhibits on the mills and a display on Kerouac.
2. Jack Kerouac Park—Read his words carved in granite.
3. Patrick J. Mogan Cultural Center—See Kerouac's typewriter and rucksack.
4. Pollard Memorial Library—Find the Young Prometheans Poetry Collection.
5. Edson Cemetery—Visit Jack Kerouac's grave.
THINGS WITH ADMISSION FEES:
1. Boott Cotton Mills Museum—See the working weave room (~$6 adult).
2. Canal boat tours—Ride the historic canals with a ranger (~$12 adult).
3. New England Quilt Museum—See historic and modern quilts downtown.
4. Concerts and shows—Some summer and theater events are ticketed.
Food!
The Worthen House
Lowell's oldest tavern, a Kerouac hangout known for its pressed tin ceiling, old bar, and "Kerouac shelf."
Cobblestones of Lowell
A downtown favorite in a historic building, known for classic American comfort food.
Life Alive Organic Café
A colorful café known for healthy bowls, wraps, and smoothies, born right here in Lowell.
Where to Stay
Downtown Lowell
UMass Lowell Inn & Conference Center—a hotel in the middle of downtown, steps from the mills and the walking tour. Roughly 150-250/night.
Near I-495
Courtyard Boston Lowell/Chelmsford, Residence Inn Boston Lowell/Chelmsford—chain hotels a short drive from downtown with easy highway access. Roughly 130-220/night.
In Boston
Many visitors stay in Boston and make Lowell a day trip, about 45 minutes away by car or commuter rail. Prices vary widely.
1 Day Itinerary
1-DAY ITINERARY:
Morning: Start at the Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center, then take The Beat Goes On: Jack Kerouac's Lowell Walking Tour.
Afternoon: Tour the Boott Cotton Mills Museum and take a canal boat tour.
Evening: Visit Jack Kerouac's grave at Edson Cemetery, then end the day with dinner and a drink at the Worthen House.
2-DAY ITINERARY:
Day 2: Visit the New England Quilt Museum and the Mogan Cultural Center, then catch a summer concert downtown.
Extra Time: Visit in the fall during Lowell Celebrates Kerouac, or in summer during the Lowell Folk Festival.
FAQ's
1. What is Lowell, MA best known for?
Lowell is known as one of the birthplaces of the American Industrial Revolution and as the hometown of writer Jack Kerouac.
2. How far is Lowell from Boston?
About 45 minutes by car or commuter rail, making it an easy day trip.
3. Should I book anything ahead of time?
Canal boat tours can fill up in summer, so check the park schedule and plan ahead. Book hotels early for festival weekends.
4. Where should I park?
The Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center has a free parking lot. Downtown also has city garages with posted rates.
5. What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes. Downtown is flat, but you'll be on your feet exploring mills, canals, and museums.
6. Where is Jack Kerouac buried?
In Edson Cemetery on Gorham Street, a short drive from downtown Lowell.
7. Is Lowell National Historical Park free?
Yes. There's no entrance fee for the park. The Boott Cotton Mills Museum and canal boat tours charge small fees.
8. When is the best time to visit Lowell?
Summer brings canal tours, outdoor concerts, and the Lowell Folk Festival. Fall brings Kerouac events and beautiful foliage.
9. Is Lowell family-friendly?
Yes. Kids love the loud looms at the Boott Cotton Mills, the canal boats, and the park's hands-on exhibits.
10. How much time should I spend in Lowell?
One full day covers the mills, the canals, and the Kerouac sites. Two days lets you add museums and events.
Recommended Tours
More Resources
