See American Industry on Display in Lowell National Historical Park
Lowell, MA, was founded by Boston merchants in 1821 to 1822 as a purpose-built factory city. It was situated on the Merrimack River to harness the water power produced by Pawtucket Falls, where the river plunges 32 feet in just one mile.
Lowell and other industrial towns transformed America into a nation of urban manufacturing centers. In many ways, this town was the epicenter of the American Industrial Revolution. Henry David Thoreau called Lowell the “Manchester of America, which sends its cotton cloth around the globe.”
Today, the Lowell National Historical Park preserves and interprets this site for modern-day visitors. A considerable swath of this 19th-century manufacturing behemoth remains open for exploring.
Start at the visitor center for an overview of the power canal system, machines, workers, and entrepreneurs that propelled Lowell into a burgeoning industrial city. Afterward, take one of the free replica open-car trolleys on a two-mile trip to the Boott Mills (yes, with two Ts) stop for a tour of the restored cotton mill house.
Next door, in Boarding House Park, visitors can see the accommodations provided for the “mill girls”—the women who made up about two-thirds of Lowell’s workforce. The park also hosts the Lowell Folk Festival, the second-largest folk music event in the U.S., at the end of every July
The Lowell canal system siphoned water from the Merrimack River and distributed it throughout the city’s expansive assortment of mills. The canals have been largely preserved and can be toured in ranger-guided canal boats.
The Pawtucket Gatehouse, constructed in 1847, features 10 wooden gates that controlled how much of the Merrimack’s water flowed into the canals. The gatehouse is still in use today, although with modernized, remotely controlled equipment.
If the ingenious use of water power fascinates you further, continue your tour at the Suffolk Mills Turbine Exhibit. Housed in another old cotton mill, you can explore the development of the technology brilliant engineers employed to bend the river’s forces to serve human ends.
Other parts of the canal network that may pique your interest are the Swamp Locks and the Francis Gate. Fans of modern American literature, meanwhile, can go take a walk in the Jack Kerouac Park, which commemorates the writer that described the once-dilapidated Lowell in many of his books.
If you prefer strolling in natural environs, consider riding over to the nearby Lowell-Dracut-Tyngsborough State Forest. You can hike along the woodland area’s six miles of hiking trails and catch fish in its fishing ponds.
Facts & Info
Nearby Attractions
- Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center
- Boott Mills
- Lowell canals
- Jack Kerouac Park
- Lowell-Dracut-Tyngsborough State Forest
Nearby Roads
From Lowell, you can easily ride southeast to Salem (check out the Witch Museum while there) and head to Cape Ann on the Yankee Division Hwy. Riding around the peninsula takes you rocky, rugged shores and some nice beaches, alongside the town of Rockport.
For more Atlantic riding, head north to Amesbury and pick up SR 1A to New Hampshire. This 22-mile ride to Portsmouth is directly on the shore, offering great views out to the water and some great seasonal restaurants.
If the ocean doesn’t float your boat, you can head northwest of Lowell to explore the Massachusetts/New Hampshire border. Here you’ll find relaxing two-laners, like SR 101 and US 202, that take you past small towns, beautiful woods, and tranquil lakes.
Recommended Lodging: Chateau Merrimack
Chateau Merrimack is located a few miles outside of Lowell by the Merrimack River. At this four-star resort, you get to sleep in luxury surrounded by peaceful woods.
The rooms at Chateau Merrimack are large and impeccably appointed. Here you’ll have everything a rider would need, from a spacious parking lot to laundry services, lavish breakfast to get you on the road, and a decadent spa with jacuzzis and massages to relax your ride-weary muscles.
In the evening, you can grab both dinner and drinks at the on-site Italian steakhouse. If you want to explore Lowell’s eateries, however, they are only about a 10-minute ride away.
Food & Dining
- The Owl Diner: A classic, old-school American diner serving simple, straightforward, and delicious cooking. There aren’t many places like this left in Massachusetts. It’s cash only, so come prepared. Find it at 244 Appleton St, Lowell, MA.
- Good Thymes: This local restaurant dishes up excellent homestyle comfort food classic, wonderful pastas, and fresh seafood. Find it at 1278 Gorham St, Lowell, MA.
Best Time to Travel
Lowell makes for a top-notch early summer ride. Between May and June, the temperatures and humidity are comfortable, allowing you to have a good time both on and off the bike.
That said, the fall foliage in this area is stunning, so Lowell is also well worth a visit in the fall. Just be aware that the humidity and wind can make for a chilly ride.