Open seasonally, this is a unique NPS park as a site representing the industrial revolution,…read morefactory working conditions, and an early but prominent labor strike, led by female workers. When I went, the visitor center was undergoing renovations, but I could still tour a few of the open buildings, which were well worth it. We started with the boardinghouse. Young women from local farms were early workers who lived on site in an era when women hadn't worked before. I found the information thorough representing both the pros and cons of women having their own income and Lowell being one of the first towns women could open their own bank accounts, they were experiencing life outside their family's farms for the first time interacting with new people to the terrible working conditions and slashed pay forcing the women to stand up for themselves as a collective. It wasn't just a simple "workers good factory bad" but had quotes from many of the workers and the array of experiences. Next door is the factory itself. There is a very thorough exhibit on the entire history of Lowell from its founding based on its ability to harness the river power to its decline based on the rise of other power sources and cheaper sites and labor in the south to its revival based on changing industries. The exhibit was very informative and visually interesting. We didn't even have time to look at everything because it was close to closing time, so leave at least an hour to go through it. There were two videos to engage with, and hearing interviews from former workers was very insightful. When we went, the machine demo was not available, so there was no fee. A tour guide explained how the machines work, so even without them actually running, you could understand the noise, the safety risks, the unbearable heat they worked in, and the fabric fibers in the air they breathed in constantly. Small gift shop on site, and they offer other buildings and tour types on different days, so it's best if you can pick a day for one of the boat tours or when some of the other buildings are open. Personally, I thought what we experienced was still really interesting and worth the visit. NPS sites generally put on a great presentation.

Overall a great stop, several different areas make up the park (I included some extra pictures of…read morethings we saw while walking). The 1st Spot was the main visitor center- Very nicely done and very friendly Rangers that gave us an overview of the area. The displays are very informative and helpful. A lot of stuff to see while walking, a train, a fountain, canals, murals (not part of park). We went to the second area, a very friendly young Ranger at desk, she explained what we could see within the buildings. This area was also beautifully done with some of the best restrooms that we have seen. Top of the line !!! The machines were running upstairs to give you a general idea of the noise & chaos that the workers endured. There were videos of actuall workers who told their story which really brought the history to life. There is a trolley that will take you to a third part of the Park (we ran out of time) so missed out on that location. Overall a great representation of an era,of a time of industrial development and the people who made it possible. We visited on a holiday weekend so downtown was pretty empty and street parking was easy (and free due the day). I can see where parking could be confusing on normal days. The second location was very confusing as the building is located where they converted surrounding buildings into apartments. The parking lot in front had restrictions and we just parked on street to be safe. Most of the Rangers working were friendly & helpful except for a group of three that we encountered on factory floor. We just missed a demonstration I am guessing (there were no other visitors that around), but as we walked up, they broke off their conversation and walked away. No acknowledgement at all, which was strange as usually they greet you at least. This incident, parking and the Boarding house not being open (sign said it was) put a slight tarnish on the whole visit. Definitely recommend as the history is fascinating, the areas we saw are well done, and most of the Staff are super helpful & friendly.

Great experience on every floor. Amazing things to see none stop. Tons of history. Can't believe…read morewhat I learned Thank you

The art is beautiful and varied. There are still lives, landscapes, portraits, sculptures, and even…read morea room full of Whistler's etchings! The staff are friendly and you can take a self or professionally guided tour. The gallery in the back houses local artists with temporary exhibits. This museum is a must see for anyone who enjoys art!

'The Lime Quarry' as it is known in Chelmsford is a great asset to the town. It is easy to get…read moreto-just a mile out of The Center- and there is a small lot that can accommodate around 6 cars. It is nestled in between route 110 and 495 so it can get loud at times- from cars and trucks traveling near the trails. It is a nice short walk/hike with a few hills. The trails are well marked except for the trail that leads into one of the quarry kilns. If not careful one can take that trail-instead of staying on the main trail. But it is only a few feet before it becomes clear that trail ends in the quarry pit. It's easy to turn around and get back on track. In the spring there are two owls that can be heard-or seen if you spend some time looking up into the trees on the blue trail. If you're quiet the deer can also sometimes cross your path!

A nice green space and some rolling, rocky, tree rooty trails, but ambient traffic noise and oodles…read moreof poison ivy. We liked Greak Brook Farm better. The good news is this area is free. Site of a lime quarry and kilns until 1830. Access is from a parking area on the side of Littleton Rd.

Amazing!! The caliber of the quilts at this museum is extraordinary. Jeanne, the docent who was…read morethere the day we visited shared a great deal of knowledge about the work shown, which was seriously mind blowing!! Cute gift shop with a wide range of products, thoughtfully arranged. The Dominique Ehrmann installation in the lobby is wildly impressive in its scope of workmanship and creativity. Plan on spending some time exploring it completely...every inch is a wonder to behold! Don't skip this wonder of a museum!!!

This is probably the most beautiful museum I have ever been to. I am not a quilter myself but just…read moreseeing this museum made me want to try it out. I visited with my grandparents and was amazed at all the work on display! The staff were also very kind and welcoming. I am super excited to go back for the next exhibit!

Nice walk wish people would pick up after their dogs though. Need to keep an eye peeled for many…read more"presents" on the trail.

Found this trail on Google. Quiet and refreshing, although struggle with parking spots.read more

This is a great trail. I've taken it from Lowell all the way to Sudbury. We're at connects to MA…read moreCentral Trail. St Sudbury you can extend your ride/hike on Central Tail all the way to Marlboro. Once you're out of Chelmsford the trail is paved and smooth. There are a lot of frost heaves and roots that affect the ride in Chelmsford. Enjoyable and mostly shaded ride

Big fan of the Bruce Freeman! I actually took the Commuter Rail to the West Concord stop to hop on…read morethe trail, bonus points for accessibility! The path was nicely maintained and not too busy. On the way back from Lowell, I decided to ride all the way home to the city. I was able to mainly take back roads and trails (Bruce Freeman to Reformatory to Minuteman), which was very cool! I'd definitely come back again.

This is an excellent, private non-profit and land trust in Lowell that aims to improve the quality…read moreof life for the people of Lowell through the creation, conservation, and preservation of parks, open spaces, and special places. It provides technical assistance to city agencies, local non-profits, businesses, and neighborhoods to support a healthy, diverse urban forest (urban forestry); It also protects land and offers programs, such as whitewater rafting trips on the Concord River; educates people about their current and historic impact on the natural environment (environmental education); acquires and protects conservation lands where nature is left undisturbed (land protection) http://www.lowelllandtrust.org/

Excellent improvements, features, activities, exhibits and theater all on line now as well as a…read moregreat new Director and staff.

Stopped by hoping to get a little info on ancestors who lived in the area. The Director of the…read moresociety was working and knew immediately what we were looking for and provided a ton of information. They obviously put a lot of heart and hard work into what they do here.

I unexpectedly moved to Lowell from Brighton last year, and it's been a great move. The city and…read moreUMASS Lowell have thrown a lot of money at development, and you can feel the change in the city from 5-10 years ago. Most of the old mills downtown have been developed into apartments and/or artist studio spaces, with one more set to be finished by 2017, and the city has put a lot of effort into making downtown a place where people can happily live. These are some of the things new to the city in the past 5 years: -Mill No. 5 - A mill space that has been developed into several store fronts, including: -Sutra Studio (Yoga) -Coffee and Cotton (Coffee Shop) -Luna Theater (Independent Theater) -Mill City Grows - Local Farmer's Market organization. -Run a weekly Farmer's Market in Mill No. 5 that's open year-round -Run a summer Farmer's Market by the City Hall -Works specifically with SNAP and WIC beneficiaries -Lowell Food and Wine Festival - Run by Mill City Grows over a full weekend. Included: -Food Truck Madness: 15+ Food Trucks in Jack Kerouac Park -Tacos and Tequila -Sips N' Sweets -Grand Tasting Event: 30+ Food and Alcohol vendors, seriously a blast. -Counting House Lofts - Finished in 2015 For anyone who's even a mild foodie, there are a ton of options: -Blue Taleh - Japanese and Thai. Great sport for spicy food. -El Potro - Mexican, with al fresco dining and a mariachi band in warm weather. -Athenian Corner - A Greek staple in the area for 40-ish years. Live music and bellydancing. -Fuse - Locally sourced food with a menu that changes weekly. Just learned they have Sunday brunch (12-3), so that's on my to do list. -Cobblestones - Local fancy-pants American standard fare, with some special things like fish-tacos and vegetarian chili. Some other things that make living here enjoyable: -The Riverwalk is absolutely beautiful, and super quiet and peaceful. -Lowell Folk Festival - A weekend of food, music, international textiles, etc. A summer highlight. -Lowell Summer Music Series - Open air concert series. -Lots of live music in the bar scene. -A very multicultural city. Lowell is the third most racially diverse city in MA, however unlike Boston it is more integrated. One of my big complaints in Brighton was that I was only surround by other young, white professionals, and young, white and east asian students. There was very little racial or socio-economic diversity. In my building I have met other tenants who are African, Latino, Cambodian, African-American, Chinese, White, etc. and instead of just young-professionals there are retirees, students, families, singles, etc. I appreciate being surrounded by people who are different from me, which makes Lowell a particularly nice fit. Chris M. has an out-dated vision of a Lowell that is overrun with crime and drugs. There is crime, but it's primarily in-fighting, so they only thing to be really worried about is getting in a drunken fight, which can happen anywhere. I've had someone try to sell me weed, but that has also happened on Boston Common, sooooo say "No thank you" and keep walking. Yes, there as been a rise in heroin use, but that is most certainly not unique to Lowell. I'm not sure if I would raise kids in Lowell because the school system has some struggles, but sans children this is most definitely a good place to live, and will only be getting better.

Wow this city is underrated. I love this place. Makes me feel at home. The people are all sober and…read morewelcoming. I LOVE LOWELL. Tacos Lupitas is a must hit on the beautiful north side of Lowell. Umass Lowell has a beautiful must masterpiece called fax hall. Legend has it fox hall took 1000 years to build. I love Lowell and I love life. Great place for a family vacation. The blue shamrock and gemstones is another must see family friendly restaurant with the best burgers and steak tips around. Only bad part of Lowell is when you aren't in the great city.