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.

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.

The visitor center is renovated and clean. It is a bit hidden, but offers a lot of information…read moreabout the historical landmarks of Lowell especially the Mill factories. It offers free validated parking while it is open.

Learn the history of a town literally built to make textiles. Visitor center is free with movie…read moreabout the town and walking distance to the museum (with small fee, discount for National Park holders). Museum staff run the machines, which make cloth the same way they did in the late1800s-early 1900s and that you can buy by the yard or purchase pre-made towels. In season there are trolley rides and canal boats tours. Check the calendar if this is important to you.

'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!

Although it looks small from the outside someone who appreciates history will enjoy walking through…read morethe quaint museum (free) and checking out the dam with a ginormous fish who surfaces here and there. Cute little gazebo so you can sit and read or hang

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!

Look at the pics to get the path to follow. It's a beautiful hike along canals in downtown Lowell.read more