Basic Information

Tour Reservations

The National Park runs various programs seasonally. Visitors are recommended to make reservations for all tours in advance as they can fill up quickly. To make a reservation, please call (978) 970-5000. Please check the tours section for more information.

Weather

Summer: Lowell typically has a warm climate throughout the summer ranging from the mid 60s to mid 90s during the day, with rain and thunderstorms more common in the months of July and August. Boats and trolleys operate rain or shine and are only cancelled in cases of extreme weather or thepresence of thunder and lightning.

Winter: Lowell typically has cold winters with temperatures ranging from the mid 30s and 40s to single digit temperatures. Snow storms occur frequently throughout the winter season, so please make sure to check the park website for any updates about operating hours.

To get accurate weather updates, please call our National Park Visitor Center at (978) 970-5000 or visit the National Weather Service Lowell page for more information.

Parking

Paid parking is available in the Joseph Downes city parking garage, located at 75 John Street, one block from the Boott Cotton Mills Museum.

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.

Additional on-street metered parking is available for up to two hours. Throughout downtown Lowell are a number of municipal parking garages. For a complete list of city garages, please visit the City of Lowell's parking page. Parking at the Hamilton Canal Innovation District parking garage is the only free parking available to visitors.

Visitors with oversized vehicles (busses, RVs, etc.) can park on the north side of Father Morissette Boulevard between Aiken Street and University Avenue. NPS spots are marked with signs. The Visitor Center (246 Market Street) is .6 miles from the oversized vehicle spots. The Boott Cotton Mills Museum (115 John Street) is .6 miles from the oversized vehicle spots.

Lodging

Hotels

Lowell and the surrounding cities and towns are home to a number of hotels. For a list of nearby lodging, visit the Where to Stay page at the Greater Merrimack Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau website or give them a call at 978-459-6150.

Camping

There are many campgrounds close to the city of Lowell. For a complete list of camping sites in Massachusetts, visit the Massachusetts state camping website, or call the Greater Merrimack Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau at 978-459-6150.

Goods and Services

Restaurants
The city of Lowell has a proud tradition of being an immigrant city, which is reflected in the diversity of restaurants in the downtown area. From Greek, to Vietnamese, to Cambodian, there is food for everyone to enjoy in the city. The last week in July is the annual Lowell Folk Festival which features a wide variety of ethnic foods prepared by local family restaurants and organizations in the city of Lowell. For a full list of restaurants please visit the City of Lowell Cultural Affairs page on Lowell Restaurants & Eateries.

Shops and Entertainment

Downtown Lowell has many shops and entertainment venues to enjoy. From concerts, to watching the Lowell Spinners baseball team, to taking in a play at the Merrimack Repertory Theater, there is always an event to attend in the city. Lowell is about 45 minutes (30 miles), outside of Boston,15 minutes (14.5 miles) away from the Pheasant Lane Mall in Nashua, NH and 20 minutes (15 miles) away from the Burlington Mall in Burlington, MA. For more information on shopping, special events, spectator sports, and more please visit the City of Lowell Cultural Affairs Office's Things to Do page.

Banking & ATMs

Throughout downtown Lowell area are many banking institutions. Several national, regional, and local banks all with 24 hour-ATMs have offices within a few blocks of the park Visitor Center. Consult your banking institution for information regarding local branches in and around the city before your visit.

Post Office

The downtown Lowell branch of the United States Postal Service is located at 20 Market Street, just a 5 minute walk down the street from the National Park Visitor Center. The main branch is located at 155 Father Morissette Boulevard.

Medical Services

The Greater Lowell area is serviced by Lowell General Hospital, located at 295 Varnum Ave, Lowell ,MA, 01854, just two miles from the National Park Visitor Center. There are several national chain pharmacies in the city, including one in the downtown, just a few blocks away from the National Park Visitor Center. Park sites are also equipped with first aid kits and AEDs.

Pets

Pets are not allowed in park buildings or on tours unless they are service animals. However, the National Park has gorgeous walking trails along the canals and river for you and your pet. Routes range from 1 mile to a mile and a half. For more information about service animals, please visit the ADA website.