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.

This is a really cool NPS site. The interpretative content is really well done. I learned a ton…read more Super kid friendly. Nice junior ranger program. Rangers are very nice and informative. I would definitely recommend.

Love the history that's preserved, staff are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, best trolley…read moremuseum I've ever been to

What a great, little museum…read more It IS very little, but it's very nice. It's located right in downtown Lowell. There are so many old photos, tickets, turnstiles and other trolley paraphernalia. The second floor is geared toward children, but still good for adults. There's a place for kids to set up their own train tracks, a party room for birthdays, a small trolley car that kids can sit on, a small house that kids can crawl into and play, a computer with trolley-oriented software games and more. See the photos. It's only $3 for adults and $2 for children. With admission, you get coupons for $1 off admission to the Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport, ME.

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

The Whistler House is a hidden historic gem! Friendly staff, knowledgable docents, and a stunning…read morecollection of art featuring Whistler, Sargent, Gorky, and other New England artists of the 19th and 20th centuries. Absolutely worth the visit!

Coming from a place where cotton and hand looms were pretty much the life of the people, a lot…read morewhich was stolen by the British imperialists back 300 years away I was still amazed. Yes, I have seen enough of high quality cotton stuff and carding and converting them into threads still this place amazes me. It's a part of the industrial revolution of the west especially a teenage USA. The drop in the water, opportunities for growth etc and then how a planned city nearly dies and coming back while thriving on the diverse culture of immigrants is fascinating. Not to be missed. Park in the visitor center and take the free trolley. Won't take one more than 2-2.5 hours to and from the visitor center.

Beautiful restored cotton mill with running power looms/weavers. This is part of the National park…read moreservice and is a two floor museum dedicated to the Lowell cotton mill era of the late 19th century to early 20th century. The highlight is the running looms that workers operate daily and create simple cotton fabric that they sell a portion of as dish cloths in the store. Super cute! Upstairs is a traditional museum showing the lives of people in the mills and the guides are more than enthusiastic to tell you more. It's a very nicely restored mill and very cool to see it in operation. Worth the visit and if you're a student, it's just $3 for entry!

A great place to explore butterflies. Great showcases and an entire environment where they fly all…read morearound you

This was a very fun place to take a 3 year old on a dreary, rainy day. We had a lot of fun…read moremarveling we the different kinds of butterflies and we especially enjoyed the bonus quail. The staff inside the butterfly garden were friendly and excited to share information about the different species. Overall, fun but a little expensive for what you get.

I'm not sure how David can say, "If you, too, love small, specialized museums, this is the place…read morefor you," but give it only two stars. This place is great, and I'll second the passion and enthusiasm of the volunteer docents. Russ was on hand for us yesterday, and he was an agreeable guide for us through the exhibits, which are lovingly assembled and curated. I have often wondered about the Middlesex Canal (living not far from its path in Medford), and this museum does a great job of explaining more about it, its route, how it came to be, and its eventual demise.

I have a life long love of museums...large, small, houses, animals, gems, history, science...they…read moreoffer something for everyone. I've seem plenty of small, 'home grown' museums in my life. More often than not, they are founded and maintained by a passionate group allied around a particular interest. Managed on a shoe string budget with lots of volunteers, they cater to a select group but desire to share their love of a subject or event to the world. The Middlesex Canal Museum is one of these establishments. This transportation corridor played an important role in early 19th century Massachusetts. Today, it has virtually disappeared from the landscape. Other than a sign at the Treble Cove Rd. exit on Highway 3, I doubt many even know this Merrimack to Boston canal ever existed. Unfortunately, the museum does little to connect the canal's history and relevancy to the casual viewer. The rooms that make up the museum are a mish-mosh of photos. laminated graphics, maps, text, and other bits. Its such a random assortment that the casual viewer is unlikely to get anything out of a visit. Still, the docents are passionate about the canal's history and do a better job informing a visitor about the canal's significance than any of the stuff on the walls. The mill complex that houses the museum is a nice piece of architecture and sits in a bucolic location along the Concord River. It's also a short walk to the North Billerica commuter rail stop. If you, too, love small, specialized museums, this is the place for you.

A bonsai haven outside the city…read more This was a trip! With all the insane Boston traffic these days, the drive here could very much be a good 4 hours (there and back). But don't get me wrong- this bonsai haven is worth the trip. They are one of the most friendly and experienced bonsai shops around. Just ask for the father-daughter duo, Emmy and Michael! As first time bonsai parents, we were rightfully dubious in our efforts to keep these miniature trees alive. But with the help of Emmy and Michael, we left with a new found confidence in our plant rearing abilities. And I'm happy to report that our baby jade bonsai is still thriving. There are a plethora of bonsai variations; choosing the right one depends on where you plan to keep/plant these beauties (we were told). In the colder months, they have services to take care of your bonsais for you. And it seems like many bonsai owners utilize this service! If you want to supplement your bonsai purchase with a bonsai guide book, fertilizer, soil, you name it- they have it here! If you're ready to commit to a lifelong relationship with a bonsai, I highly recommend stopping by and browsing- this place will definitely have something for everyone! And you'll be in good hands!

Beautiful place! I bought a dwarf jade bonsai at a…read morereasonable price. The team guided us in the bonsai selection and answered all our questions.

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!!!

I went here for the first time this past January, and it was incredible. I immediately became a…read moremember. Highly recommended!