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.

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.

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 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!

Extremely helpful staff and loads of interactive exhibits alongside their staff led tours. The…read moremuseum was well laid out and had good amenities aswell as it was kept very clean. Lots of great information and history, I would certainly recommend to anyone interested in Lowell's history. The only suggestion I would make it perhaps arrows guiding towards the next exhibit but the layout is relatively easy to manage. The atmosphere was also very comfortable thanks to the kind workers. The interior is likely very accessible to wheelchairs but the approach from the parking lot could be difficult.

I recently visited the Boott Cotton Mills Museum, and it was a memorable experience. Upon entering,…read moreI was greeted and assisted with everything I needed. The staff were courteous, incredibly willing to help, and understanding of what I wanted to gain from the experience. I enjoyed seeing the array of textile machines and understanding the intricacies of their designs. I also appreciated the background historical information of the girls that worked there and their conditions. Though the museum is quaint, it holds a surprising amount of knowledge, history, and insight. I would 100% recommend visiting the museum if in the area or interested in the period of history.

The people were so friendly and nice! The butterflies are a-maz-ing! The displays are beautifully…read moredone. Informative and overall peaceful.

Pros) Very beautiful place butterfly's are so beautiful I appreciate a place like this that has…read morebutterflies you can tell the butterflies are treated very well Cons) it is very small out dated a little could use more flowers some places look a little spotty could use more interesting flowers and it was really hot so definitely come on a day that isn't so hot it could use more decor or something

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.

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.

Knowledgeable staff, huge variety of trees both established and pre-bonsai. Reasonable prices for…read moreall. These trees take years, sometimes decades to train and grow! They even have classes to yeah you the art of bonsai.

what a hidden gem. absolutely gorgeous bonsai and chock full on the property too. I was blown away,…read moreeven with this extremely hot summer tons of beauties were out in the open air and then all the greenhouses full as well. I'll be back asap plus the staff was so welcoming.

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!