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!

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.

Excellent place to visit as they talk about the historical impact of millwork on Lowell and how it…read moretransformed the lives of ordinary teenage girls/women in a time where they had almost no economic opportunity. The looms themselves are turned on several times a day so that visitors can experience the loudness of the looms and how fast the weaving takes place. (You do need the ear plugs.) Bathrooms are renovated and are available on both floors. This will take between 1 - 2 hours. The admission fee is $6 for adults.

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 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.

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.