The Whistler House Museum of Art
Nestled on upscale Kirk Street, the Whistler House Museum of Art is unlike any other museum in Lowell. Built in 1823, this Federal-style row house was once home to famous nineteenth-century painter James McNeill Whistler. Today, it operates as a museum and showcases an impressive collection of Whistler family heirlooms and artwork. Inside, you’ll find several original etchings and lithographs by Whistler himself. Works by other prominent American artists he influenced are also on display, including John Singer Sargent, Childe Hassam, and Joseph Pennell. Beyond Whistler’s personal collection, various rooms replicate what the interior would’ve looked like when he resided there in the 1800s. With its historic preservation and one-of-a-kind art collection, the Whistler House Museum brings you back to a bygone era of Lowell’s history. Getting there: The Whistler House Museum is located at 243 Worthen St, Lowell, MA 01852. Call Charter Bus Lowell at (774) 297-2984 and we’ll pick up your group from anywhere in or around Lowell. Our drivers know the best and quickest routes so you can start exploring as soon as possible.
Lowell National Historical Park
What better way to experience Lowell’s history firsthand than at the Lowell National Historical Park? As Lowell’s old textile mills powered America’s Industrial Revolution in the 19th century, this National Park Service site preserves that legacy today. Spanning over 100 acres, the park includes historic mills, functioning canals, authentic worker housing, and so much more. Must-see stops include: – Boott Cotton Mills Museum – Learn about the dutiful lives of mill girls and visitors. See authentic weave rooms and board looms. – Wannalancit Mills – Marvel at the sheer size of this mill complex, built right along the canals. – Pawtucket Gatehouse – Discover how this small structure controlled canal water flow using its gate system. – The Boarding House Park – Step inside the reconstructed tenement housing of mill workers from the 1800s. At Lowell National Historical Park, your group can dive deep into the history that put this city on the map. Enjoy a scenic stroll along the canals and appreciate how the mills revolutionized American industry. It’s the perfect educational experience. Getting there: The park is centrally located in downtown Lowell at 246 Market St, Lowell, MA 01852. Call (774) 297-2984 and Charter Bus Lowell will provide transportation from anywhere in Lowell or nearby.
New England Quilt Museum
For a distinctly New England experience, visit the New England Quilt Museum in downtown Lowell. As the only museum in the Northeast dedicated exclusively to quilts, it spotlights the artistry and social history behind this traditional craft. The museum boasts an ever-changing selection of quilt exhibits to amaze and inspire visitors. Some of the rare antique and contemporary quilts you may see include: – Colonial era quilts made with painstaking handiwork. Learn about early American quilting styles. – Vintage 20th-century quilts displaying evolving techniques and aesthetics. – Innovative modern quilts that push the art form in new directions. Beyond beautiful displays, the Quilt Museum also offers special events like classes, workshops, and an annual quilt show. These engaging activities let you try your hand at quilting firsthand. With new exhibits arriving constantly, you’re sure to find fresh inspiration around every corner. Getting there: The New England Quilt Museum is located downtown at 18 Shattuck St #202, Lowell, MA 01852. Contact Charter Bus Lowell at (774) 297-2984 to arrange transportation for your quilt-loving group.
Great Falls Discovery Center
Situated along the crashing waterfalls of the mighty Merrimack River sits Great Falls Discovery Center, Lowell’s gateway to outdoor adventure. This National Park visitor center offers interactive exhibits on the river’s ecology and the fascinating history of its canal system. Outside, you’ll find scenic walking paths hugging the riverbanks and waterfalls. Some top highlights at Great Falls Discovery Center include: – Canalways Trail – paved walkway following the historic canals. Enjoy river views and information plaques on Lowell’s past. – Overlook Deck – stand right beside the thundering Great Falls waterfall and feel its power firsthand. – Fishermen’s Trail – 1.5 mile wooded trail with access points ideal for fishing. With its trails, wildlife viewing, and rotating educational exhibits, the Great Falls Discovery Center brings Lowell’s natural side to life. It’s the perfect first stop to any outdoor exploration around Lowell. Getting there: Great Falls Discovery Center is located at 2 Appleton Street, Lowell, MA 01852 right outside downtown. Contact Charter Bus Lowell at (774) 297-2984 and we’ll provide easy transportation for your nature-loving group.
Moonlit Meadows at Arcadian Greens
Nestled on 40 acres of rolling hills and woodlands, Moonlit Meadows at Arcadian Greens offers a serene natural escape right in Lowell’s backyard. This wildlife sanctuary provides care and rehabilitation for farm animals in need. Goats, pigs, chickens, turkeys, ducks, and other creatures roam freely in a stress-free pasture environment. At Moonlit Meadows, you can get up close with friendly resident animals during hands-on educational programs. Kids can join the fun during “Storytime on the Farm”, then meet and feed the animals. You’ll also find scenic walking trails weaving through the property’s lush forests and meadows. For an idyllic afternoon, pack a lunch to picnic under giant oak trees as wildlife grazes around you. Getting there: Moonlit Meadows at Arcadian Greens is located at 728 Broadway St, Dracut, MA 01826, just over Lowell’s northern border. Let Charter Bus Lowell handle transportation by calling (774) 297-2984. We’ll make sure your group enjoys a smooth, direct trip to this quaint wildlife sanctuary.
New England Air Museum
Aviation buffs of all ages will be amazed at New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks, CT. As the largest aviation museum in New England, it boasts a collection of over 100 aircraft showcasing the history of flight. Historic planes you’ll see include the Sikorsky VS-44A “Flying Boat” and the Boeing B-29 Superfortress “Siggy Sue”. Beyond its vast collection, the Air Museum hosts special events like flight simulator experiences, aviation-themed summer camps, STEM education programs, and more. Kids and adults alike will marvel at the vintage aircraft up-close and engage in hands-on activities. For an immersive aviation experience, the New England Air Museum is a must-visit located right outside Lowell. Getting there: New England Air Museum is located at 36 Perimeter Rd, Windsor Locks, CT 06096, about a 40 minute drive from Lowell. Let Charter Bus Lowell provide easy transportation for your group. Call (774) 297-2984 and we’ll arrange a comfortable bus or minibus rental for the short drive over.
Discovery Museum
Discovery Museum in Acton, MA offers the ultimate playground for curious young minds. This children’s museum designed for ages 0-12 integrates STEAM learning into incredibly fun, hands-on exhibits. Kids can build race cars on twisting ramps, control real NASA robot arms, play music in a vibrant SoundSpace, and much more. Parents will love watching their little ones explore, create, and learn through play. With its focus on STEAM learning, the Discovery Museum makes an excellent field trip destination for schools and camps. Special guided programs help kids understand concepts like simple machines, energy, and environmental science. The museum even offers summer STEAM camps to continue the learning and fun. Getting there: Discovery Museum is located at 177 Main Street (Route 27) Acton, MA 01720, a quick 25 minute drive from Lowell. Contact Charter Bus Lowell at (774) 297-2984 and we’ll provide comfortable transportation for your group’s discovery-filled day.
The Butterfly Place
For a truly unique experience, visit The Butterfly Place in Westford, MA. This indoor tropical paradise contains thousands of live, free-flying butterflies from around the world. As you stroll down meandering paths past waterfalls and exotic plants, beautiful wings flutter all around you. Identify different species with on-site guides and watch butterflies emerge from chrysalises in the glass-enclosed nursery. The Butterfly Place also maintains an outdoor garden trail from June through September. On these trails, your group can spot native butterflies and learn how to attract them at home. Kids will love getting lost in this magical botanical world. It’s a wonderful place to appreciate the complexity and beauty of nature. Getting there: The Butterfly Place is located at 60 Tyngsborough Rd, Westford, MA 01886, around 20 minutes north of Lowell. Let Charter Bus Lowell handle transportation for your visit. Call (774) 297-2984 to book a comfortable bus rental for the short drive over.
Fruitlands Museum
History and art enthusiasts will adore Fruitlands Museum in Harvard, MA. This former transcendentalist commune provides a window into 19th century life. Tour the historic Fruitlands farmhouse and learn about its founders like writer Louisa May Alcott. Outside, walking trails wind through fields and forests, passing Native American sites along the way. The museum also displays a world-class collection of American and European fine art. Works range from Hudson River School landscape paintings to Impressionist still lifes. Special exhibitions rotate in featuring different artists and movements. With its blend of history, nature, and art, Fruitlands Museum is a true hidden gem just 30 minutes from Lowell. Getting there: Fruitlands Museum is located at 102 Prospect Hill Rd, Harvard, MA 01451. Let Charter Bus Lowell simplify transportation to this unique attraction. Contact us at (774) 297-2984 to book a bus rental for your history-loving crew.
Plan Your Trip With Charter Bus Lowell
As you can see, Lowell offers no shortage of amazing hidden attractions off the beaten path. From US National Parks and hands-on children’s museums to fine art collections and wildlife sanctuaries, Lowell provides unique destinations for every interest. Don’t let transportation challenges stop your group from experiencing Lowell’s hidden gems. Charter Bus Lowell provides modern, comfortable bus rentals to handle transportation so you can focus on fun and discovery. Our team transports groups safely and easily around Lowell and surrounding areas like Boston/Cambridge, southern NH, and more. Ready to start planning? Contact Charter Bus Lowell at (774) 297-2984 anytime to receive a free quote for your group’s trip. We look forward to helping your next Lowell adventure come to life!