Riverboat Tour
Lowell National Historical Park Tours
Join a ranger for a 60-minute guided tour along the Merrimack River on the Francis Cabot Lowell Riverboat. Experience Lowell from a different perspective and discover the stories of the people who made the river their home throughout the centuries. Take in the view at the Pawtucket Falls Dam and learn about how Lowell's landscape changed and developed around it.
Select a date to see a list of times
Need to Know
- Boat Safety
All boats are equipped with water safety equipment, including lifejackets for adults and youth. We do not require lifejackets to be worn on tours, but they are available for use if necessary.
- Accessibility
The riverboat is not wheelchair accessible for boarding. Boarding the boat requires navigating up and down approximately 10 steps. Visitors who have some mobility and have a wheelchair, walker, etc. will be able to stow their folded items. Boarding tour boats may involve walking on uneven ground, including grassy, wood, brick, and granite surfaces, as well as floating or stationary boat docks. Passengers must exercise caution and follow the safety instructions of the tour ranger and boat crew members.
- Weather & Cancellations
Tours will proceed rain or shine but may be cancelled due to severe weather or water conditions.
- Location & Parking
Tours will begin at the UMass Lowell Bellegarde Boathouse located at 500 Pawtucket Blvd, Lowell, MA 01854.
Free parking is available in the adjacent parking area for the Vandenberg Esplanade and along the shoulder of Pawtucket Boulevard.
- Arrival Time
Visitors should plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to the 4:00 p.m. tour start time. Gates will close promptly at 4:01 p.m.
- Restrooms
Public restrooms at the Bellegarde Boathouse will be available before the boat departs and upon return if requested. There are no restroom facilities available on the riverboat.
- No Food, Water Only
Food is not allowed on tour boats. Water is allowed and encouraged.
