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 vavigating 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. Visitors with reservations will be notified of a cancellation via phone and cancellations will also be posted to the Lowell National Historical Park Facebook page.

• 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. There are no restroom facilities while on the riverboat or after the boat returns to the dock at the conclusion of the tour.

• No Food, Water Only

  Food is not allowed on tour boats. Water is allowed and encouraged.

Photo Gallery