Merrimack Canal, Power canal in Lowell, Massachusetts.
The Merrimack Canal is a power canal in Lowell, Massachusetts, running from another canal to the Merrimack River. It flows along Dutton Street and divides two sections of Lowell High School with its continuous stream of water.
The waterway was constructed in the 1820s to provide water power for the Merrimack Manufacturing Company's textile mills. This single steep drop became an essential part of the region's early industrial development.
The canal forms part of the Lowell Power Canal System and shows how water shaped the city's industrial operations. Visitors can still observe how the flowing water defined the surrounding landscape and the rhythm of factory work.
The water can be viewed from several points along Dutton Street as it flows through the waterway. Visit during daylight hours to best observe the water movement and the historic industrial buildings that line the route.
Unlike other canals in the Lowell system that lower water in two stages, this waterway releases all its elevation drop in one steep descent. This single large drop made it especially effective at generating power for the mills.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
