Varnum Park
Rate this placeNearby: Monahan Playground Pleasant Street
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Varnum Park is a picturesque destination located in the state of Massachusetts, offering visitors a variety of reasons to explore its natural beauty and recreational activities.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Nestled in the city of Lowell, the park provides a serene escape from the bustling urban atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
One of the primary reasons to visit Varnum Park is its stunning waterfront location along the Merrimack River. The park features a riverside promenade that offers breathtaking views of the river and the surrounding landscape. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks or bike rides along the paved paths, or simply relax on the park benches while admiring the peacefulness of the water.
A notable point of interest within the park is the Belvidere Boathouse, a historic building that dates back to the late 19th century. This picturesque structure adds charm to the park's ambiance and offers a glimpse into its rich history. The boathouse has served as a hub for various recreational activities over the years, including rowing, canoeing, and kayaking.
Varnum Park also hosts a range of events and activities throughout the year, making it an engaging destination for visitors. The park's open grassy areas provide space for picnics, outdoor games, and family gatherings. Moreover, during the warmer months, the park hosts concerts, festivals, and cultural events, adding a vibrant atmosphere to the surroundings.
Interesting facts about Varnum Park and its vicinity include its proximity to the Lowell National Historical Park, which preserves and interprets the city's significant role in the American Industrial Revolution. Visitors can explore historic textile mills, learn about the city's past, and gain insights into the industrial heritage of the region.
The best time of year to visit Varnum Park is during the spring and summer months when the weather is mild and conducive to outdoor activities. The park comes alive with vibrant foliage, blooming flowers, and abundant wildlife during this time. Additionally, the various events and festivals held in the park during this period offer an opportunity to immerse oneself in the local culture and community.
Please note that while this information has been compiled from multiple independent sources, it is always recommended to verify details and check for any updates before planning a visit to Varnum Park in Massachusetts.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Monahan Playground
Pleasant Street
Hovey Park
Cage Park
Hovey Playground