Straddling the line between train and bus, the trolley is an uncommon but marvelous means of getting from A to B. There’s something so nostalgic and charming about hopping on a trolley and cruising around town.

Lowell is one of the only places in Massachusetts where you can have an authentic trolley experience today. Riding on one of these rare vehicles is truly a departure from the everyday, and not to be missed.

The Lowell trolleys first started running in 1864, and stopped operating in the 1930s. However, renewed interest led to the revival of trolley service in Lowell in the 1980s.
Flickr/Liz West
Today, visitors can hop on the charming streetcars and ride along nearly two miles of track. The tracks are operated by the National Park Service.
Flickr/Anne Ruthmann
Best of all, anyone can enjoy the trolleys absolutely free of charge. Two of the trolleys are open-air, which makes traveling through the historic downtown feel like an absolute treat.
Flickr/Liz West
In addition to modern trolleys, Lowell offers some authentic, restored streetcars, such as Trolley 4131.
Flickr/Jasperdo
It’s an enclosed, double-truck trolley car. This style was very popular in the early 20th century.
The interior features some really interesting original advertising.
Flickr/Jasperdo

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There’s also a celebrity on the tracks here. The streetcar “New Orleans No. 966” was a trolley that once service the French Quarter in New Orleans, and inspired “Tennessee Williams' play "A Streetcar Named Desire."
Flickr/Jasperdo
This streetcar was built in 1924, and currently operates between the Market Mills Visitor Center and the Boott Cotton Mill Museum in Lowell National Historical Park.
Flickr/Jasperdo
Interior shot of streetcar 966.
Be sure to stop by the National Streetcar Museum in Lowell to learn about the fascinating history of trolleys in America and locally.
Flickr/Richard Howe
The trolleys usually run seasonally (it’s hard to clear the tracks of snow in the winter), so stop by between March and the end of November.
Flickr/Nigelmenzies
If you can't get enough of Lowell's trolleys, grab a slice at The Trolley Pizzeria on Gorham Street.
Flickr/Liz West

Do you know of any other fantastic train or trolley rides in Massachusetts? Let us know!

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