Explore Charming Lowell

Lowell Area Historical Museum

Located in the historic 1873 Graham Home (which is on the National Register of Historic Places), the Lowell Area Historical Museum features exhibits on the area’s early history, industry and fur trade as well as a changing exhibit gallery. It also incorporates a beautiful Victorian parlor, dining room, porch and garden. Open 1-4pm Tue, Thu & Sat. 325 W Main St.

The Old Theater

Originally built in 1928 as The Strand Theater, The Old Theater operated as a movie house (with some vaudeville acts thrown in early on) until 1985. Today, it hosts a clean comedy show the second Saturday of each month and a variety of weekly dances in addition to other special events. 315 W Main St.

LowellArts

LowellArts connects artists and audiences through the visual and performing arts. It hosts rotating art exhibits in its gallery, presents several plays a year in its theatre, offers a variety of creative classes for all ages and organizes the 10-week Sizzlin’ Summer Concert Series and Fallasburg Arts Festival. 223 W Main St.

Flat River Gallery and Framing

Shop for fine art and home gifts at this cooperative gallery of 20+ local artists. The space is filled with works in virtually every kind of media, from oils and acrylics to jewelry and bath products. The Gallery also offers a variety of art-making classes as well as custom framing services. 219 W Main St.

Lowell Showboat

The Lowell Showboat began as a civic project to attract people to downtown Lowell during the Great Depression. Almost 100 years – and six rebuilt boats – later, it remains the city’s most iconic entertainment venue. Today, it is the backdrop for Lowell’s annual Sizzlin’ Summer Concert Series and the home of Santa Claus for onboard December visits. Stroll by it anytime at 110 Riverwalk Plaza.

Fallasburg Historical Society

The Fallasburg Historical Society maintains Fallasburg Village, founded on the banks of the Flat River in the 1830s by pioneer John Wesley Fallass. The Village includes a one-room schoolhouse, cemetery, the Fallas House and Misner House museums, and the Orlin Douglass/Tower Farm. The schoolhouse is open from 2-4pm most Sundays from June–September, or by appointment. Each July, a Village Celebration includes music, games, food, a car show, educational opportunities and more. 13944 Covered Bridge Rd.

Fallasburg Covered Bridge

One of only three covered bridges open to vehicle traffic in Michigan, the picturesque Fallasburg Covered Bridge stretches 100 feet long over the Flat River and stands 14-ft. wide by 12-ft. high. It is the entryway to Fallasburg Village and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 1124 Fallasburg Park Dr.

GQT Ada-Lowell 5

GQT Ada-Lowell 5 delivers movies, munchies and memories with a focus on customer care, cleanliness and value – adult evening ticket prices are no higher than $9.75 and Tuesday tickets are just $5.50. Featuring five screens, all with digital projection and powered recliner seating. 2175 W Main St.

Retro Electric Arcade

You don’t have to feed quarters into the 40+ vintage arcade games and pinball machines at Retro Electric Arcade – instead, you pay one admission price to play all the games you want. Includes a nostalgic collectibles shop, too. Recommended for ages 8+. 2pm-7pm Wed-Thu, 2pm-9pm Fri, noon-9pm Sat & noon-6pm Sun. 2163 W Main St.

Children’s Village Café

Children’s Village Café provides a safe and interactive environment for children to explore, have fun and learn through play. It offers a variety of classes for toddlers, including arts and crafts, yoga, cooking, science, and baby sign language, and it has a sensory room designed for overstimulated children to relax and unwind. Open play hours are 9am-1pm Mon-Fri, 5pm-7pm Tue, Thu & Sat, and 10am-noon Sat-Sun. 505 W Main St.

Heidi’s Farmstand & Bakery

Step inside the Heidi’s Farmstand country store to shop for just-picked produce and farm goods, and just-baked donuts, pastries, pies, breads and more. Fall brings a pumpkin patch and 10-acre maze with two different challenge levels. Open May-December. 11999 Cascade Rd.

The Orchards at Red Barn

A fifth-generation family farm, The Orchards at Red Barn features a farm store, bakery, ice cream parlor, café, gift barn, petting farm, children’s play area, u-pick and fresh-picked produce, fresh donuts daily, the Painted Turtle Hard Cider Tasting Room and more. Open year ‘round; hours vary seasonally. 3550 Alden Nash Ave NE.

James C. Veen Observatory

This fully equipped, multifaceted educational, research and sky observing center houses three major telescopes and hosts public viewing nights on select Saturdays from April-October. Along with the observatory telescopes, Grand Rapids Amateur Astronomical Association members set up their own telescopes so that visitors can view the splendors of the night sky. Visitors can tour the facility and enjoy a presentation about the history of the GRAAA and the James C. Veen Observatory. 3308 Kissing Rock Ave SE.

Kent District Library – Englehardt Branch

Established as a public library in 1878, the Lowell branch library has the longest continuous history of any Kent District Library branch. In addition to a vast collection of books, the library offers public computers, a teen space, free printing, used book sales, community events and more. 200 N Monroe St.

Wittenbach Wege AgriScience Center

The WWC consists of 150 acres with 5 miles of trails and serves as an outdoor classroom for Lowell Area Schools, the greater Lowell community, and students and families in surrounding areas. Dogs are welcome on trails if leashed. The Visitor Center is stocked with information about local flora and fauna. Trails are open every day during daylight hours. 11715 Vergennes St SE

Olin Farm

This family farm opens to the public in fall for hayrides, corn mazes, u-pick pumpkins and more. 10991 Vergennes St SE.

B.C. Pizza

Lowell franchise of a Boyne City, Michigan-based chain, B.C. Pizza offers a broad menu of specialty pizzas, salads and subs, plus build-your-own pasta.11am-9pm Sun-Thu and 11am-10pm Fri-Sat. 1335 W. Main St.

Culver’s of Lowell

Lowell franchise of the Culver’s fast casual restaurant chain famous for its butter burgers and frozen custard. 10:30am-10pm daily. 1245 W Main St.

Mynt Fusion Bistro

Bringing an authentic taste of Southeast Asia to Lowell, Mynt Fusion Bistro offers such dishes as tempura, teriyaki, chow mein, pad Thai and more, all made with pure spices, fresh herbs and ingredients sourced from local farmers markets. Serves vegan dishes and has a kid’s menu. 11am-8pm Mon-Fri and 4-8pm Sat. 800 W Main St.

Little Caesars Pizza

Local franchise of the national Little Caesar’s chain headquartered in Detroit. 11am-10pm daily. 505 W Main St.

New Union Brewery

Community-driven microbrewery/taproom offers a variety of handcrafted beers. Food trucks are often on site at New Union Brewery, or you can bring your own food. 3-9pm Tue-Thu, 3-10pm Fri, noon-10pm Sat and noon-8pm Sun. 400 W Main St.

Easy Street Restaurant and Bar

Boasting great views of the Flat River, The Lowell Showboat and the streets of downtown Lowell, Easy Street is “where good friends gather” for great American cuisine, cocktails and live music every Fri and Sat. 4-10pm Mon-Thu and 4pm-midnight Fri-Sat. 123 W Main St.

Flat River Grill

Flat River Grill is a neighborhood restaurant comprised of two unique spaces: the dining room, housed within the first floor of the Bergin building (est. 1931), and a four-season patio, which is situated alongside the Flat River and the historic Lowell Showboat. The menu is highlighted by line-caught fish, grass-fed beef, wood-fired pizza and an impressive variety of wood-grilled burgers. 11:30am-9pm Mon-Thu, 11:30am-10pm Fri-Sat and 11:30am-8pm Sun. 201 E Main St.

Main Street BBQ

Enjoy 100% wood-fired BBQ while you watch sports on large screen TVs. Main Street BBQ has a full bar and a 20-tap system focusing on Michigan micro-brews. Vegetarian dishes are also available. 11am-9pm Mon-Thu, 11am-10pm Fri-Sat and 11am-4pm Sun. 210 E Main St.

Sneaker’s

Hometown family restaurant/bar serves an assortment of burgers, sandwiches and salads. Sneaker’s offers lots of daily specials and draft beer, too. 3-9pm Mon, 11am-9pm Tue-Fri and 11:30am-9pm Sat. 211 E Main St.

Sweet Seasons Bakery & Café

This bright and cozy bakery and coffee shop serves up from-scratch pastries, espresso drinks with locally roasted coffee, and light breakfast & lunch. Sweet Seasons is open from 7am-4:30pm Mon-Fri and 8am-1pm Sat. 307 E Main St.

Big Boiler Brewing

Big Boiler Brewing offers its own craft beers on tap, plus spirits and signature cocktails. The food menu includes burgers, handhelds, salads and a few entrees – including several mac & cheese versions. 11am-9pm Mon-Thu, 11am-10pm Fri-Sat and 11am-8pm Sun. 318 E Main St Ste B.

Frosty Boy of Lowell

Frosty Boy serves all the ice cream classics: soft serve, hand-dipped, flurries, shakes, sundaes, slushes, smoothies, etc. They also offer broaster chicken pieces and meals, hot dogs, chicken strips, fries, chips and cheese, and more. Summer hours are 11:30am-10pm daily. 503 E Main St.

Keiser’s Kitchen

Run by the same family since 1945, Keiser’s Kitchen serves delicious food “just like Grandma used to make.” 7am-2pm Mon-Thu, 7am-7pm Fri, 7am-1pm Sat and 8am-1pm Sun. 700 E Main St.

Easy Street Restaurant and Bar

Boasting great views of the Flat River, The Lowell Showboat and the streets of downtown Lowell, Easy Street is “where good friends gather” for great American cuisine, cocktails and live music every Fri and Sat. 4-10pm Mon-Thu and 4pm-midnight Fri-Sat. 123 W Main St.

Jet’s Pizza

Lowell franchise of the Jet’s Detroit-style pizza chain. 11am-9pm Mon-Thu, 11am-11pm Fri-Sat and noon-9pm Sun. 11635 Fulton St E, Ste 400.

Biggby Coffee

Lowell location of East Lansing, Michigan-based Biggby Coffee features a variety of coffee and tea drinks, “bragel” sandwiches, muffins and to-go selections. 5:30am-8pm Mon-Thu, 5:30am-9pm Fri-Sat and 6am-8pm Sun. 11826 Fulton St SE Ste B.

Starbucks

Lowell location of the Starbucks coffee chain. 5:30am-7:30pm Mon-Sat and 6:30am-7:30pm Sun, 11921 Fulton St E.

Liam’s Be Café

Nonprofit coffee shop offers meaningful employment to people with intellectual disabilities. Liam’s Be Café serves coffee and tea drinks, hot chocolate and baked goods, and is named after Lowell resident Liam Doyle, who worked as a Barista at the Brody’s Be Café in Ada before this store was opened in 2024. Open Mon-Fri; hours vary by season. 1150 N. Hudson.

Painted Turtle Hard Cider Tasting Room

Serving hard cider handcrafted from apples grown and harvested from a 5^th generation family farm in Lowell, the Painted Turtle Tasting Room is located at the Orchards at Red Barn. 3550 Alden Nash Ave NE.

Sabor Mexicano

Sabor Mexicano translates to “Taste of Mexico” and that’s just what you’ll enjoy here – authentic dishes made to order and loaded with genuine south-of-the-border flavors. Nachos start with a bed of homemade chips, quesabirria tacos come with a tasty consommé for dipping, elote is a grilled Mexican street corn served on the cob … and there’s so much more to choose from.109 Riverside Dr.

Showboat City Social District

Much of Main St. in downtown Lowell is part of the Showboat City Social District, which enables visitors to purchase food and beverages from participating businesses and enjoy them outdoors in an area covering five blocks of the city’s historic downtown. The Social District is open from 4-10pm Mon-Fri, noon-10pm Sat and noon-8pm Sun. See a map.

Sizzlin’ Summer Concerts

The Sizzlin’ Summer Concert Series is an annual 10-week series of live musical performances on Tuesday evenings from June-August. Concerts are family-friendly and wheelchair-accessible. Bring a chair or take a seat in the bleachers. Takes place on the Riverwalk Plaza by the Lowell Showboat.

Easy Street Restaurant and Bar

In addition to great American cuisine and cocktails, Easy Street offers live music every Fri and Sat. 123 W Main St.

Arrowhead Golf Course

With 18 holes that wind through wooded country terrain with plenty of natural elevation changes, Arrowhead offers a unique blend of value, quality and playability. Holes 11 and 18 are known as two of the toughest in the state. Dynamic pricing model means that rates fluctuate based on demand, availability, course maintenance and other variables. 2170 Alden Nash.

Bradford Dickinson White Nature Preserve

With rolling terrain, a cold-water stream and a meandering trail, Bradford Dickinson White Nature Preserve provides habitat for a multitude of wildlife and serves as a natural area for people to enjoy and learn. The trail leads hikers through tall stands of pine and majestic oak-hickory forests, providing panoramic glimpses of the wetland below. 12589 36^th St. SE.

Creekside Park

 22-acre Creekside Park includes three little league baseball fields, one softball field, one large and two small soccer fields, a beach volleyball court, two horseshoe pits, wooden play structure and a community garden. A large picnic shelter is available to reserve for private functions. Restrooms. 1550 Gee Dr.

Fallasburg Park

With its scenic river frontage and historic character, Fallasburg Park is a favorite location for group activities, weddings, community events and other recreational pursuits. The park features a covered bridge across the Flat River, an iconic shelterhouse, picturesque picnic areas and a disc golf course. The park’s expansive natural area includes hiking trails, including a segment of the North Country National Scenic Trail. 1124 Fallasburg Park Dr NE.

Fred Meijer River Valley Rail Trail

Lowell is located in the middle of the 125-mile Fred Meijer regional state rail trail network that begins in Owosso and ends in Alma. From Lowell, the trail continues north through Smyrna, Belding and Greenville, and then east to Alma. You can also take it east 62 miles to Saranac, Ionia and eventually Owosso. The trail features a variety of paved and crushed asphalt surfaces.

Grand River Riverfront Park

The 80-acre Grand River Riverfront Park consists of two sections, North and South, joined by a walking bridge over the Grand River. North facilities include pickleball courts, a small playground, gaga ball pit and seasonal ice cream shop. The South features a canoe launch, two softball fields, a lacrosse field, eight soccer fields and a playground. There’s also a mile-long paved/natural path, Grand River scenic overlook and fishing pier, and a large picnic shelter with restrooms. 12570 Grand River Dr SE.

Lowell Area Trailway

The Lowell Area Trailway is a non-motorized trail system that currently includes 3.2 miles of paved trail. The trail connects to parks, schools, and hiking trails, and there are numerous places to park for access. 11715 Vergennes St SE.

McMahon Park

This quiet park offers a grassy area and a few benches.  The hillside along the city’s water reservoir can be used for sledding in winter. McMahon Park is a perfect place to spend time reading, meditating or just soaking up nature. 830 Shepard Dr SE.

North Country Trail

The North Country Trail is the longest National Scenic Trail within the National Trails System, stretching 4,800 miles across eight states from North Dakota to Vermont. The trail passes through Lowell and the city is also home to the North Country Trail Association National Headquarters and Trail shop (229 E Main St) – stop by for info, maps and merchandise from 10am-4pm Mon-Fri.

Recreation Park

Located along the northwest corner of the confluence of the Flat River and the Grand River, Recreation Park includes a lighted ball field, walking trails, benches, picnic tables, rustic camping sites and a boat launch on the Grand River. You can fish along the banks of both rivers. 301 East Main St.

Richards Park

One block from the Flat River, 1.6-acre Richards Park has playground equipment and a grassy expanse perfect for a picnic. In the winter months the park offers gently sledding slopes for children and a small outdoor ice rink. 320 N Hudson St SE,

Scout Park

Facilities at Scout Park include a Boy Scout Cabin that was constructed in the 1950s, hiking trails with excellent views of the Flat River and fishing access from the riverbanks. The park is adjacent to the Lowell State Game Area and the North Country National Scenic Trail passes through the property. 1047 N Washington Rd SE.

Stoney Lakeside Park and Dog Park

Located along the Grand River, 27-acre Stoney Lakeside Park offers opportunities for swimming, fishing, and non-gas-powered boating. Facilities include a beach, sand volleyball area, small boat launch into Stoney Lake, restrooms, a recently constructed playground, two horseshoe pits, a skateboard park and a 31,000-square-foot fenced dog park. 1451 Bowes Rd.

Water Trails

Lowell is located at the confluence of the Flat River and the Grand River and is a part of the Grand River Water Trail that includes 252 miles of river trail from Jackson to Grand Haven. Access to the Grand River is available at a boat launch located at the fairgrounds (13801 Cascade Rd SE). For the Flat River, there is a boat launch and handicap-accessible kayak launch located just north of the Lowell Showboat in the heart of downtown.

Antiques

Red Barn Mercantile. Antiques and collectibles plus wine, local honey and maple syrup, Cherry Republic goods, Schuil coffee, past and more. Noon-5pm Tue, 11am-5pm Wed-Fri, 10am-5pm Sat and noon-4pm Sun. 217 W Main St.

Flat River Antique Emporium. Antiques and vintage collectibles, from furniture to postcards. 11am-5pm Thu-Fri, 10am-6pm Sat and 11am-5pm Sun.  216 S Main St.

North Star Antiques. Buys, sells and consigns antiques and collectibles, from furniture and jewelry to books and glassware. 10am-5pm Mon, 10am-6pm Tue-Fri, 10am-5pm Sat and noon-5pm Sun.  211 W Main St.

Journeys Time Antiques & Treasures. Offers a vast collection of a little bit of everything. 1-5pm Fri-Sun. 209 W Main St.

Books, Comics, Cards & Games

Rookies Sportscards Plus. Hobby shop features all manner of sports cards, comic books and games. 10am-6:30pm Mon, Wed & Fri, 1-6:30pm Thu, 10am-5pm Sat and noon-5pm Sun. 106 SW Main St.

Bettie’s Pages. “The coolest, queerest and best little bookstore in Lowell” offers new and used books and hosts book fairs and other events. 11am-6pm Tue-Fri, 10am-6pm Sat and noon-4pm Sun. 11635 Fulton St E.

Clothing

Lavender & Lace Boutique. High-end women’s clothing, fun gifts and home décor.11am-3pm Mon, 11am-5pm Tue-Fri and 10am-5m Sat. 204 W Main St.

Bella Grace Boutique. Trendy, affordable fashion for women of all shapes and sizes. 11am-3pm Tue, 11am-6pm Wed and 11am-5pm Thu-Sat. 200 W Main St.

Milo’s Kid’s Clothing Swap & Boutique. Shop for gently used kid’s clothing and exchange your own for store credit or cash. 11am-6pm Wed-Thu, 11am-7pm Fri-Sat and noon-5-pm Sun.  96 E Main St.

WearForward. Zero-waste consignment shop for trendy, eco-conscious women. Noon- 6pm Sun-Mon and 11am-7pm Tue-Sat. 207 E Main St.

Food

Lowell Area Farmers Market. Local veggies, fruits, honey, syrup, cheese, breads and more, available 2-7pm every Thursday from June-September. Held along the Riverwalk in downtown Lowell.

Gary’s Country Meats. Old-fashioned, family-owned butcher shop offers fresh beef, pork, chicken and custom cuts, plus homemade jerky and sausage, deli meats, cheeses and salads. 9am-6pm Tue-Fri and 9am-4pm Sat. 205 E Main St.

Home Décor & Gifts

Nera Wix Candle Bar. Create your own custom candle and shop for all-natural soaps and bath balms. 11am-7pm Wed-Sat and 1-5pm Sun. 216 E Main St.

MI Hometown Furnishings. Family-owned store stocks furniture for every room in the house and offers interior design services. 10am-6pm Mon-Sat. 312 E Main St.

Jewelry

Chimera Design. Handcrafted jewelry, estate jewelry and repairs. Noon-6pm Tue-Fri, 10am-4pm Sat. 208 E Main St.

Sporting Goods

Fish & Finn Outfitters & Consignment. New and used fishing, hunting, biking, boating, camping and sporting goods gear. 11am-7pm Tue-Fri, 9am-40m Sat and 9am-2pm Sun. 98 E Main St.

Miscellaneous

Market on Main. Shop sidewalk sales lining historic downtown Lowell. Held the second Saturday of every May, August and September. 10am-5pm.

Bernard’s Ace Hardware. For all your grill, hardware, home improvement, lawn and garden, and tool needs. 8am-6pm Mon-Sat and 10am-4pm Sun. 1601 W Main St.

Showboat Spirits and Fine Wine. Family-owned business featuring craft beer, spirits, and fine wines. 11am-10pm Mon, 10am-10pm Tue-Thu, 10am-11pm Fri-Sat and noon-7pm Sun. 213 E Main St.

Snow Avenue Greenhouse. Specializing in beautiful planters and colorful hanging baskets. Seasonal hours. 3295 Snow Ave SE.

Treasures Thrift Shop. Gently used clothing, home goods and more, with weekly sales and a clearance section. All proceeds benefit Flat River Outreach Ministries. 10am-6pm Mon-Fri and 10am-2pm Sat. 11535 Fulton St E.

Main Street Inn

Cozy Main Street Inn overlooks the Flat River in downtown Lowell and has seven guest rooms with private baths. Friendly, accommodating staff and easy on-street parking. 117 W Main St.

River Edge Bed and Breakfast & Gathering Place

Rivers Edge boasts an 1880s farmhouse situated on over 100 acres of mature spruce and pine forest, tall prairie grass, numerous trails and nearly one mile of private frontage on the Flat River. 86 Flat River Dr.

Lowell Pride Festival

Launched in 2020, the Lowell Pride Festival takes place along the Riverwalk and downtown Lowell and features local vendors, delicious food, live entertainment and more. In June (Pride Month) each year.

Riverwalk Festival

Three-day family fun festival in downtown Lowell includes a ducky derby, marketplace, kidz zone, kayak/SUP/canoe race, 5K run, food booths and food trucks, live entertainment and more. The Riverwalk Festival is held each July.

Fallasburg Arts Festival

The Fallasburg Arts Festival features 100 unique fine art and fine craft booths, food booths, a children's craft area, craft demonstrations and music performed on an outdoor stage. Held in Fallasburg Park (1124 Fallasburg Park Dr NE) over two days in September.

Harvest Celebration

Enjoy a leisurely stroll through beautiful, historic Lowell and browse the Autumn Marketplace on Main for crafts, antiques, repurposed treasures, home-grown food and great restaurants. The October event also includes a 5K run, live entertainment, pancake breakfast, chili cookoff and more.

Christmas Through Lowell

More than 60 magically unique homes and businesses, and 350+ artists and crafters participate in this three-day November event. You’ll find hand-made treasures, Christmas decorations, folk art and fine art, antiques and re-found treasures, primitives and garden art, wood products, ceramics, leather goods, crocheted and knitted crafts, hand-crafted purse, bags and totes, home-made rugs, and quilts, and much, much more!

Kent County Youth Fair

Each summer, the Kent County Youth Fair provides an exciting opportunity for young people to showcase their animals, artworks and projects to 40,000 patrons. This six-day event takes place at 13801 Cascade Rd SE.