Overview
Lawrence is a city in Massachusetts with a population of about 89,000 (2020).
Methuen is a city in Massachusetts with a population of 53,000 (2020).
4 sights · 2 things to do · 1 places to eat · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Lawrence
Duck Bridge
The bridge is an historic through truss bridge carrying South Union Street over the Merrimack River in the middle of downtown Lawrence. The bridge, built by Boston Bridge Works in 1888, is one of the oldest surviving bri…
Lawrence Merrimack Canal
Built for use by the old Lawrence mills and factories. While it is no longer used today and portions of it have become contaminated with waste, the canal itself still has historic value. In addition, the canal is home to…
Methuen Memorial Music Hall
Lawrence Heritage State Park
Fishing, boating, bike and walking trails, public programs such as sailing lessons and concerts.
Bread and Roses Heritage Festival
Celebrating the true spirit of Labor Day, the festival aims to commemorate the "Bread and Roses Strike"; a 1912 event, where 20,000 Lawrence textile workers protested for higher wages. The strike was notable for its succ…
Essex Art Center
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 85°F; winter lows dip to about 16°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Oct and Dec. (climate data from nearby Lowell)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- BED Laurence G Hanscom Field, Bedford — 18 mi away. Directions
- MHT Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, Manchester — 21 mi away. Directions
- BOS Boston Logan International Airport, Boston — 25 mi away (major hub). Directions
Lawrence Municipal Airport. Most domestic and international flights fly into Logan International Airport in Boston and Manchester-Boston Regional Airport in Manchester, New Hampshire, which are both around a half an hour away from Lawrence.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Essex Art Center, Duck Bridge
- Lunch Heav'nly Donuts
- Afternoon Lawrence Merrimack Canal, Lawrence Heritage State Park
Day 2
- Morning Methuen Memorial Music Hall
- Afternoon Bread and Roses Heritage Festival
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
Lawrence Municipal Airport. Most domestic and international flights fly into Logan International Airport in Boston and Manchester-Boston Regional Airport in Manchester, New Hampshire, which are both around a half an hour away from Lawrence.
Interstate 495 runs through the city.
The MBTA offers commuter rail from Boston North station via it' sHaverhill Line. Lawrence MBTA station is located at 211 Merrimack Street, south of the river.
Get around
- The Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority provides bus service for the area. Since Fall 2022, buses run every 30 minutes between 7AM and 6PM weekdays in Lawrence itself, otherwise, bus service is hourly.
See
See Duck Bridge
The bridge is an historic through truss bridge carrying South Union Street over the Merrimack River in the middle of downtown Lawrence. The bridge, built by Boston Bridge Works in 1888, is one of the oldest surviving bridges on the Merrimack, despite being rehabilitated several times. The current structure has been closed to all traffic indefinitely due to safety concerns. However, the bridge could be re-opened after another rehab project, which has been delayed for about two years due to funding concerns.
See Lawrence Merrimack Canal
Built for use by the old Lawrence mills and factories. While it is no longer used today and portions of it have become contaminated with waste, the canal itself still has historic value. In addition, the canal is home to several beautiful historic bridges that once carried access roads to the factories. The canal is immune to filling in due to its heritage.
Do
Events
Do Bread and Roses Heritage Festival
Celebrating the true spirit of Labor Day, the festival aims to commemorate the "Bread and Roses Strike"; a 1912 event, where 20,000 Lawrence textile workers protested for higher wages. The strike was notable for its success with a diverse coalition of ethnic immigrants and many women protesters. Those themes are carried into today; featuring various live music and dance performances, ethnic food, and walking and trolley tours. You'll also encounter historical demonstrations, and speeches by modern organizations fighting for social justice today.
Buy
Eat
Eat Heav'nly Donuts
A small local chain of doughnut shops.
Sleep
Go next
- Lowell, just west of Lawrence, is a good stop because of its many museums and historical attractions.
- Boston to the south and New Hampshire to the north are also good places to visit.
Nearby
Andover
City / town · 45 listings · 4 mi away
Salem
City / town · 6 listings · 6 mi away
Haverhill
City / town · 7 listings · 6 mi away
Groveland
City / town · 7 listings · 8 mi away
Lowell
City / town · 22 listings · 9 mi away
North Reading
City / town · 10 listings · 10 mi away
Wilmington
City / town · 16 listings · 11 mi away
Billerica
City / town · 15 listings · 12 mi away
My experience
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