Lawrence
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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).
Get in
Map of Lawrence (Massachusetts)
1 Lawrence Municipal Airport (LWM IATA) (conveniently located off of routes 495 and 125) used primarily for general aviation purposes 
. 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. 2 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
- 1 Essex Art Center, 56 Island Street, ☏ +1 978-685-2343, info@essexartcenter.com.
- 2 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.
- 3 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.
- 4 Methuen Memorial Music Hall, 192 Broadway (Methuen), ☏ +1 978-685-0693.
Do
- 1 Lawrence Heritage State Park, One Jackson Street (Off Canal Street), ☏ +1 978 794-1655. 9AM-4PM. Fishing, boating, bike and walking trails, public programs such as sailing lessons and concerts.
Events
- Bread and Roses Heritage Festival, 200 Common Street (Campagnone (North) Common), ☏ +1 978-309-9740. First Monday in September (Labor Day). 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. Free.
Buy
- 1 Canal Street Antique Store, 181 Canal St # 7. 10AM–5PM. Multi-level antique shop in an old industrial building.
- The Loop, 90 Pleasant Valley St (Methuen), ☏ +1 978-946-9333. M-Sa 10AM-9PM, Su noon-8PM. A basic American shopping mall with some fast food options.
Eat
- 1 Heav'nly Donuts, 137 Pelham St (Methuen), ☏ +1 978-208-1146. M-Sa 4AM-8PM, Su 5AM-8PM. A small local chain of doughnut shops.
Drink
Sleep
- 1 Days Inn, 159 Pelham St (Methuen), ☏ +1 978-686-2971. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. $175-250.
- 2 Holiday Inn Express Andover North-Lawrence, 224 Winthrop Avenue (just off I-495), ☏ +1-978-975-4050. A 126-room hotel that provides a complimentary breakfast and an on-site fitness center.
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.
| Routes through Lawrence |
| Salisbury ← Methuen ← | N  S |
→ North Andover → Lowell |
| Manchester ← Methuen ← | N  S |
→ Andover → Boston |
| END ← | W  E |
→ North Andover → Danvers |
| END ← Haverhill ← | N  S |
→ Andover → Wilmington |