kerouac park

It would be a neat place if all the local Crack Heads and Pot Smokers didn't rally up there. Lowell has a lot of character but the police haven't cleaned up the touristy areas enough.

The impression of the park fits to the appearance of a dilapidated city. Those responsible Lowell politicians should be ashamed. Visitors to the city I would only advise you to visit the grave of Jack Kerouac. Forget about the filthy rest...

I'm not sure what some of the other reviewers were expecting - but I think this place does a good job of honouring Kerouac. It sits in the middle of downtown, at the crossroads of two 19th century mills - with a canal alonside. Based on my understanding of him, this spot would have been very much a part of his wheelhouse growing up in Lowell - it is not that pretty but I think the location captures the essence of the town - 'creeps' and all. In my humble view, the architects did a remarkable job and the city thought this through very well.

This "tribute" was a joke and a complete afterthought. Someone needs to rethink this. It is not well maintained. The day we were there we couldn't even read the monuments because they were wet and the letters blended in with the stone. With the new "On The Road" movie coming out and what will likely be a resurgence of interest in Kerouac, the public will not be kind to Lowell and their treatment of this American icon. This is a case of where it would probably be better to either move it or close it just to avoid the embarrassment of crushing the expectations of those who tour it.

I've lived in Lowell for 20 years... Nothing special. Ever. Unless you're someone who REALLY appreciates history, don't come here.

In keeping with a soul who was not materialistic this small and shady nook of a park in downtown Lowell is an understatement of monuments to a great American icon. If you can navigate the uneven pavement and get the thugs who hang out there to move along so you can read the plaquues, you might have a moment to reflect on the life of the Beat Generations daddio! Don't linger too long, you don't want to get caught up in the deal that is going down within ear shot...

Unless you're a big Keruoac fan, skip this place. It is a tiny park without much to see. If you're heading to Boarding House Park, maybe you can walk through, but otherwise just drive by and wave.

Please don't be adversely swayed by the review below that tells you to go elsewhere for your Kerouac Pilgrimage. Anyone who knows Kerouac will know that Lowell is NOT a yuppie town, which is obviously what that reviewer is used to. It doesn't even have a Starbucks downtown! Lowell is a sweet quaint city that is full of history and great restaurants. Kerouac Park is a lovely place to sit and read some Kerouac, or just think. It is worth the trip, especially in October for the annual Lowell Celebrates Kerouac festival.

Every visit to Lowell must include a few hours at Kerouac Park. A serene, beautiful atmosphere, surrounded by the beautiful words of Jack Kerouac. Wow.

My wife and I drove from Boston to Lowell this past weekend, as I have always been a fan of Kerouac after reading On the Road many years ago. The outdated website about Lowell Celebrates Kerouac and quizzical looks from Boston natives when we told them we were driving to Lowell should have been a sign. Although we knew Lowell to be an impoverished town with high unemployment, we were unprepared for what we encountered. The monument is located in a downtown area, but many of the nearby shops are closed or boarded up. Everything, to include the monument itself, is run down; a sign of the decline of Lowell after WWII. The granite facades of the monument itself are crumbling and not well maintained. My wife and I were accosted by a junkie while walking along the street near the monument, and the park itself appeared to be a place where young homeless folks hang out. I would not recommend this place for people traveling alone, with children, or, well, for anyone until the city cleans the place up. Unfortunately for Lowell (and fans of Kerouac), this will probably not be for a very long time, current economic crisis considered. Stay away and spend the day reading On the Road again instead. Your time will be much better spent.

If you've read On the Road or any other Kerouac, this small park/memorial is a must see. It consists of a dozen or so large stone tables engraved with selections from K's works -- many Lowell related. It's quite effective in creating a contemplative atmosphere. We visited as part of a larger tour of the Lowell Historical Park. This park is along the route of one the walking tours. Plan 20/30 minutes depending how big a fan you are.