Explore Lowell Michigan

The charming town of Lowell, Michigan, also known as the Showboat City, is nestled about 20 minutes east of Grand Rapids and boasts a wide variety of dining options and activities. Whether you’re new to the area or stopping by for the day, here’s a list of fun things you can enjoy in the quaint city of Lowell.

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Eat in Lowell

With Lowell’s wide array of dining options, everyone is bound to find exactly what they’re craving. Flat River Grill, a neighborhood restaurant that’s part of the Gilmore Group, highlights wood-fired entrées, such as the Rustic Grilled Cheese, Flat River Burger, or one of their many wood-fired pizza options. Enjoy your meal in one of the two unique dining spaces or on the four-season patio nestled along the Flat River and the famous Lowell Showboat. Make sure you head over on Wednesdays for their Wine Down Wednesday’s deal or their happy hour deals Tuesday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Get more information on their Wednesday special or take a look at their menu by clicking here.

If you’re craving more of a fall-off-the-bone, low and slow-cooked barbecue meal, head over to Main Street BBQ. Most of their menu is smoked for 12 plus hours and comes with mouthwatering sides and homemade dry rubs and sauces. Kick your taste buds into overdrive with their Spicy Main Street Sauce or devour the satisfying Kansas City Sweet Sauce. Check out their weekly specials including Ramen Day on Monday, Taco Tuesday, and Build Your Own Mac n Cheese Bowl on Thursdays!  

Click here for more information on their menu and hours.

Whatever satisfies your cravings, everyone is sure to find something to enjoy. Your taste buds will be ignited with the wide variety of cuisine that the city has to offer.

For a full list of restaurants, click here.

Shop in Lowell

Stop in to one of the city’s many shops on Main Street in Lowell, Michigan. Whether you enjoy perusing through antique shops, shopping at local boutiques, or picking up some charming home furnishings, make sure you take some time to explore the shops in Lowell’s downtown district.

Lavender & Lace, a local, high-end boutique is one of the many shops you can check out in downtown Lowell. This family-owned brick-and-mortar was started as an online shop by the mother and daughter team, Emma and Cheryl. Find yourself some adorable pieces of clothing or pick up some fun gifts for your friends and family. Browse their website by clicking here.

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If you’re searching for antique collectibles, make sure you stop into North Star Antiques. Find everything from vintage postcards to timeless jewelry. Start or add to your antique collection or simply find a unique and special gift at North Star Antiques. For store information, click here.

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Find more store information here.

Activities in Lowell

Lowell Museum

The city of Lowell has encapsulated its rich history throughout its community, but for those wanting to learn a bit more, a visit to the Lowell Museum will not disappoint. Founded in 1989, the museum is home to more than 15,000 photographs and artifacts that preserve the city’s rich history. For more information on hours and what the museum has to offer, visit their website by clicking here.

Red Barn

One of the local’s favorite spots is the Red Barn. Bring your whole family out to enjoy this family-owned and operated business. During your visit, make sure to eat at the café/ice cream shop, enjoying a cold, crisp Painted Turtle Hard Cider, pick up some locally grown produce at the Farm Store, and let the little ones run around and admire the animals at the Barnyard.

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Parks and Trails

Experience the beauty of nature while hiking on Lowell’s many nature trails. Enjoy the breathtaking riverfront trails at Fallasburg Park and pack a picnic lunch to munch on while taking in all the historic character the park has to offer. Make sure to check out the covered bridge and disc golf course.

Also make time for the North Country Trail, which is the longest in the National Trail Systems. It stretches 4,700 miles and is perfect for hiking a few miles during the day or embarking on an overnight backpacking trip. With the headquarters for the whole trail being located in Lowell, Michigan, there are many ways for locals to get involved and for travelers to learn more about the trail.

Want to hike more during your visit? Discover more trail information by clicking here. Download a local trail map by clicking here.

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Summer Experiences

If you’re visiting during the summer, there are plenty of extra activities to enjoy during your stay. Below are just a few of the fun, family-friendly activities you can enjoy.

Showboat Concerts:

Thursday evenings, beginning in June, you can enjoy free outdoor concerts downtown at Lowell’s famous Showboat on the Flat River. All shows begin at 7 p.m. and this summer’s lineup offers a wide variety of musical talent. Check out the summer schedule by clicking here.

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Golf:

Perfect your golf game at the beautiful, 18-hole Arrowhead Golf Course. Test your skills while playing through rolling, wooded terrain on their 6,188-yard course and step up to the challenge of holes 11 and 18—known for being the two most difficult holes in Michigan. With this course’s combination of challenge and fun, this is a great way to spend a day in Lowell. Visit their website for more information and to book a tee time.

Farmer’s Market:

Also on Thursdays, you can visit the Lowell Area Farmer’s Market. The Farmer’s Market is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the parking lot of Impact Church, across from Meijer. There’s room for up to 30 booths each week, so stop by and grab your local veggies, fruits, honey, breads, meats, and much more. Check out other local farmer’s markets by clicking here.

Click on this link to see what other events are happening in the area.

Events in Lowell

Riverwalk Festival

You can enjoy various events, including street entertainers, Flea on the Flat River, check-out vintage cars during the Riverwalk Cruise-In Classic, and the Ducky Derby. Bring the kids to the Kidz Zone for scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, and storytime. You can also participate in the Run the River 5k. Follow the link for registration and participation information. For a schedule of events, click here.

Fallasburg Arts Festival:

Enjoy perusing through over 100 unique booths featuring fine art, craft demonstrations, food, music, and a children’s craft area. This event is free but does accept donations for LowellArts and many other community non-profits. For more information and to plan your visit, check out this information page.

Harvest Celebration:

On a Saturday in October (specific to each year), head down to the historic downtown to enjoy crafts, antiques, home-grown food, and much more at their annual Harvest Celebration. Save this link and check back for more information on this year’s events and offerings.

Check out this link for more fun events to enjoy in Lowell.

Lowell has a rich history that is embodied throughout the community. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing visit or want to stay busy—anyone can enjoy the experience Lowell, Michigan has to offer. Read more at Discover Lowell.

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Discover Lowell

Looking to move to the area? Work with our Priority Partner-  Brad Moore with EXP Realty Reach out today for exclusive Lowell, Michigan Real Estate!