Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park, Historical Park in Pawtucket, Rhode Island
Historical Park

Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park

Pawtucket · Rhode Island

Overview

About Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park.

The Blackstone River powered America's entry into the Age of Industry. The success of Samuel Slater's cotton spinning mill in Pawtucket, RI touched off a chain reaction that changed how people worked and where they lived. Learn how this revolution transformed the landscape of the Blackstone Valley and the United States. The Visitor Center at Old Slater Mill is closed for the winter season.

BikingFishingFoodDiningPicnickingGuided ToursSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingPaddlingCanoeingKayakingJunior Ranger ProgramWildlife Watching

Weather

Summer temperatures range from 56-83F. Fall temperatures range from 30-70F. Winter temperatures range from 20-45F. Spring temperatures range from 30-70F.

Key Facts

TypeHistorical Park
DesignationNational Historical Park

Official Website

Gallery

Photos of Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park.

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Things to do

Discover Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park.

Child with large leaf stands in front of a white building, mill, and bridge

Become a Junior Ranger at Blackstone River Valley NHP

15-45 Minutes

Become a Junior Ranger at Blackstone River Valley NHP! The park has two different Junior Ranger programs you can complete. Books are available at Old Slater Mill and the Blackstone River State Park.

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Group of cyclists gather wrong a Ranger and wayside panel for a guided bike ride

Bike the Blackstone

45-90 Minutes

Join a Park Ranger for a guided bike ride.

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Great Blue Heron standing on top of a rock in front of dam

Birding Along the Blackstone

45-75 Minutes

Start your summer weekend off with a bird walk along the beautiful Blackstone River and Canal. Park staff will lead hour-long walking tours at the Blackstone River State Park on Fridays and Sundays. These birding programs are meant for birders of all ages and skill levels. Field guides, binoculars, and Junior Birder books will be available. Tours meet in front of the Kelly House Museum of Transportation.

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People on bikes riding down paved pathway

Blackstone River Greenway and Bikeway

1-6 Hours

The Blackstone River Bikeway is a beautiful way to explore the Blackstone Valley, whether by bike or on foot and offers something for everyone to enjoy. With over 24 miles already constructed, the vision is for it to extend 48 miles from downtown Worcester, MA, to India Point Park in Providence, RI.

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Ranger stands smiling holding papers in front of 4-story brick mill

Fall Walkabouts

60-90 Minutes

Join a Park Ranger as we explore each one of our 6 park sites on Saturdays this Fall. Tours will discuss the history of each site and its importance withint the larger context of US history. Tours start at 10:00 AM and last about 90 minutes.

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White, two-story house with brick center chimney and green door

Kelly House Museum of Transportation

10-60 Minutes

Learn the story of the Transportation Revolution by exploring the museum and site. Walk along the river and the Blackstone Canal. Check out the reconstructed historic barn for more exhibits. Ride a bike or walk down the Blackstone Bikeway. There are many ways to explore the site and learn more about the history. Check the Park's calendar for updates on operating hours and events.

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Graphic with Old Slater Mill in the center and three vertical stripes red, yellow, and grey

Labor Day Weekend at Slater Mill

Join us for a celebration of Labor Day weekend at Old Slater Mill. Free musical performances, tours, talks, and activities. The weekend's highlights include: 8/29: Walkabout/Workshop at 6:30 PM 8/30: River Bend East Songwriters Festival Kickoff at 6:30 PM 8/31: River Bend East Songwriters Festival 12-4 PM; Specialty Tours; Bell Tower open ; old time games 9/1: Specialty Tours, lectures at 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM; old time games

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Great blue heron standing in front of waterfall

Nature Walk and Scavenger Hunt

45-60 Minutes

Join us for nature walk and scavenger hunt. These walks through the Blackstone River State Park are intended for naturalists of all ages. Younger visitors will be able to complete a plant and animal scavenger hunt. Binoculars and animal identification guides are available for participants to borrow.

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Man in a green canoe paddles down the Blackstone River

Paddling the Blackstone

1-4 Hours

Whether kayaking, canoeing, or paddle boarding, the Blackstone River and the remaining parts of the Blackstone Canal offer great places to get out on the water. There are numerous locations across the river valley which are great for paddling. Different locations can accommodate beginner and intermediate paddlers.

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