The Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park comprises several sites that, together, tell the story of this nation's Industrial Revolution. The Blackstone River Valley is the place where industrialization started in this country. The textile mills along the river were the first industries in the United States. This is where the movement of people from farms to factories started. By visiting these sites, you and your family can learn about an important time in our nation's history. At any of the sites, you can ask for a passport book to get a stamp from each place you visit.
Traveling with an RV is a wonderful way to visit the Blackstone Valley National Historical Park. After viewing the historical sites in this park in the daytime, you can spend your evenings enjoying family time in a nice relaxing place. You can rent an RV from RVshare in any of the above-listed cities or in whatever place you choose to start your trip.
At the Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park, you can visit the historic mills where the Industrial Revolution started in the United States. You can take self-guided walking tours of several of the historic towns in the area. There are also beautiful trails and parks for walking and hiking. You can take a riverboat tour to enjoy the river and learn some history, too.
Hiking TrailsThe Blackstone River Bikeway Trail follows the Blackstone River. It offers beautiful views of the river, the forest, a lake, and a waterfall. Wildflowers can be seen along the trail when they are in season. The trail is paved and is used for walking, hiking, trail running, and biking. Dogs are allowed on the trail if they are leashed.
The trailhead is just off of Davison Avenue and Highway 126 in Hamlet, RI. The trail ends on Highway 123 near Highway 122 in Lonsdale, RI.
18.5 Miles
Easy
The Blackall Family Preserve and Ballou Farm Preserve is a forested loop trail that is used for walking, hiking, and nature trips. Wildlife is often seen along the trail. Dogs are allowed on a leash.
Cumberland, RI, near Highway 122
3.6 Miles
Easy
The Blackstone Gorge Trail is a loop trail along the Blackstone River. It is good for walking, hiking, bird-watching, and snowshoeing. There are lovely views of the river and forest. It is child-friendly, and dogs are allowed.
Blackstone, MA, just south of Highway 122
1.2 Miles
Easy
SightseeingThe Blackstone Valley Explorer Riverboat Tours will give you a view of the area of the Historical Park from the river. Several different tours are offered, including the Nature and Heritage Tour and twilight cruises.
Festival Pier, 100 Tim Healey Way, Pawtucket, RI
The carousel, on the grounds of Slater Memorial Park, was built in 1895 by Danish immigrant Charles Looff and is one of the earliest examples of his work. In addition to riding the carousel, you can rent duck boats, visit a petting zoo, and enjoy a playground in Slater Memorial Park.
401 Newport Avenue (Route 1A), Pawtucket, RI
MuseumsThe Slater Mill was the first water-powered textile mill in the United States. Today, the mill has been restored to the way it was in 1835. You can tour the mill to get an idea of how textile mills operated in the past.
67 Roosevelt Avenue, Pawtucket, RI
Hearthside House Museum is an old house, built in 1810, that has been converted into a museum. The house is filled with furniture and objects from various time periods over the past 200 years. Several historic looms are also on display on the third floor, where the owners once ran a textile business.
677 Great Road, Lincoln, RI
Nearby Shops and RestaurantsStop into Top Shelf Vintage Co. to satisfy your desire for vintage clothes. The owner drives all over New England looking for vintage clothes and décor for her store. The store features clothing from the 1960s to the 1990s for children and adults. If you don't have time to stop in, you can shop their website online.
35 Exchange Street, Pawtucket, RI
If browsing antiques are more your style, the Rhode Island Antiques Mall has you covered. The store was founded in 2007 and has all kinds of antiques, from primitives to modernism.
345 Fountain Street, Pawtucket, RI
At the Roast House Pub and Restaurant, you can find appetizers, soups, salads, burgers, and sandwiches, as well as more substantial meals of chicken, seafood, steaks, roasts, and chops. They are open from 11:30 am – 9 pm daily and until 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
176 Columbus Avenue, Pawtucket, RI
The Smoke and Squeal Barbecue is a very popular local restaurant that has numerous great reviews. Many people rave about the pulled pork and say that this is the best barbecue restaurant in Rhode Island.
881 Main Street, Pawtucket, RI
From Providence, RI, take I-95 north. At Exit 28, follow RI-114 north, turn left onto Broadway, turn right onto Main Street, and turn right onto Roosevelt Avenue to reach the Old Slater Mill at 67 Roosevelt Avenue. The park is open year-round.
Roger Williams National Memorial, 282 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02903
Fee: Entry Fee (Per Person)
There is no entry fee.
Your family will love a vacation at Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park, where you can enjoy being in nature and learn the history of the Industrial Revolution at the same time. You will also be experiencing the lovely countryside of New England. Traveling with an RV would be a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the beauty that this region has to offer.
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