Roger Williams National Monument

Things To Do Near Roger Williams National Monument

Roger Williams National Memorial is in the heart of downtown Providence, Rhode Island. Providence is a small city, but it’s rich in history, nature, and culture. Hiking through the woods, visiting historical sites, and enjoying delicious food are all part of visiting Providence. RVers traveling through New England should make it a point to stop here.

Hiking Trails

• Roger Williams National Monument Park Loop

  This urban trail circles the memorial and visitor center. Several placards show Roger Williams’s contributions to Rhode Island and early American culture. Dogs are allowed here but must be on leashes.

  Location

  Roger Williams National Monument, Providence, RI 02903

  Length

  0.5-mile

  Intensity

  Easy

• Neutaconkanut Hill Park Loop

  A few miles southwest of the memorial, it’s hard to believe that this beautiful, wooded area with its valleys and wildlife is in one of the most densely populated areas in Providence. It also contains the highest point in the city and offers excellent views. Climbing the steps and hills will give you a nice workout.

  Location

  675 Plainfield Street, Providence, RI 02909

  Length

  1.7 miles

  Intensity

  Moderate

• Turner Loop Trail

  Located at the James V. Turner Reservoir in the eastern part of Providence, this trail follows along the waterline and through woods. If you’re here in the winter, bring your snowshoes! The trail is very popular with locals and may be heavily trafficked on weekends.

  Location

  400 Pleasant Street, Rumford, RI 02916

  Length

  2.9 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

Sightseeing

• Antram-Gray House

  One of the oldest buildings in Providence, this 18th-century house serves as the visitor center for the memorial. Inside, you’ll find exhibits detailing Roger Williams’s work for the cause of religious freedom with a short film available for viewing. It’s surrounded by gardens and the freshwater spring found by Williams and his followers when they first settled the area.

  Location

  Roger Williams National Memorial, Providence, RI 02903

• Roger Williams Park

  Not to be confused with the memorial, Providence’s central park encloses a host of attractions, including one of the earliest zoos and the oldest indoor botanical garden in America. You can also find a circa-1915 bandstand, a historic cottage from 1773, and an expansive children’s area with a carousel. There’s always something going on here!

  Location

  1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI 02907

• Rhode Island State Capitol

  This beautiful white marble building, completed in 1904, boasts the fourth-largest self-supported dome in the world. Inside, you’ll find Gilbert Stuart’s famous portrait of George Washington among other artworks and artifacts, including a rifle from the Battle of Gettysburg. Guided tours of the capitol building are available for visitors.

  Location

  82 Smith Street, Providence, RI 02903

Museums

• Rhode Island School of Design Museum

  The Rhode Island School of Design is one of the first American colleges devoted to the study of fine arts, and its museum was established at the same time as the school in 1877. Exhibits range from ancient Greek sculptures to modern multimedia pieces. The museum also offers many hands-on workshops for both adults and children.

  Location

  20 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02903

• Museum of Natural History and Planetarium

  Located in Roger Williams Park, Rhode Island’s only natural history museum was founded in 1896. Its exhibits cover the universe, including both Earth and space, including a moon rock from the Apollo 11 mission. The planetarium, founded in 1953, showcases the night sky and our solar system.

  Location

  1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI 02907

• John Brown House Museum

  Built in the 1780s, this historic brick home was considered one of the most elegant private residences of its time, and at least two early U.S. presidents were guests here. The house contains many pieces of furniture and decor that are original to the house. The busts adorning the front gates are said to have been taken from the Palace of Versailles during the French Revolution.

  Location

  52 Power Street, Providence, RI 02906

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Olneyville New York System

  This iconic hot dog stand might have New York in the name, but the “hot wieners” served here are all Rhode Island, topped with onions, mustard, and a sweet meat sauce. Order some “beef stew,” which are fries topped with ketchup with vinegar alongside. To drink, get the only-in-Rhode Island beverage, coffee milk.

  Location

  18 Plainfield Street, Providence, RI 02909

• Craftland

  This shop in downtown Providence is the place to go for unique gifts and souvenirs. Pick up a t-shirt celebrating Providence’s rich sports history or a handcrafted toy for your dog. Locally made soaps and housewares are available as well.

  Location

  212 Westminster Street, Providence, RI 02903

• Angelo’s Civita Farnese

  Since 1924, Angelo’s has been a top destination for Italian food in Providence. Located in the historic Federal Hill neighborhood, it offers traditional Italian-American dishes. For something different, try the Rhode Island delicacy snail salad.

  Location

  141 Atwells Avenue, Providence, RI 02903

• Pleasant Surprise

  For a quirkier shopping experience, this shop is aptly named. Whether you want a Rhode Island t-shirt or a Pope Francis action figure, the chances are good that you’ll find it here. It’s a favorite with visitors and locals for offbeat souvenir and knick-knack shopping.

  Location

  297 Thayer Street, Providence, RI 02906

How To Get To Roger Williams National Monument

The monument is easily accessible from Interstate 95’s Rhode Island Exit 23 (State Offices from I-95 north, Charles Street from I-95 south). From the north, take a left at the light on Orms Street. Then make a right onto Charles Street, and continue through one light. The memorial parking lot will be on the left. From the south, turn left onto Ashburton Street, and proceed through three lights. After the third light, the memorial parking lot will be on the left. 

Address

282 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02903

Fee: Entry fee $0

His name may not come up often when talking about American history, but Rhode Island founder Roger Williams played a vital role in establishing the ideals that shaped the country. His views on the abolition of slavery, the rights of Native Americans, and the separation of church and state, so familiar to us now, were revolutionary for the time. An RV trip is a great way to explore Williams’s history in the state that he created.