Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park

Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park is a national historical park run by the National Park Service in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

In the park service’s words

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.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

• Winter Hikes (60 to 90 Minutes): Join a Park Ranger for weekly hikes at varying locations in the Blackstone River Valley from December 19, 2026-February 13, 2027. Hikes start at 10:00 AM on Saturday mornings. See listing for details.
• Revolutionary War Veteran's Pension Transcription Programs (90 to 120 Minutes): In celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence, the National Archives and National Park Service are collaborating on a special project to transcribe Revolutionary War Pension Files of more than 80,000 of America's first veterans and their widows, containing more than 2 million documents. Become a citi
• Fall Programs (60 to 90 Minutes): Explore the Blackstone Valley on a ranger-led walk or program this fall! Programs listed here are free and open to the public. No registration is required to attend.
• Ranger Walkabouts (45 to 75 Minutes): During the months of June, July, and August, join a Park Ranger on 60-minute walking tour at varying locations in the Blackstone Valley.
• Ranger Guided Tours - Slater Mill (30 to 45 Minutes): Slater Mill is called the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution, but what does that really mean? What occurred within the four walls of Old Slater Mill forever changed the fabric of the United States of America. These 30-45 minute tours examine the beginnings of American industry and its lasting effects. Tou
• Parked at Home (45 to 60 Minutes): Explore America's national parks from the comfort of home. Every park has a story. During this virtual series, we’ll connect with people from across the country to talk about special places and complex stories at National Park Service sites. Join us to learn more about a place that might be close to home, or in a desti
• Take Me Fishing: Learn to fish with us this summer! Join park staff Sunday afternoons in June, July, and August for some FREE family fun. Catch some fish, learn about the river, and earn a Junior Angler badge. All fishing material and bait are provided. Activities available from 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
• Nature Walk and Scavenger Hunt (45 to 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.

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Hours: Daily, Sunrise to Sunset. The park grounds are open from Sunrise to Sunset. The headquarters are located at Slater Mill 67 Roosevelt Ave Pawtucket, RI 02860 (401) 725-8638

Getting there

The park headquarters is located at the Wilkinson Mill in the Historic Slater Mill Complex in Pawtucket, RI. 67 Roosevelt Avenue Pawtucket, RI 02860

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

• [Old Slater Mill Visitor Center](): Mon Closed; Tue Closed; Wed Closed; Thu 10:00AM - 4:00PM; Fri 10:00AM - 4:00PM; Sat 10:00AM - 4:00PM; Sun 10:00AM - 4:00PM. The visitor contact station at Old Slater Mill is open late April - November and is closed early December - early April. Park grounds are open daily from dawn to dusk year-round.

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.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Acadia, about 234 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

• National Park Service Data API: Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park (public domain)
• Official website

Last checked 1 November 2026.