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.
Plan a Visit
Core visitor information on this page is sourced from the National Park Service. NPD proximity sections use NPS reference coordinates and straight-line distance. Local source bundle updated Sep 27, 2026. View the official NPS page.
Weather & Conditions
Summer temperatures range from 56-83F. Fall temperatures range from 30-70F. Winter temperatures range from 20-45F. Spring temperatures range from 30-70F.
NPS Reference Location
Park state / territory membership: Rhode Island, Massachusetts. This map uses the National Park Service reference coordinate. It may represent an administrative or reference point rather than a park entrance, trailhead, visitor center, or the nearest access point. Use the official NPS directions below when planning travel.
Operating Hours
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
Activities
Current Alerts
Due to ongoing improvements to the walkways, there is limited access to the Slater Mill site. Slater Mill remains open during construction. Please use caution when visiting the site.
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
View Official DirectionsContact & Address
The NPS-listed address may be an administrative office, visitor center, mailing/contact location, or other park facility rather than a park entrance.
Topics & Themes
Things To Do
Fall Programs
Explore the Blackstone Valley on a ranger-led walk or program this fall! Programs listed here are free and open to…
Revolutionary War Veteran's Pension Transcription Programs
In celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence, the National Archives and National Park Service are collaborating on a…
Ranger Walkabouts
During the months of June, July, and August, join a Park Ranger on 60-minute walking tour at varying locations in…
Ranger Guided Tours - Slater Mill
Slater Mill is called the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution, but what does that really mean? What occurred within…
Parked at Home
Explore America's national parks from the comfort of home. Every park has a story. During this virtual series, we’ll connect…
Take Me Fishing
Learn to fish with us this summer! Join park staff Sunday afternoons in June, July, and August for some FREE…
More Things to Do
Additional activities and experiences from the National Park Service.
Nature Walk and Scavenger Hunt
Join us for nature walk and scavenger hunt. These walks through the Blackstone River State Park are intended for naturalists of all…
Towpath Talk
Join a Park Ranger for guided walk along the historic Blackstone Canal. This program is offered on Saturdays in the months of…
Winter Programs
Just because it's winter, doesn't mean there's nothing to see and do in the Blackstone River Valley. Check out these awesome programs…
Visit Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark
The birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution, Old Slater Mill is open as a museum. Visitors can learn about the history of…
Birding Along the Blackstone
Start your summer weekend off with a bird walk along the beautiful Blackstone River and Canal. Park staff will lead hour-long walking…
Winter Hikes
Join a Park Ranger for weekly hikes at varying locations in the Blackstone River Valley from December 21, 2024 - February 22,…
Kelly House Museum of Transportation
Learn the story of the Transportation Revolution by exploring the museum and site. Walk along the river and the Blackstone Canal. Check…
Paddling the Blackstone
Whether kayaking, canoeing, or paddle boarding, the Blackstone River and the remaining parts of the Blackstone Canal offer great places to get…
Blackstone River Greenway and Bikeway
The Blackstone River Bikeway is a beautiful way to explore the Blackstone Valley, whether by bike or on foot and offers something…
Bike the Blackstone
Join a Park Ranger for a guided bike ride.
Become a Junior Ranger at Blackstone River Valley NHP
Become a Junior Ranger at Blackstone River Valley NHP! The park has two different Junior Ranger programs you can complete. Books are…
Fall Walkabouts
Join a Park Ranger as we explore each one of our 6 park sites on Saturdays this Fall. Tours will discuss the…
Showing 18 of 20 NPS Things to Do records available for Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park.
Visitor Centers
Old Slater Mill Visitor Center
The Visitor Information Center at Old Slater Mill is operated seasonally. Please see active exceptions to ensure that the visitor contact station is open for…
Nearby National Park Service Sites
These sites are ordered by straight-line distance between NPS reference coordinates. This is useful for comparison, but it is not road mileage. Trails, parkways, rivers, and distributed units may extend far from their reference point.
Nearby Cities for Trip Planning
These cities are ordered by straight-line distance from the NPS reference coordinate. They are comparison starting points, not official park gateways or road-distance estimates. Trails and other distributed units may extend far beyond this reference point.
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