National Historical Park
Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park
- Northeast
About Blackstone River Valley
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.
- Region
- Northeast
- States
- Rhode Island and Massachusetts
- Designation
- National Historical Park
- Entrance fee
- None listed
- Trail data for this park is still being added.
- Places for this park are still being added.
Know before you go
Fees, hours, weather and getting to Blackstone River Valley.
Entrance fees
The National Park Service lists no entrance fee for this park.
Hours
- Mon
- Sunrise to Sunset
- Tue
- Sunrise to Sunset
- Wed
- Sunrise to Sunset
- Thu
- Sunrise to Sunset
- Fri
- Sunrise to Sunset
- Sat
- Sunrise to Sunset
- Sun
- 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
Weather and when to go
Summer temperatures range from 56-83F. Fall temperatures range from 30-70F. Winter temperatures range from 20-45F. Spring temperatures range from 30-70F.
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
Contact the park
- Address
- 67 Roosevelt Ave, Pawtucket, RI 02860
- Phone
- (401) 725-8638
- Official site
- nps.gov/blrv
From the National Park Service, checked weekly. Fees, hours and road conditions change: confirm with the park before you go.
Trip planner
A day-by-day plan for Blackstone River Valley
Tell us your dates and what you are into. We group the stops by where they are, so each day is one part of the park, not a zigzag.
The trails and places you save below go into your plan as must-sees.
Plan your park trip Free. No account needed.
Things to do in Blackstone River Valley
The park service's own list, with how long each takes.
-
Winter Hikes
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…
-
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 special project to transcribe Revolutionar…
-
Fall Programs
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
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
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…
-
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…
-
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 ages. Younger visitors will be able to complete…
-
Towpath Talk
Join a Park Ranger for guided walk along the historic Blackstone Canal. This program is offered on Saturdays in the months of June, July, and August.
-
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 to learn more about the Valley's geology, bir…
What to pack for Blackstone River Valley
Gear & Essentials
Tell us about your trip and we will add what else you will want:
The basics
Worth having in the car whatever the park.
For this trip
Traveling with kids
Bringing a pet
RVing
Backcountry
Winter conditions
On the water
Photography
Accessibility
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
