Top 6 Local Attractions in Rhode Island
Whether you’re looking for a day trip in a new city or just want to spend time taking in what mother nature has to offer, Rhode Island has many historic sites and beautiful locations that you will surely want to visit. These attractions will make your Rhode Island trip a memorable experience.
Roger Williams Park Zoo
If you’re looking for a fun day out, you’ll probably want to visit the Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence. This zoo features over 150 animals from around the world and was the first in New England to receive accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in 1986. Founded in 1872, it is also the third-oldest zoo in the United States.
This zoo is located in a beautiful park that covers over 400 acres. It’s home to the state’s largest public display greenhouse and two other greenhouses. There are many different plants to explore, as well as a fish pond, fountain, and waterfall. There’s also a planetarium and a museum of natural history.
Old Slater Mill
This 18th-century mill is located in Pawtucket, RI. It is credited with modernizing the American textile industry. The mill is open to the public Thursday through Sunday. Visitors can take a guided tour of the museum and stamp their NPS passport book. They can also learn about the significance of the mill in American history.
The Old Slater Mill is a National Historic Landmark. It was constructed in 1793 and is an important reminder of the industrialization of the United States. During the Industrial Revolution, Samuel Slater and Richard Arkwright introduced water-powered cotton spinning to America. This innovation created a new economy that included hourly wages and factory-style production. It also helped establish planned communities and labor unions.
WaterFire Providence Festival
One of the most talked-about events in Rhode Island is WaterFire Providence, a spectacular art installation that takes place on three rivers in downtown Providence. The festival, which started out as a one-time installation in 1994, is now a yearly attraction that attracts more than 40,000 people every year. During the festival, more than 80 floating braziers are lit in the water. Black-clad performers tend the braziers while romantic boat rides weave between the flickering flames.
The WaterFire Festival is a free event, and there is plenty of parking available in the area. You can park for free or cheaply just a few blocks away, on Benefit Street or at RISD. When you’re planning your visit, try to consider what you plan to do for the evening afterward. This way, you’ll have more energy at the start of the evening.
Block Island Farmers Market
The Block Island Farmers Market should be on your list of things to do in Rhode Island. It’s open every Wednesday and Saturday. You can find everything from fresh seafood to local veggies and cheese spreads. The market also sells local arts and crafts. During the summer, it’s outdoors, but in the fall, it moves inside to the Peace Dale Mill Complex.
Block Island has a wide variety of beaches, including several pristine white sand beaches. You can hike or bike in the area, and you can also visit the Glass Float Project. There are also two historic lighthouses on the island, and you can take in the view from them. And don’t forget to eat at the National Hotel in town, which is on the National Register of Historic Buildings. You can enjoy delicious food and a relaxing environment, while admiring the pristine beauty of the island.
The Elms Mansion
If you’re planning a trip to Rhode Island, there are a number of places you can take your family for a day of fun. One such place is The Elms mansion, in Newport. Built in 1901, the Elms is a spectacular mansion that offers a unique glimpse into a wealthy society. The mansion features a collection of world-class art, extravagant building materials, and gardens by the dozen. While the house is now a museum, it was originally the summer home of a coal magnate from Philadelphia.
Another option is Coggeshall Farm Museum, which is adjacent to Coggeshall Park. This museum is an excellent place to take children because the exhibits change throughout the year. Kids can learn about a variety of historical subjects at the museum, and admission is free. Guests can also enjoy a meal at the cafe on the premises, which serves a variety of delicious sandwiches and Bolt Coffee brews.
John Brown House Museum
The John Brown House Museum is one of the top local attractions in Rhode Island, and for good reason. It’s one of the state’s premier 18th century houses, and you’ll get a fascinating look into the social and cultural history of the state. It’s free to enter, and you can take guided or self-guided tours. There’s even a replica of the Liberty Bell, and the museum also features a gun from the Gettysburg battle.