Blackstone Valley, RI – Touring a New National Park

September 29, 2015

The Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor can be a mouthful to say. But if you look at the map of more than 40 scenic sites across Rhode Island, you’ll be enthralled by the history and opportunity for fun right in the Ocean State.

The Blackstone River Valley is on my radar because in August I was invited to tour pieces of the valley along with a number of other journalists and bloggers. We met at the Tourism Council headquarters in Pawtucket, RI and then spent the better part of a day taking photos, talking to National Park personnel, visiting scenic locations and learning about the area. The best way I can tell this story is probably through some of my photos.

But first, here’s what the area is all about according to the Tourism Office. In fact, if you’re a National Park junkie and you live in the Northeast, your only two options are Acadia in Maine and this collection of venues/attractions/locations in Rhode Island.

“On December 19, 2014, President Obama signed the legislation that established the Blackstone River Valley National Historic Park, the 402nd park in the national park system.”

That’s why I say if you love National Parks, you can cross off another venue by dashing down to Rhode Island. In a few hours I saw lots of cool sites and learned a lot about the region and its history. Here’s our itinerary.

11AM – Woonsocket Depot visit and photo op (there’s a statue of a dog there – he’s named Hachiko)
11:20AM – Visit at the Museum of Work and Culture, Woonsocket, RI
12PM – Cold Spring Park visit and cruise on The Explorer (box lunch)
12:45PM – Visit and photos at Wright’s Dairy Farm and Bakery
1:30PM – Photo opportunities and relaxing at the Manville Dam
2PM – Kelly House and National Park visit – speak with National Park staff
2:30PM – Back to Blackstone Valley Visitor Center and Slater Mill

Photos from the trip are below, and the complete set is over at Flickr.com/jeffcutler.