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The Coolest Visitor Center In Rhode Island Has A State-Of-The-Art Theater & Art Gallery

Blackstone Valley Visitor Center in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, offers a wealth of information and unique experiences for both locals and visitors.

Updated May 3, 2024

Written by 

Beth Price-Williams

No matter how long we've lived in Rhode Island, we all have those moments when we're not sure how to spend a day. Sure, a trip to the beach or our favorite restaurant might rank high, but what about when we want to go somewhere new? That's when we head to the coolest visitor center in Rhode Island. In addition to offering a wealth of information, it promises an adventure all on its own.

Nestled along Main Street in Pawtucket, the Blackstone Valley Visitor Center in Rhode Island draws more than 100,000 visitors - both residents and those passing through - through its front doors each year.

Exterior view of a building with a sign that reads "Activity Center," featuring a modern architectural design.
Google/Blackstone Valley Visitor Center

Offering a wealth of information, the visitor center is a natural first stop for guests to Rhode Island, but it's also a popular destination for locals on the hunt for their next adventure.

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A welcoming visitor center with colorful banners, informational displays, and a reception desk in a modern space.
TripAdvisor/Tour Blackstone Valley

You're sure to find something unique and fun to do as you check out some of the more than 300 brochures available at Blackstone Valley Visitor Center.

Since it opened in 1998, the visitor center has provided unique insight into the rich history of the Blackstone River Valley. Snag a seat in the theater, where...

A display wall featuring brochures on events, heritage, culture, nature, and recreation in a public space.
Trip Advisor/Tour Blackstone Valley

The visitor center is located in the same building as the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council.

You can watch a 20-minute film about the history of the mills in the area then consider visiting Slater Mill, just a one-minute walk from the visitor center.

Empty theater with wooden chairs facing a large blank screen and a painted backdrop of a stage.
TripAdvisor/Tour Blackstone Valley

Spend some time strolling through the visitor center, exploring the exhibits.

Interior of Slater Mill with blue chairs arranged in front of a colorful wall display featuring various icons and symbols.
Google/Josh Kelley

Before you head out on your next adventure, stop by the gift shop, too.

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A stone bridge over a river with a small waterfall, surrounded by greenery and buildings in the background.
Google/Mushtag Shaikh

Learn more on the official website of the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council.

Have you been to the coolest visitor center in Rhode Island? What did you think? Let us know in the comments! After your stop at the visitor center, head over to this beautiful waterfall in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

If you're up for even more adventures, check out some of the best trails in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, on AllTrails.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/rhode-island/beautiful-pawtucket-falls-ri/

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Experiences

7 Of The Most Beautiful Fall Destinations In Rhode Island

Discover seven magical fall destinations in Rhode Island known for their vibrant foliage and scenic beauty.

Updated Jul 30, 2024

Written by 

Jessica Wick

Summers in Rhode Island are pretty magical. However, most of us wait all year for fall's arrival. New England is internationally known for its vibrant fall foliage, and our state has some fantastic autumn destinations. These seven spots are some of the best places to visit in Rhode Island in the fall, so be sure to carve out some time this season to see them all!

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1. Roger Williams Park (Providence)

A serene pond surrounded by vibrant autumn trees reflecting in the water under a clear blue sky.
Sean O'Neill / Flickr

Roger Williams Park is massive, offering more than 435 acres of land filled with ponds, a rolling landscape, trees, and a rose garden. Not only is it listed on the National Register of Historic Places, but visiting happens to be one of the best things to do in Rhode Island in the fall.

2. Slater Mill Museum (Pawtucket)

A park with benches and a trash can, surrounded by trees and buildings, under a cloudy sky with fallen leaves on the ground.
Brad C / TripAdvisor

Slater Mill is a National Historic Landmark with a history dating back to 1793. And this historic textile mill looks fantastic with fall foliage as its backdrop. The Slater Mill was the first successful cotton-spinning factory in the United States, so it's a great place to go to learn more about our local history.

3. Diamond Hill Vineyards (Cumberland)

A garden with white tables and chairs set up on green grass, surrounded by trees and a house in the background.
Diamond Hill Vineyards / Facebook

The Diamond Hill Vineyards property is absolutely gorgeous. And it's an especially stunning place to visit in Rhode Island in the fall. And while sipping wine surrounded by beautiful scenery is the perfect way to spend an afternoon, give the business a call before you go -- just to make sure there's a tasting/tour available on the day you'd like to visit.

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4. Newport Cliff Walk

A scenic view of a grassy cliff overlooking a calm blue lake under a clear blue sky.
Shinya Suzuki / Flickr

Do we ever need an excuse to go to Newport Cliff Walk? This magnificent trail is stunning in any season. But if you've ever walked it in early October, you know just how special it is in the autumn. Not only is it one of the most popular things to do in fall in Rhode Island but it was also recently named one of the most beautiful places in the entire estate, and we'd have to agree!

5. George B. Parker Woodland (Coventry)

A forest path covered with colorful autumn leaves and exposed tree roots, surrounded by lush greenery.
Mike Goodgame / Google Reviews

Check out one of the many trails at the George B. Parker Woodland Wildlife Refuge. The 860-acre property is full of rugged terrain and wooded trails, and it's a perfect place to go for an autumn hike.

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6. Arcadia Management Area

A serene waterfall flows over rocks, surrounded by autumn leaves and vibrant trees in a peaceful forest setting.
Jack McLane / Flickr

Arcadia is Rhode Island's largest recreation area, by far. Spanning 14,000 acres, it's full of diverse landscapes and, in October, breathtaking fall foliage.

7. Goddard Memorial State Park (Warwick)

A serene lakeside view with benches, a bare tree, and cloudy skies reflecting on the water.
Samuel Kagan / Google

Goddard Park attracts thousands of visitors each year. And while many of them go in the summer, this is also one of the best places to visit in Rhode Island in the fall.

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There you have it: some of the best places to visit in Rhode Island in the fall. Where's your favorite fall destination in Rhode Island? For more leaf-peeping adventures, gas up the car and take this road trip in Rhode Island to even more fantastic fall foliage.

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Experiences

Rhode Island’s First Indoor Amusement Complex Is Just As Much Fun As It Sounds

Battlegroundz in Lincoln, Rhode Island, is an indoor amusement park offering a variety of competitive games for all ages.

Updated Jun 12, 2024

Written by 

Jessica Wick

If you're the least bit competitive, you know how amazing a hard-earned victory feels. And if you play a game at Battlegroundz in Lincoln, Rhode Island, you'll simply be participating in a friendly game against your peers. This all-in-one indoor amusement park in Rhode Island is fun for all ages, and it truly has something for everyone. It's one of the Ocean State's favorite attractions.

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Since 2006, Battlegroundz Rhode Island has been a local hot spot for gamers, birthday celebrations, bachelor parties, and anyone who simply enjoys fun.

A storefront with "OPEN" flags and patriotic designs, featuring greenery and a pizza sign outside.
BattlegroundZ/Google Reviews

Guests of all ages are welcome at this unique indoor adventure park in Rhode Island.

Inside you'll find everything you need to play your game of choice, and they have a great selection.

A display of firearms and accessories in a retail store, featuring glass cases and wall-mounted racks.
BattlegroundZ / Google

From paintbal to archery tag and Dart Wars for the littles, you'll find all kinds of creative ways to compete.

The Lazer Wars laser tag is pretty popular for obvious reasons.

A vibrant, neon-lit indoor space with glowing obstacles and a bright green structure, creating a futuristic atmosphere.
BattlegroundZ/Google

The 5,000-square-foot arena is glowing, illuminating all of your opponents.

The dodgeball tournaments get pretty intense here, but you won't mind.

Indoor sports facility with artificial turf, featuring colorful balls lined up on the field and large windows.
Craig Smith / Google

You'll try to pelt your friends in 10-minute increments until a winning team is declared.

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Paintball is a popular pick. It has, of course, become recognized as one of the world’s most exciting participation sports.

A soldier in tactical gear aims a weapon in a training facility with colorful structures and barrels.
BattlegroundZ / Facebook

Battlegroundz even offers Splatmaster Paintball, a slightly more laid-back version that's perfect for kids seven and older and adults who are new to the game.

Archery Tag is such a blast that it can be considered addictive.

A person wearing a headset aims a bow and arrow at a target behind a large yellow obstacle in an indoor setting.
BattlegroundZ / Facebook

Each session lasts 10 minutes.

Playing games can make you hungry. Just head to the Mess Hall for some pizza, snacks, or ice cream.

A basket of golden fries sits on a table, with a colorful arcade in the background.
BattlegroundZ / Facebook

You can even book a party package and have the VIP Room all to yourselves.

When you need to decompress after a long day of battle, the arcade games are here for you.

Two men play air hockey in a colorful arcade filled with various games and bright lights.
BattlegroundZ / Facebook

Have you been to this indoor adventure park in Rhode Island? Do you agree it's one of the best amusement parks in New England? Let us know in the comments!

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Learn more about all the fun you can have at Battlegroundz, an indoor amusement park in Rhode Island.

You can also take a wonderfully fun road trip to discover even more awesome attractions in Rhode Island! Let us know your favorites in the comments. Just make sure to check out our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List before you go.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/usa/road-trip-essentials-packing-list/

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