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    Slater Mill Historic Site

    4.2 (24 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

    Slater Mill Historic Site Photos

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    Brian P.

    Small NPS site located in the middle of downtown area. Most of the historic buildings were closed to the public, I'm assuming because of the pandemic. There is a small visitor's center with a single Park Ranger inside to answer your questions. There is also a short film you can watch inside. The coolest thing here was the small dam on the Blackstone River. That's about it. Wonder when they will reopen the buildings to the public?

    Jennifer L.

    We came by not knowing what to expect. The staff at the visitor center across the street suggested we try to see if we can catch the last bit of the 2:30 tour. When we got there, a small group was just finished with the tour. Luckily, the park ranger, Tyler was super nice to head back into the mill to give my husband and I a tour. He was super passionate and engaging as he told the story of the Slater Mills. He was really informative and we learned a TON about the local history and how it impacted industrialization of our country. Eye opening to see how the industry evolved! The surrounding property is really nice and it always feels awesome to be in a space with so much history. Highly recommend but make sure you're around for the tour! Tour times are 10:30, 12:30, 2:30!

    Jesse L. R.

    We decided to follow a guide to waterfalls in Rhode Island and this was our first stop. The waterfall was nice; however, the neighborhood left much to be desired. Multiple vagrants camped out on the property and dead animals on the sidewalk made us want to run for the car. I hear that the museum is nice, but will probably not come back again to check it out. All in all, not worth the visit this trip.

    John J.

    Downtown Pawtucket is one of the best kept secrets in Rhode Island. Pawtucket actually gets a mention in the movie Gone With The Wind. The river which flows through Pawtucket, fueled areas which produced many items. One can take a tour through the Mill, relax behind the Police station, or walk up Walcott Street. Walcott is where the Mill owners lived. One can see a connection with Walcott Street to Newport.

    Kris W.

    we were here yesterday. unfortunately they were closed for tours. we have to go back, because i really want to take one. it looks like a interesting place. i took some pictures. its haunted. i had my emf meter. while we were there it wasnt working. when we got home it was working fine. while we were there i got suddenly depressed. was this paranormal, probably. i cant wait to go back and see what happens..

    Fall
    Jennifer M.

    My husband and I stopped here to check out the waterfall this past weekend. We were a bit surprised to see all the vagrants and trash about the grounds so we weren't very comfortable and didn't stick around. Plus there were a couple dead bats on the walkway, so it sort of just turned us off. The clock tower in the background was pretty and I loved the sound of the rushing water. We took our pics and bolted! lol

    JoHannah A.

    Such a wonderful place in Pawtucket-- perfect for history buffs, shutterbugs, and nature lovers alike!! Special events are regularly held at the mill -- and it's available for weddings. The walking paths are also 100% accessible which is a nice plus.

    Running a loom.
    Danielle F.

    Excellent presentation! We were able to your several buildings on the property. Our tour guide even turned on the water mill for us. Everyone was quite knowledgable and prepared. Children may grow antsy, but the guides do a good job tailoring to them. Worth a visit for sure!

    Recreated mill waterwheel
    Andres R.

    Historical site in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, which is open to the public for a fee. Primarily self-guided, there are several buildings on site that can be visited, and a nearby archeological site. The water wheel of the original wheelhouse of 1793 has been recreated several times due to wood rot, and at times when the river water level is high enough, particularly in the spring and consistently up to June, you may observe the wheel in action, providing mechanical energy to power some of the mill machines in the exhibit hall for demonstration purposes, as explained by the staff running a miniature wheel model.

    Slater Mill
    Ashley P.

    It having been at least 10 years since visiting this site, I thought it time to return to reminisce my childhood and feel the rush of hearing water gush over a steep rock wall, under cars that speed across the bridge above. I do not recommend going on a chilly day in March as I did, a trip here would be more enjoyable in the late spring and summer months. Slater Mill is a national historical landmark, site of the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution! The property has 2+ water-powered mills (built 1758 and 1810), a museum with textile machinery, and an early colonial house (built 1758). March thru October, visitors can join group tours of the museum and its immediate surroundings. Several events are held throughout the season including ghost tours, quilting/knitting shows, lectures, etc. Though the museum itself was not open, a friend and I made our way around to all the outdoor plaques and informational signs regarding the buildings on this property. Though I felt like a middle-schooler on a field trip, I appreciated the information on these signs more than I would have back then. Birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution?! Pretty sweet! I felt very historical :) Across the river is a small park and wooded area with stairs that lead down to the water itself. Except for the few empty beer cans and vodka bottles, the view of the grounds from this area was exceptional. The sun glistens off the water and the sounds of the falls whisks you off to another time when the cotton mill was in working order. I will consider returning here in the summer to catch a tour of the mill itself or to enjoy one of the many outdoor events.

    Inside machine shop

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    I've been three times in my life and would go again. Nice museum and I could watch the water wheel all day long. I enjoy the flax demo.

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    Ask the Community - Slater Mill Historic Site

    Review Highlights - Slater Mill Historic Site

    In the Slater Mill bldg, you'll see some of the working machines used in the cotton spinning industry during the period.

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    Electromagnetic Pinball Museum and Restoration - Skeeball (or ice ball if you prefer)

    Electromagnetic Pinball Museum and Restoration

    5.0(62 reviews)
    1.1 mi

    Well that was super fun…read more When we arrived no one was on the desk so we began to wander the first floor. If you just want to walk around, and check out the machines that is free. I saw someone who works there and he gave us a quick 'tour'. Pinball machines are set up here by year beginning in the 1930's! There a many from the 70's, a big collection of 80's and then further back it's a mix. The tour took up upstairs. There is a wheelchair lift here, however, you have to step over a barrier at the bottom of the doorway leading to the stairs so not really handicap accessible? Call if you need info on that. Keep that door at the bottom of the staircase open so you can get back! At the top of the steps is a private event room. (sorry no photo, a meeting was going on). Turn right after the event room and follow the hallway to the 'Blue Room' on the left at the end. Here you'll find a small, open space for a party with shelves of board games, a table and comfy couches. The Blue Room includes several racing games (seated style), shooter games, skeeball, basketball throw and other arcade games. There were a couple dozen pinball machines without an outlet to play them stored in this space. Our tour guide tells us for events up to 150 people, these games are moved out and tables moved into that space. The second floor hosts many other businesses so be respectful when in the halls. Our visit lasted about two hours playing all the games. Some of the pinball machines include information on who designed them and other info. The Star Trek machine is signed by some of the actors. Scoobydoo, Addams family, Aerosmith, Rick & Morty, Dolly Parton, on and on. Some games have hepatic feedback - like when the dinosaur eats your ball in the Jurasic Park pinball game the entire machine shakes. I love how the machines are all set to 'free play'. You just hit the start button (usually a round button on the front) and you get your three balls. When that game ends, hit start again and you get another three balls. Also, if you loose a ball quickly, you get an extra ball. Really makes for a fun experience. Admission is ten dollars per person (all ages), cash or credit, and covers playing all the available games for the whole day - come and go as you please. Parking is available next to the building in two lots. No food or drink are available for sale here. When hosting an event here, bring your own catering. Contact them/visit their website for details on hosting events. Public restrooms are on the upper level off the hallway. The museum space is more or less warehouse space. It was cold in there when we visited and we left our coats and hats on (February). When there are a lot of games being played, it gets loud, so be prepared. There are a few step stools for the smaller kids. Check next to or under the machines for those or if you have a collapsable one at home maybe bring it along just in case they are all in use. During our week day visit there were a fair amount of adults in there enjoying pinball and all the other games. Staff are knowledgeable and very easy to chat with. Definitely plan an outting to visit this fun museum diguised as an arcade. Alone, or with the kids. You might become the 'fun uncle' after a day here with the nibblings.

    A great deal for lots of play time for $10. We stayed for 2 hours. As many machines awaiting…read morebeing fixed as working, but still so many working, fun to look at the designs of both. I highly recommend!

    Photos
    Electromagnetic Pinball Museum and Restoration - Elton John pinball

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    RISD Museum

    4.6(198 reviews)
    3.8 miCollege Hill

    The RISD Museum is worth a visit. I'm sharing photos of the pieces that stood out to me most. I…read morestarted in the RISD student galleries, which were full of impressive work. my favorite was a floor installation that looks like a woven rug but is actually made entirely of salt. So many pieces made you stop and think, "How did they do that?!" I visited the whole museum, but my favorites were the Costume & Textile galleries, the exhibit on kingfishers in art and poetry, the European Grand Gallery with its oil paintings and the 18th/19th‑century American rooms in Pendleton House. I also loved how the museum's architecture fits together like a puzzle across several older buildings and street entrances. That was a surprising add-on to the visit. Extra tip: street parking is nearly impossible. Check their website for the free weekend parking lots (within walking distance) they make the visit much easier.

    I get to visit the RISD Museum for free as a Brown University student!…read more Had fun spending a morning walking through the exhibits on all the floors. There was a room dedicated to costumes and textiles from different cultures around the world! As a sewist and costumer, this was very fun for me to have the room to myself and go through the drawers (everything was behind glass). I want to say I was here for roughly 2 hours and saw everything and took lots of photos.

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    RISD Museum - Risd student exhibit

    Risd student exhibit

    RISD Museum - Japanese Buddha

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    Providence Children's Museum

    Providence Children's Museum

    4.3(111 reviews)
    4.4 miDownCity
    Kid friendly
    Not-for-profit

    We had a wonderful visit to the Museum and would definitely recommend it for families with young…read morekids. There are tons of interactive exhibits including water play, climbing structures, pretend play areas, and building activities--that kept my toddler engaged the entire time. One of the highlights for us was the special area just for ages 0-4. It's such a thoughtful addition because it gives younger children their own safe space to crawl, climb, and play without being overwhelmed by the bigger kids. My toddler loved it, and as a parent, I appreciated that it was clean, well-designed, and developmentally appropriate. The superspace jumbo magnets were another hit amongst kids and adults alike. The parents got so invested into it and were building tunnels for the kiddos. Great fun for us too! Overall the space is very thoughtfully designed, and you can tell the staff really care about creating an engaging environment. They have a new craft activity everyday as well. Everything felt safe, clean, and inviting. It's easy to spend a few hours here without the kids getting bored. Another bonus is that the museum is in a great spot--there are a few restaurants within a block or two, which made it perfect to grab lunch right after all the fun.

    What a great place! Friends recommended to us and was a great way to spend a few hours getting out…read moreof the house! My son loved the water play area especially. Highly recommend getting library or discounted passes where available though as it cut tge cost of admission in half

    Photos
    Providence Children's Museum
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    Slater Mill Historic Site - museums - Updated June 2026

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