Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park

Become a Junior Ranger at Blackstone River Valley NHP

Become a Junior Ranger at Blackstone River Valley NHP! The park has two different Junior Ranger programs you can complete. Books are available at Old Slater Mill and the Blackstone River State Park.

Bike the Blackstone

Join a Park Ranger for a guided bike ride.

Birding Along the Blackstone

Start your summer weekend off with a bird walk along the beautiful Blackstone River and Canal. Park staff will lead hour-long walking tours at the Blackstone River State Park on Fridays and Sundays. These birding programs are meant for birders of all ages and skill levels.  Field guides, binoculars, and Junior Birder books will be available. Tours meet in front of the Kelly House Museum of Transportation.

Blackstone River Greenway and Bikeway

The Blackstone River Bikeway is a beautiful way to explore the Blackstone Valley, whether by bike or on foot and offers something for everyone to enjoy. With over 24 miles already constructed, the vision is for it to extend 48 miles from downtown Worcester, MA, to India Point Park in Providence, RI.

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.

Fall Walkabouts

Join a Park Ranger as we explore each one of our 6 park sites on Saturdays this Fall. Tours will discuss the history of each site and its importance withint the larger context of US history. Tours start at 10:00 AM and last about 90 minutes.

Kelly House Museum of Transportation

Learn the story of the Transportation Revolution by exploring the museum and site. Walk along the river and the Blackstone Canal. Check out the reconstructed historic barn for more exhibits. Ride a bike or walk down the Blackstone Bikeway. There are many ways to explore the site and learn more about the history. Check the Park's calendar for updates on operating hours and events.

Labor Day Weekend at Slater Mill

Join us for a celebration of Labor Day weekend at Old Slater Mill. Free musical performances, tours, talks, and activities. The weekend's highlights include: 8/29: Walkabout/Workshop at 6:30 PM 8/30: River Bend East Songwriters Festival Kickoff at 6:30 PM 8/31: River Bend East Songwriters Festival 12-4 PM; Specialty Tours; Bell Tower open ; old time games 9/1: Specialty Tours, lectures at 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM; old time games

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 a plant and animal scavenger hunt. Binoculars and animal identification guides are available for participants to borrow.

Paddling the Blackstone

Whether kayaking, canoeing, or paddle boarding, the Blackstone River and the remaining parts of the Blackstone Canal offer great places to get out on the water. There are numerous locations across the river valley which are great for paddling. Different locations can accommodate beginner and intermediate paddlers. 

Parked at Home

Explore America's national parks from the comfort of home. Every park has a story. During this virtual series, we’ll connect with people from across the country to talk about special places and complex stories at National Park Service sites. Join us to learn more about a place that might be close to home, or in a destination you dream of visiting. Each hour-long program includes a presentation and opportunities for questions and answers.

Power Walks

This spring, join a park ranger for a series of "power walks" around historic sites in the Blackstone Valley. During these brisk walking tours, we'll explore the history of power along local waterways and wooded areas.  Hosted on Thursdays, April 18-May 30, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. No registration is required (free). 

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 the fabric of the United States of America. These 30-45 minute tours examine the beginnings of American industry and its lasting effects. Tours are offered seasonally from late-April through early December on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Tours begin at 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 2:30 PM

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.

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 Revolutionary War Pension Files of more than 80,000 of America's first veterans and their widows, containing more than 2 million documents. Become a citizen archivist and unlock the details and stories found within these rich records!

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 Angler badge. All fishing material and bait are provided. Activities available from 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

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.

Visit Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark

The birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution, Old Slater Mill is open as a museum. Visitors can learn about the history of the site through exhibits, films, and tours. The grounds are open from dawn to dusk. Visitors can read interpretative panels spread across the grounds which help tell the story of the site. Check out the Park's calendar for operating hours and seasons.

Winter Hikes

Join a Park Ranger for weekly hikes at varying locations in the Blackstone River Valley from December 21, 2024 - February 22, 2025. Hikes start at 10:00 AM on Saturday mornings. See listing for details.

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, birds, and more