You’ve probably seen the patch of trees and grass in downtown Providence, bordered by North Main, Canal and Smith Streets, and Park Row. But did you know that it is actually a real national park to visit in Rhode Island operated by the National Park Service? It was created to honor the site where Roger Williams founded Providence, the first town in the Ocean State. The city has its share of gems, but you might want to take the time to check out this nearby outdoor history lesson any day of the year.

The Roger Williams National Memorial commemorates the life of our state’s founder who was banished from the Massachusetts Bay Colony for his beliefs.

Flickr/ Jef Nickerson As far as a great national park to visit in Rhode Island, it is one of only two in the Ocean State! (The other one is Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park).

Not to be confused with Roger Williams Park in Providence, at 4.56 acres, Roger Williams National Memorial is barely 1 percent of the larger park’s size.

Flickr/ Will Hart

Roger Williams founded Rhode Island on this very spot in 1656.

Wikimedia/ Kenenth C. Zirkel The park is managed and maintained by the National Park Service. A visit here is one of the most popular things to do outside in Rhode Island.

The unassuming entrance to the park, which is one of the best best parks in Rhode Island, can be easily missed,

Wikimedia/ Kenenth C. Zirkel A lot of people think it is the smallest National Park in the nation, but it is actually the 20th smallest.

Even though it’s tiny, the park has its own Visitor Center.

Wikimedia/ enenth C. Zirkel It is located in the early 18th-century Antram-Gray House at the northeast corner. A parking area is on the west side.

Saying “Forced worship stinks in God’s nostrils,” Roger Williams was called the prophet of religious freedom.

Wikimedia/ Kenenth C. Zirkel

Stroll the paths and check out the site of the Spring which was what caused Roger Williams to select the site for Providence.

Flickr/ Kenenth C. Zirkel

You can even catch a glimpse of the State House from the grounds.

Wikimedia/ uvb

Roger Williams is as much a part of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations as our coastline. When you’re in Providence, be sure to check out this tiny yet beautiful National Park in the middle of our bustling city!

Flickr/ Jef Nickerson

As far as a great national park to visit in Rhode Island, it is one of only two in the Ocean State! (The other one is Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park).

Flickr/ Will Hart

Wikimedia/ Kenenth C. Zirkel

The park is managed and maintained by the National Park Service. A visit here is one of the most popular things to do outside in Rhode Island.

A lot of people think it is the smallest National Park in the nation, but it is actually the 20th smallest.

Wikimedia/ enenth C. Zirkel

It is located in the early 18th-century Antram-Gray House at the northeast corner. A parking area is on the west side.

Flickr/ Kenenth C. Zirkel

Wikimedia/ uvb

Have you been to the Roger Williams National Memorial? If so, we’d love to see your photos and hear about your experiences there.

If you’re looking for other great outdoor adventures in Rhode Island, be sure to check out the Lime Rock Preserve.

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Address: Roger Williams National Memorial, Providence, RI 02903, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

National park to visit in Rhode Island August 02, 2022 Lysa Allman-Baldwin Where is Pulaski State Park? Pulaski State Park and Recreational Area is in Gloucester, RI. Its only about a 40-minute drive west and a little bit north of Providence, right at the border of Connecticut. People from both sides of the state line and further afield come here to enjoy the spectacular views and wealth of recreational activities offered. Among them is swimming, hiking, camping, biking, and bird watching, just to name a few. I’m looking for an interesting historical attraction in Rhode Island. Even though Rhode Island is a small state, you’ll still find a wide array of attractions that provide unique insights into the history, people, cultures, foods, and more that make The Ocean State what it is today. One place you might want to visit is Kenyon’s Grist Mill. Located in West Kingston, it was founded in 1886, making it one of the oldest structures in the state. While here be sure to check out the really cool waterfall. Its kind of hidden but worth the journey. Are there any places to go fishing in Rhode Island? Absolutely! With so many waterways, you’re sure to find one with great fishing, and you probably won’t have to drive far from home to get to it. Among them is Bowdish Lake. Not only is there a 300-acre lake, but there’s a 30-acre pond as well. If you enjoy camping, it has one of the best campgrounds in the state.

The OIYS Visitor Center

National park to visit in Rhode Island

August 02, 2022

Lysa Allman-Baldwin

Where is Pulaski State Park? Pulaski State Park and Recreational Area is in Gloucester, RI. Its only about a 40-minute drive west and a little bit north of Providence, right at the border of Connecticut. People from both sides of the state line and further afield come here to enjoy the spectacular views and wealth of recreational activities offered. Among them is swimming, hiking, camping, biking, and bird watching, just to name a few. I’m looking for an interesting historical attraction in Rhode Island. Even though Rhode Island is a small state, you’ll still find a wide array of attractions that provide unique insights into the history, people, cultures, foods, and more that make The Ocean State what it is today. One place you might want to visit is Kenyon’s Grist Mill. Located in West Kingston, it was founded in 1886, making it one of the oldest structures in the state. While here be sure to check out the really cool waterfall. Its kind of hidden but worth the journey. Are there any places to go fishing in Rhode Island? Absolutely! With so many waterways, you’re sure to find one with great fishing, and you probably won’t have to drive far from home to get to it. Among them is Bowdish Lake. Not only is there a 300-acre lake, but there’s a 30-acre pond as well. If you enjoy camping, it has one of the best campgrounds in the state.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

Pulaski State Park and Recreational Area is in Gloucester, RI. Its only about a 40-minute drive west and a little bit north of Providence, right at the border of Connecticut. People from both sides of the state line and further afield come here to enjoy the spectacular views and wealth of recreational activities offered. Among them is swimming, hiking, camping, biking, and bird watching, just to name a few.

I’m looking for an interesting historical attraction in Rhode Island.

Even though Rhode Island is a small state, you’ll still find a wide array of attractions that provide unique insights into the history, people, cultures, foods, and more that make The Ocean State what it is today. One place you might want to visit is Kenyon’s Grist Mill. Located in West Kingston, it was founded in 1886, making it one of the oldest structures in the state. While here be sure to check out the really cool waterfall. Its kind of hidden but worth the journey.

Are there any places to go fishing in Rhode Island?

Absolutely! With so many waterways, you’re sure to find one with great fishing, and you probably won’t have to drive far from home to get to it. Among them is Bowdish Lake. Not only is there a 300-acre lake, but there’s a 30-acre pond as well. If you enjoy camping, it has one of the best campgrounds in the state.