Last updated: May 15, 2026
Thing to Do
Ranger Walkabouts
Hendrickson
Join a Park Ranger and explore the Blackstone River Valley.
During the months of June, July, and August, park staff offer specialty tours at varying locations across the Blackstone River Watershed. These programs begin at 6:30 PM and are 60-minutes long.
Please wear comfortable footwear and bring water. Most tours are outside and often include walking on uneven surfaces on varying types of terrain with no access to bathroom facilities. Bug spray and sunscreen are also highly suggested.
Please Note: There will be no Walkabout on July 2.
June 4: From Forge to Fortune in Northbridge
Location: 50 Douglas Rd, Whitinsville, MA
How did the Revolutionary generation in Northridge set the stage for the future of American industry? Learn how a small forge along the Mumford River gave rise to a textile giant and a blueprint for American innovation.
Tour will begin near the historic forge building, located within the Open Sky complex.
June 11: Seeds of Success in Slatersville
Location: 101 Green St, North Smithfield, RI
Why was this location, along the Branch River, chosen for a mill village? How did financiers, workers, ministers, and farmers make this a thriving industrial community? This walk will take us through the well-preserved core of the country’s first planned mill village.
Tour begins at Heritage Hall—parking is available in a small adjacent lot and by the Town Hall.
June 18: "Owning Our History" with Peter Laarman
Location: One Benevolent Street, Providence, RI
Gather at the First Unitarian Church to explore the historic church and neighborhood and learn how slavery built dynastic wealth in Rhode Island.
This tour will begin at the First Unitarian Church (corner of Benevolent and Benefit streets).
June 25: Stepping Out to Skull Rock Lock
Location: 300 Quaker Hwy, Uxbridge, MA
Discover the history of Skull Rock Lock and take a walk with a ranger from the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). Meet in the parking lot of Uxbridge High School in Uxbridge, MA.
Meet the rangers at Uxbridge High School.
July 9: The Transportation Revolution in the Valley
Location: Plummer's Landing Parking Area, Northbridge, MA
Explore Plummer’s Landing and learn about the enterprising people of the Blackstone Valley who built the infrastructure for a transportation revolution. Meet at the Plummer’s Landing parking area (bit.ly/plummerslanding). Expect to walk about two miles on rugged terrain with moderate inclines. Led with a ranger from Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).
Look for a small lot located off Church Street Extension in Northbridge.
July 16: Heritage and Landscape in Hopedale
Location: 2 Peace St, Hopedale, MA
What defines a commune or a company town? How have the residents of Hopedale built lives in each of these types of communities? Take an evening stroll through Hopedale, a town with centuries of history.
Look for a ranger by the statue of Adin Ballou - on-street parking is available.
July 23: Prosperity in Providence - A Tour of Lippitt House
Location: 199 Hope St, Providence, RI
Step into Providence’s Gilded Age during a guided tour of Lippitt House Museum. A National Historic Landmark, Lippitt House has one of the best-preserved Victorian-era interiors in America. Following the Lippitt family’s example of public service, today the Museum is a place where art, history, and community converge. Presented with Preserve Rhode Island.
Seek on-street parking and meet in front of Lippitt House.
July 30: The Rockdale Mill - A Historic Tribute to Centuries of Manufacturing
Location: 10 Sutton St, Northbridge, MA
In the 19th century, the Whitins of Northbridge, Massachusetts built a formidable family enterprise. In the 1860s, matriarch Betsey Whitin divided the then multi-faceted business between her sons. Paul Whitin Jr. took control of the Rockdale and Riverdale Mills. Join us as we take a closer look at the legacy that is the Rockdale Mill. Special note: this tour will meet at the corner of Rte. 122 and Central Turnpike (Curtain Factory Outlet is on lower level).
Gather at the entrance to Mill at 5 Points – parking is available.
August 6: Navigating the Blackstone Canal, Past and Present
Location: Collyer Street Gate, North Burial Ground, Providence, RI
Enjoy a guided walk through North Burial Ground with Annalisa Heppner. Learn about the flow of the Blackstone Canal through a trench running through North Burial Ground. Visit the gravesites of industrialists whose fortunes depended on the canal, and other local residents.
Look for the gate to enter North Burial Ground on Collyer Street.
August 13: Holocaust Education and Memorial Walk
Location: 282 N. Main St., Providence, RI
Walk to Memorial Park with Dr. Laura Auketayeva, Director of Education and Programs at Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center. This tour will include a guided exploration of the Rhode Island Holocaust Memorial in Providence, RI. Meet at Roger Williams National Memorial.
Limited, off-street parking is available in the Roger Williams National Memorial lot.
August 20: Revolutions in Ashton
Location: 51 Front St., Cumberland, RI
In 1820, a small mill village was constructed in present-day Lincoln, Rhode Island. Over the next forty years, Ashton expanded into a large community that experienced revolutions in transportation and industry. Join a ranger for a guided walk through this well-preserved Rhode Island system mill village and learn about the many changes experienced by this community and the people who lived and worked there.
Please use parking provided for the Blackstone River Bikeway.
August 27: Commemorations and Community in Pawtucket
Location: 67 Roosevelt Ave., Pawtucket, RI
In August 1824, the Marquis de Lafayette traveled through Pawtucket. Lafayette’s very popular tour through the United States was an early commemoration of the country’s War for Independence. This walk will explore Revolutionary history in Pawtucket and discuss Lafayette’s extensive tour. Meet at Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark in Pawtucket.
Parking is available in a lot next to the historic Slater Mill.
Details
Duration
45-75 Minutes
Walkabout usually last around 60-minutes.
Activity
Guided Tours
Ranger Walkabout last about 60-minutes. Rangers will walk to multiple locations and discuss varying topics from history, ecology, and geology. Tours could be anywhere from 1/4 mile to over 1 mile in distance. Walks happen in various locations on different types of walking paths. Walking paths are often uneven and not paved. Please note any special warnings in regards to accessibility under each listing.
Age(s)
Participants should be in good health and able to walk long distances over diverse terrain features. Footing is often uneven and on non-paved surfaces.
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pets are allowed on all outdoor walkabouts. Some walkabouts are held inside of buildings. Pets are not allowed on these tours. Individual listings will note whether tour is indoors or outdoors
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Reservations
No
Season
Summer
Walkabouts are hosted in June, July and August
Time of Day
Day, Dusk
Walkabouts are held at 6:30 PM EST
Accessibility Information
Walkabouts are typically held outdoors in varying locations. These tours are often between 1/4 mile - over 1 mile in length. Participants will be expected to walk on varying surfaces, often uneven and unpaved. Take note of special accessibility notes in the individual walk listings. Some walkabouts are fully accessible. Others have differing degrees of accessibility.
Special accommodations can be made for those with hearing or visual impairments.
Special accommodations can be made for those with hearing or visual impairments.