Last updated: April 26, 2025
Thing to Do
Visit Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark
Come visit the first industrial building in the United States of America. Slater Mill, first constructed in 1793, was a water-powered cotton spinning mill financed by the Brown family of Providence. Samuel Slater, an English immigrant, working with local mechanics, successfully replicated English textile machines here in the United States in 1790. The wooden mill, now named Old Slater Mill, houses a visitor contact station with exhibits. Tours are also offered of the mill by Park Rangers. Operating hours and tours vary by season. Please check the Park's calendar for the latest information.
The site is also home to the Wilkinson Mill and Sylvanus Brown House. At this time, both of these facilities are closed to the public.
The grounds surrounding these three historic buildings are open daily from dawn to dusk. Interpretive panels spread across the grounds, help to explain the site's history and importance.Things to Do:
The site is also home to the Wilkinson Mill and Sylvanus Brown House. At this time, both of these facilities are closed to the public.
The grounds surrounding these three historic buildings are open daily from dawn to dusk. Interpretive panels spread across the grounds, help to explain the site's history and importance.
Things to Do:
Visitor Information Station
Watch an 8-minute video, learn more about the Park, or earn your Junior Ranger badge. Park staff are available to answer questions. Bathrooms and drinking water are available.
The Visitor Contact Station is located inside of Old Slater Mill.
Guided Tours:
Join a Ranger for a tour of Old Slater Mill. These 30 - 45 minute programs talk about the the legacy of the Industrial Revolution in America's first cotton-spinning mill. Tours leave from the patio in front of Old Slater Mill.
The mill is accessible but does have uneven floors. Special accommodations can be made by contacting 401-725-8638.
Spring Schedule (April 25, 2025 - May 17, 2025)
Visitor Information Station: Open Fridays and Saturdays (10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.)
Guided Tours: Fridays and Saturday (10:30 A.M., 12:30 P.M., 2:30 P.M.)
Park Grounds: Open Daily (Dawn - Dusk)
Summer Schedule (May 18 - November 1)
Visitor Information Station: Open Thursdays - Sundays (10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.)
Guided Tours: Thursdays - Sundays (10:30 A.M., 12:30 P.M., 2:30 P.M.)
Park Grounds: Open Daily (Dawn - Dusk)
Fall Schedule (November 2 - November 29)
Visitor Information Station: Open Fridays and Saturdays
Guided Tours: Fridays and Saturdays (10:30 A.M., 12:30 P.M., 2:30 P.M.)
Park Grounds: Open Daily (Dawn - Dusk)
For visitor safety, tours of Old Slater Mill will be modified or canceled if the heat index is above 87 degrees Fahrenheit. A shortened 10 minute Ranger talk will be offered at the normal tour times. Visitors will have a brief period of access to the main part of the mill. For the latest weather information, call 401-725-8638.
Please Note: The Wilkinson Mill and the Sylvanus Brown House are currently closed to the public until critical accessibility and safety work is completed. Due to this, group tours are required to be smaller than those offered in the past.
If you are looking to book a special group tour of Old Slater Mill or are a teacher or student check out our education page for more information.
Details
Duration
15-60 Minutes
Depending on how much time you have and whether or not you go on a guided tour will dictate how long you will spend at the site. Visitors just interested in collecting a stamp, reading through indoor and outdoor exhibits should allow 15 - 30 minutes. If going on a guided tour, tours last around 30 minutes.
Activity
Museum Exhibits
Exhibits, introductory video, guided tours, and activities available.
Age(s)
0-99
This site is good for all ages.
Pets Allowed
No
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
67 Roosevelt Avenue, Pawtucket, RI 02860
Located just off of Roosevelt Avenue, this location offers a large parking lot.
Reservations
No
Season
Spring, Summer, Fall
The mill is open on a seasonal basis. During the winter months (January - March), the mill is closed to the public. Operating hours and seasons vary during the Spring, Summer, and Fall. Check out the Park's calendar of events for up-to-date information about park offerings at the site.
Time of Day
Day
Accessibility Information
The mill is fully accessible to individuals with mobility difficulty. However, the structure is a old textile mill. The floors are at times uneven and the space could be difficult to navigate with a wheelchair. The front door is handicap accessible, but the belltower door is not. Individuals requiring a handicapped accessible door should enter through the front door.