Blackstone Valley attractions reveal area's natural and social history

Blackstone Valley Explorer

Departs from Central Fall landing, 45 Madeira Avenue Central Falls, RI Phone: 401-724-2200

The Blackstone Valley Explorer is a 40-passenger riverboat, the only one of its kind on the Blackstone River. Since 1993, when the boat cruises began, more than 25,000 passengers annually have come from local, national and global destinations to take 45 minute narrated tours along sections of the Blackstone River. Explore the river that was once called "America’s Hardest Working River" and discover the river’s ecosystem as you learn about the river’s industrialized past, the river’s restoration, and what we are doing to help the river live again. Public tours held on Sunday afternoons from early May to mid-October. Private charters also available by advance appointment.

Slater Memorial Park Carousel

Newport Avenue (Route 1A) Pawtucket, RI 02861 Phone: 401-728-0500 ext. 252

The stately grounds of this park include an early carousel by Danish immigrant Charles I. D. Looff. The carousel boasts 42 horses, three dogs, and a lion, camel, and giraffe; they are some of the earliest examples of Looff’swork. Rides are a mere 25 cents. Open during warm weather: Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Call ahead for changes in hours.