Rhode Island - Blackstone Valley

Blackstone Valley Explorer
Central Falls Landing, 45 Madeira Avenue
Central Falls, RI
Phone: 401-724-2200

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The Blackstone Valley Explorer is a 49-passenger riverboat. Since 1993, 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. Spring and summer cruises depart from Central Falls and tour the Valley Falls Wilderness Area. Autumn cruises depart near the Museum of Work & Culture in Woonsocket and tour from the Thundermist dam north. 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.

Samuel Slater Canal Boat
Central Falls Landing, Madeira Avenue
Central Falls, RI
Phone: 401-724-2200

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The Samuel Slater Canal Boat, built in Cambridgeshire, England, offers guests a scenic cruise on the historic Blackstone River and overnight luxury accommodations with breakfast. Summer operations only. An extra fee brings a sumptuous New England clambake dinner. Day trips include a traditional British Tea tour. The canal boat docks at Madeira Avenue in Central Falls. During the cruise, you'll observe wildlife such as swans, deer, great blue herons, turtles and more. Travelers aboard this amazing cruise are enchanted by the beauty and uniqueness that the river offers. The boat is in drydock in 2009, but will return to operations in 2010.

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

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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.