Straddling The Massachusetts-Rhode Island Border, The Blackstone Valley Is One Of The Most Unique Places You’ll Ever Visit

There are two states that can lay claim to the Blackstone River Valley, and those states are Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Rich in nature and history, this valley straddles the border between the two states and extends from Worcester, Massachusetts to Providence, Rhode Island.

Rich in history, it was here in the Blackstone River Valley where the American Industrial Revolution began. And there is plenty of evidence left behind to attest to that fact.

Dotting the landscape along the banks of the 48-mile Blackstone River between Worcester and Providence are former mills, small villages, and bridges.

Within the Blackstone Valley are a number of state parks and historic districts that all fall under the Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park.

Within the national park are the Blackstone River and Canal State Park (Uxbridge, MA), Hopedale Village Historic District (Hopedale, MA), and Whitinsville Historic District (Northbridge, MA) as well as...

...The Blackstone River State Park (Lincoln, RI), Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark District (Pawtucket, RI), Slatersville Historic District (North Smithfield, RI), and Ashton Historic District (Cumberland, RI).

There is so much to explore in the Blackstone River Valley that straddles the border between Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

If you're curious to see the Blackstone River Valley, there's perhaps no better way than to walk or bike along the Blackstone River Bikeway.

If you're from Massachusetts or Rhode Island, chances are you've visited part of the Blackstone River Valley. Whether you went to Slater Mill in Pawtucket, RI; biked along the Blackstone River Bikeway; or visited one of many towns or villages between Providence and Worcester, there's no doubt that the Blackstone River Valley still plays an essential role in Southern New England today. To learn more about the Blackstone River Valley, visit the National Park Service website.

If you find yourself in the town of Blackstone, do yourself a favor and take a hike through the Blackstone Gorge.