Choose wisely. Connect locally.Add your business 
Pawtucket is a city of about 75,000 people just north of Providence on the Blackstone River, and it is often called the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution. In 1793 Samuel Slater built the first successful water-powered cotton mill in the country here, and the riverside mill complex is now part of Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park.
Slater Mill brings that history to life with tours of the mills, the waterwheel and the workers' stories. Slater Memorial Park has walking paths, gardens and the historic Looff Carousel, one of the oldest in the country. The Cape Verdean Museum celebrates the large Cape Verdean community that settled in the area.
Pawtucket is the hometown of toy giant Hasbro, and its downtown has historic buildings and a growing arts scene in converted mills. The new Tidewater Landing stadium on the river is home to Rhode Island FC soccer, and the city's St. Patrick's Day parade and arts festival draw big crowds. Providence's restaurants and attractions are just minutes away.
The 1793 Slater Mill beside Pawtucket Falls on the Blackstone River is often called the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution. Now part of Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park, the site includes the mill, the Wilkinson Mill and a historic house. Check the seasonal tour schedule before visiting.
A colonial farmhouse inside Slater Memorial Park dating from the late 1600s, considered the oldest house in Pawtucket. Run by a local historical society, it displays period furniture and family items from the Daggett family. It opens only on limited days, so check ahead if you want to see the interior.
An Art Deco city hall completed in the 1930s on Roosevelt Avenue, with a tall central tower, decorative stonework and a lobby with period details. It is a working government building, so visitors usually admire the exterior; it is a short walk from Slater Mill and the downtown streets.
Pawtucket's largest park, with ponds, walking paths, picnic areas, sports fields, tennis courts and a duck pond, on the east side of the city. It also holds the Looff Carousel and the Daggett House. It is busy on summer weekends, and parking is available along the park roads near the main attractions.
A historic wooden carousel built by master carver Charles I. D. Looff, housed in a pavilion in Slater Memorial Park. Its hand-carved horses and animals are among the oldest of his surviving work. Rides are inexpensive and it runs seasonally, mainly in summer, so check the hours before going.
A soccer stadium on the Blackstone River in downtown Pawtucket, built as part of the Tidewater Landing project and home of Rhode Island FC of the USL Championship. Match days bring food vendors and lively crowds. Buy tickets in advance for popular games and allow time for parking nearby.
The compact center of Pawtucket around Main Street and the Blackstone River, with old mill buildings, small restaurants, bakeries and shops reflecting the city's Portuguese, Cape Verdean and Latin American communities. Pair a walk here with Slater Mill, which sits right at the edge of downtown.
A converted textile mill on Main Street, originally the Jenckes Spinning Company, now filled with artist studios, small businesses, a music venue and food makers. It hosts a popular year-round farmers market in the colder months. Visit on market days to see the most studios and shops open.
A classic 1940s Sterling Streamliner railroad-car style diner on East Avenue, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is known for creative breakfast specials, pancakes and custard French toast. It is small and popular, so expect a wait on weekend mornings and bring patience.
A craft brewery in an industrial building in Pawtucket with a taproom serving its own ales and lagers, from light everyday beers to seasonal releases. The taproom often has food trucks and games. Check the opening hours online, since the taproom is closed on some weekdays.
An annual festival held in late summer and early fall in Pawtucket with outdoor concerts, art shows, open studios, food and family activities spread across the city. Events usually include a riverfront celebration and artist exhibits in old mill buildings. Check the schedule, as events run over several weeks.
Top-rated local businesses in Pawtucket, with real reviews on WiserMap.
No reviews yet. Been to Pawtucket? Be the first to share your experience.
Share what you loved, what to skip and tips for other travelers.
Log in to write a reviewBeen to Pawtucket? Add your best shots to the gallery.
Log in to add photos
Rhode Island, United States
Rhode Island, United States
Rhode Island, United States
Rhode Island, United States
Rhode Island, United States
Rhode Island, United States
Rhode Island, United States
Rhode Island, United States
Photo: Quintin Soloviev, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Kenneth C. Zirkel, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Quintin Soloviev, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Kenneth C. Zirkel, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Kenneth C. Zirkel, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Bestbudbrian, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Kenneth C. Zirkel, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Kenneth C. Zirkel, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Marcbela (Marc N. Belanger), Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Pi.1415926535, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Quintin Soloviev, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Dougtone, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Dougtone, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Dougtone, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Dougtone, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: PawtucketRay, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Kenneth C. Zirkel, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Kenneth C. Zirkel, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Kenneth C. Zirkel, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Pawtucketray (talk), Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Peter Theodores, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Peter Theodores, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Peter Theodores, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Peter Theodores, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Marcbela (Marc N. Belanger), Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Kenneth C. Zirkel, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Kenneth C. Zirkel, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Kenneth C. Zirkel, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Astridmigu7, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Fred Cherrygarden, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
