Discover a city where cobblestone streets whisper tales of revolution, vibrant murals burst with artistic expression, and innovative minds push the boundaries of the future. Providence, Rhone Island offers a blend of historic charm, youthful energy, and a thriving cultural scene.
For travelers, there are plenty of things to do in Providence, such as touring Brown University, exploring the city's museums and art galleries, and visiting the Rhode Island School of Design.
Take a walk at Providence Athenaeum to learn about the history of a library from the 1800s that famous writers like Edgar Allan Poe and H.P. Lovecraft liked. Locals call it "the Ath."
For almost 200 years, this library has had famous writers, smart people, and active community members come in to read, talk, and discuss. They have music events, parties, traditional gatherings, and talks in the pretty Victorian library.
See the house that inspired H.P. Lovecraft, a writer who made up stories. He used this house as a model for a character named Robert Blake in his story called "The Haunter of the Dark."
Near the house, there are many providence places to check out, like Prospect Park, a small square that Lovecraft often went to. It has a great view of the city and a huge statue of Roger Williams, who founded the state. His remains are buried there.
Providence has lots of old places that show what life was like in the past. Among these historical spots, there are also beautiful places such as Neutaconkanut Hill Park. It's a big park right in the middle of the busiest part of the city.
This park has 88 acres of trees, fields, and pretty flowers. There are also valleys, deep cuts in the land, big rocks left behind by glaciers, walls made of stone, springs with fresh water, and small streams.
The "Gun Totem," named by artist Boris Bally, is a striking obelisk built in 2001 using guns collected from a firearm buy-back program in Pittsburgh. Over 1,000 guns were used to create this pillar, commissioned by the Providence Parks Department.
All the guns used were made non-functional and were encased in concrete, with parts of the pillar intentionally chipped away to reveal the layer of guns hidden beneath its surface. Be sure to make time to admire this sculpture and add it to your list of to do Providence.
As you take a walk down Thomas Street in College Hill, you'll come across an eye-catching building that stands out from the others. This building is the historic Fleur-de-lys Studio, an art studio with a rich history.
What sets this studio apart is its distinctive facade, which is hand-carved and adorned with multiple faux reliefs and painted in a vibrant yellow color. The building also features a sunken doorway and bulging, angular window bays.
When you're in Rhode Island, don't miss out on a visit to the Industrial National Bank Building. This attractions in Rhode Island Providence was constructed in 1928 and designed by the New York firm of Walker & Gillette.
Officially known as the Industrial National Bank Building, it stands at a height of 428 feet, making it the tallest building in the state. Built in the Art Deco style, the structure resembles the iconic Daily Planet building from Superman.
The Crook Point Bascule Bridge is a fascinating abandoned structure that locals affectionately call the "Always Up Bridge" or "Stuck-Up Bridge". You can see it just north of the Washington Bridge.
For visitors, there's convenient parking available at the Gano Park Public Parking Lot, which is only about 100 yards away from the bridge. Parking is free, making it easy for you to explore this intriguing piece of Rhode Island's industrial history.
The Big Blue Bug is a huge termite mascot of Big Blue Bug Solutions. It's said to be the world's biggest fake bug, being 928 times larger than a real termite. Standing at 9 feet tall and stretching 58 feet long, it weighs a whopping 4,000 pounds.
Every year, the Bug gets "dressed up" for various occasions like Independence Day, Halloween, the start of the Pawtucket Red Sox baseball season, and Christmas. It's quite a sight to see!
Nori the Dragon is a big green dragon that appears to crawl down from the roof of the Providence Children's Museum.
When you're driving through the old industrial part of Providence, you might turn a corner and be surprised to see this giant smiling dragon descending from the building's rooftop. It's something kids will enjoy and it's one of the many fun things to see in Rhode Island Providence.
As you cross the intersection of Westminster and Weybosset Streets in downtown Providence, be sure to glance up at the wedge-shaped skyscraper that commands attention at the corner.
You'll notice the imposing stone face of a stern, turbaned 19th-century Ottoman soldier staring down at you. This building, completed in 1913, is one of the oldest skyscrapers in Providence. The building's exterior is embellished with Art Deco-style bas reliefs depicting lions, seashells, flowers, and other intricate designs.
A common meeting spot can be really handy for people trying to find each other. In Providence, one of those spots is the Victorian clock outside the Shepard Company Building on Westminster Street. It's so famous that locals often say "Meet me under the Shepard’s Clock" when planning to meet someone.
The art timepiece is painted in turquoise, purple, and orange, in a tone that might remind the viewer of something straight out of their most whimsical dreams. It's a place worth visiting!
If you're interested in stars and astronomy, a must things to do at Providence Rhode Island is to visit Ladd Observatory. This observatory houses a 132-year-old telescope that still observes the night skies above Providence.
Built-in 1891 by Brown University, the Ladd Observatory offers public access on Tuesday nights. Admission is free, but it's necessary to reserve your spot in advance. It's a fantastic opportunity to explore the wonders of the universe right in the heart of the city.
Tucked away in a red brick building, the Edna Lawrence Nature Lab is a fascinating blend of art, science, and history. Run by the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), the lab is filled with intriguing sights in every nook and cranny.
From blowfish suspended from the ceiling to Victorian-mounted springbok horns framing the entrance, the lab is a treasure trove waiting to be explored. It's a place where curiosity knows no bounds and exploration is endless.
You'll find several serene neighborhoods that still showcase the architectural style of the Colonial period when the area was established. On one of the oldest streets, you'll discover the possibly "cursed" Stephen Harris House.
Built in 1763, this slatboard home has undergone extensive renovations over the years and is now painted in a soft yellow hue. However, despite its fresh coat of paint, the building still carries its mysterious history.
Enjoy the lavishness of a stay at Providence Biltmore while you explore things to do in Rhodes Island USA. Here, you'll delve into local history and tales, where imaginative interiors and college memories blend for a uniquely PVD experience.
The hotel boasts unusual features, including chicken coops on the rooftop and hot springs in the basement. This historic hotel is within walking distance of five major universities and serves as your ideal hub for exploring the delightful waterfront city.
Established in 1910, the John Hay Library is one of the five distinct libraries at Brown University. This library holds a remarkable collection of unique books and manuscripts.
As you step into the lobby, you're greeted by a massive book featuring Audubon's paintings of American birds. And the wonders don't stop there; the library houses treasures like a First Folio of Shakespeare's plays and sonnets, and an extensive collection of Gorham sterling silver tableware.
Spread across 40 acres of stunning landscaping, Roger Williams Park, one of the oldest in the nation, offers a chance to see African elephants, Masai giraffes, zebras, red pandas, snow leopards, moon bears, a Komodo dragon, and other animals in naturalistic habitats.
Be sure to visit the Explore & Soar area, where you can hop on the Woodlands Express train, or for those seeking a bit more adventure, try the Soaring Eagle Zip Ride. It's a family-friendly place to visit in Providence.
