Slater Mill Historic Site
Discover the birthplace of America's Industrial Revolution at Slater Mill, a historic 1793 textile mill offering free tours and insights into innovati...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Catch guided tours before crowds
Slater Mill Historic Site
Best Time
Catch guided tours before crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the birthplace of America's Industrial Revolution at Slater Mill, a historic 1793 textile mill offering free tours and insights into innovation.
"Truly educational and informative, Slater Mill provides a better perspective on the Industrial Revolution than other sites."
Download the NPS App
Get an audio tour for self-guided exploration of the grounds and exhibits. :iphone:
Check Tour Schedules
Tours are seasonal (April-Dec) and times vary. Book ahead if possible! :admission_tickets:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Birthplace of the Industrial Revolution
Slater Mill
Step into America's first textile mill and witness the dawn of industrial innovation. See original machinery and learn about its profound impact.
Ranger-Led Mill Tours
Slater Mill
Engaging tours bring history to life, contextualizing the mill's significance with slavery and child labor, often with humor.
Blackstone River Views
Grounds
Enjoy scenic views of the Blackstone River and surrounding historic buildings. A peaceful spot for reflection after exploring the mill.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Tours
Free Admission & App Audio Tour
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Download the NPS App
Get an audio tour for self-guided exploration of the grounds and exhibits. :iphone:
Check Tour Schedules
Tours are seasonal (April-Dec) and times vary. Book ahead if possible! :admission_tickets:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around the historic mill and grounds. :athletic_shoe:
Free Admission!
Enjoy this historic site and its tours without any cost. :moneywithwings:
Tips
from all over the internet
Download the NPS App
Get an audio tour for self-guided exploration of the grounds and exhibits. :iphone:
Check Tour Schedules
Tours are seasonal (April-Dec) and times vary. Book ahead if possible! :admission_tickets:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around the historic mill and grounds. :athletic_shoe:
Free Admission!
Enjoy this historic site and its tours without any cost. :moneywithwings:
Contextualize History
Ranger tours offer deep insights into the mill's role in slavery and child labor. :scroll:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Slater Mill for its historical significance as the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution and its free admission. The ranger-led tours are frequently highlighted for being informative, engaging, and providing crucial context on the era's social impacts. While small, the site is well-maintained and offers a valuable educational experience.
"very small but well maintained (and free!) historic site offering guided tours. If you’re in the area or are interested in the history of the industrial revolution in America, this is a must see. If you don’t want to do the tour this is only a 5-10 minute stop."
Chris L
"It was truly educational for me to visit the Slater Mill. I had a chance visiting the Cromford Mill in the UK two weeks earlier, and the tour at the National Historic Park at the Slater Mill was much more informative. The presentation by the park service staff was so much better, and it helped me a lot to put things in perspective. 200 years before Elon Musk and AI/LLM, Slater and Arkwright changed the US and the UK and perhaps the world forever by the individual revolution. I would recommend the park to anyone who gets a chance to visit Providence."
WZ Xiao
"Small park with the historic Slater Mill, as well as nice views of the Blackstone and a couple of other historic buildings. It’s run by the National Park Service and has a handful of informational signs posted, as well as an audio tour on their app. While tours are offered from April-December, the grounds are open to visitors year round.
Theranger-led tours allow you to actually go into the mill and see some of the machinery in action. I really enjoyed this, as Ranger Mark did a wonderful job contextualizing the significance of the mill relative to slavery and child labor while also keeping it interesting and engaging with his humor. While waiting for the tour, I watched a short informational video and toured a temporary archeological exhibit upstairs. Very cool experience, I’d highly recommend it to anyone, visitor and native alike!"
Ben Roth
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Slater Mill Historic Site is located in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. It's about a 20-minute drive from Foxborough, MA. Public transportation options may be available, but driving is generally the most convenient way to reach the site. Parking information can usually be found on the National Park Service website for Slater Mill.
Yes, there is typically parking available near Slater Mill Historic Site. It's advisable to check the official National Park Service website for the most current parking details and any associated fees, though the site itself is free to visit.
Absolutely! Slater Mill is very close to Providence, making it an easy and worthwhile day trip. Many visitors combine a visit to the mill with exploring other attractions in the Providence area.
From Boston, you can drive to Slater Mill, which takes approximately 45-60 minutes depending on traffic. Alternatively, you can take an MBTA Commuter Rail train from Boston's South Station to Pawtucket/Central Falls station, and then a short taxi or rideshare to the mill.
While specific routes can change, Pawtucket is served by RIPTA (Rhode Island Public Transit Authority) buses. It's recommended to check the RIPTA website for current routes and schedules that service the area around Slater Mill Historic Site.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to Slater Mill Historic Site and its guided tours is free! This makes it a fantastic option for budget-conscious travelers and families looking for historical experiences without a cost.
The grounds of Slater Mill are open year-round. However, guided tours of the mill itself are typically offered from April through December. It's crucial to check the National Park Service website for the most up-to-date tour schedules and seasonal hours.
While tours are free, it's a good idea to check the National Park Service website for any reservation recommendations, especially during peak season or for larger groups. This ensures you can secure a spot on your desired tour time.
Yes, the grounds of Slater Mill Historic Site are accessible year-round, even when the mill building is closed for tours. You can still explore the exterior, enjoy the river views, and read the informational signs.
Slater Mill occasionally hosts cultural events, such as the Caboverdean Cultural Event mentioned on Instagram.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can take guided tours of the historic textile mill, explore the grounds with views of the Blackstone River, and learn about the Industrial Revolution in America. There are also informational signs and an audio tour available on the NPS app.+1
If you're just walking the grounds, it might be a 5-10 minute stop. However, a guided tour offers a much richer experience and can take about an hour. Many visitors find the tours highly educational and engaging.+1
Yes, ranger-led guided tours are a highlight, offering in-depth historical context and often a touch of humor. These tours allow you to go inside the mill and see some of the machinery.
Yes, the National Park Service offers an audio tour on their app, which is a great option for those who prefer to explore at their own pace or visit when guided tours aren't available.
Slater Mill is recognized as the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution. It was the first successful water-powered cotton-spinning textile mill in the United States, established in 1793.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior of the historic mill building, especially with the Blackstone River in the background, makes for great shots. The machinery inside the mill also offers unique photographic opportunities.
Generally, photography is allowed inside the mill during tours, but it's always best to confirm with your ranger guide. Be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash if it might disrupt the experience or damage artifacts.
While general photography is usually permitted, commercial photography or videography might require special permits. Always check with the site staff if you plan on extensive professional shoots.
Many visitors capture the historic architecture, the industrial machinery, and the scenic views of the Blackstone River. Cultural events held at the site also provide unique photo opportunities.
If you appreciate industrial history and scenic river views, yes. The mill itself is photogenic, and the surrounding area offers a glimpse into early American industrial landscapes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the audio tour via the NPS app if your children have shorter attention spans or if you prefer to explore at your own pace.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with a picnic lunch enjoyed by the Blackstone River to keep costs even lower. The availability of a free audio tour on the NPS app also means you can have a rich, self-guided experience without needing to pay for a separate guide or audio device.
📚 History Enthusiasts
Comparing your experience here to other historic industrial sites, like Cromford Mill in the UK, can offer a broader perspective on global industrial history.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Industrial Revolution's American Genesis
The mill's technology, adapted from British designs, allowed for mass production of textiles, leading to the growth of factory towns like Pawtucket. This era, however, also brought significant social changes, including the rise of child labor and the exploitation of workers, issues that are thoughtfully addressed during ranger-led tours.
Visiting Slater Mill offers a tangible connection to this transformative period. You can see the machinery that powered this revolution and hear stories that contextualize its impact, from economic growth to the human cost. It's a powerful reminder of how innovation, while driving progress, also presents profound ethical considerations that continue to resonate today.
Navigating Your Visit: Tours and Self-Exploration
For those who prefer a more independent experience, the grounds are open year-round, and the National Park Service provides an audio tour via their app.
Regardless of your chosen method, arriving with a sense of curiosity will greatly enhance your visit. Whether you're a history buff, an industrial enthusiast, or simply looking for an educational outing, Slater Mill provides a valuable window into a crucial period of American development. Remember to check the NPS website for the most current tour schedules and any specific visitor guidelines before your trip.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit