7 Things That Providence, RI Is Known For

Rhode Island’s capital city is a wonderfully diverse location with a long history. There’s something to pique everyone’s interest with so many famous residents and fascinating places. Here are our seven favorite things that Providence, Rhode Island, is known for, from events to famous historical figures and top tourist destinations.

Roger Williams Park Zoo

Cotton Top Tamarin on Branch by Eric Kilby is licensed with CC BY-SA 2.0

The Roger Williams Park Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the country. This 40-acre, family-friendly park is a special place for locals and tourists to get wild. It’s just the place to see a giraffe, zebra, alligator, and a red panda. It’s also largely cage-free, and the staff offers various ways to learn about the resident animals and their natural habitats. This pick is one of the best for families because of the children’s area and trackless train rides.

Join the fun at this destination with seasonal activities, such as the Holiday Lights Spectacular that kicks off on November 25, 2022. There’s also the area’s most extensive indoor garden. It sprawls across 12,000 square feet in five greenhouses, plus you can explore the outdoor garden. Roger Williams Park covers 435 acres and features a lake, a historic bandstand, a theater, the 1773 cottage, and a carousel. You’ll also discover a Museum of Natural History here, with the state’s only planetarium and fossils on display.

• Location: 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence.
• Fall and winter hours: Thursday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The WaterFire Event

Without a doubt, Providence’s most famous event is WaterFire. Local artist Barnaby Evans created this epic experience 25 years ago to engage all the senses, from sight and sound to taste. This award-winning installation attracts nearly one million art lovers to Providence each year. Join young and old alike and come out to play at this arts and music festival. Local restaurants are also on hand, serving their tastiest concoctions for the occasion.

At its peak, over 80 bonfires blaze from the middle of the river between Waterplace and South Main Street Parks. The sparkling flames light downtown at least twice a month until late November, while smaller versions of the event occur around the city.

• Location: 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence.
• Seasonal Hours: Thursday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Moshassuck and Woonasquatucket Rivers

Unless you’re a local, you probably have trouble pronouncing the names of Providence’s most famous rivers. The Moshassuck and Woonasquatucket wind through the city and were once significant to the Industrial Revolution’s success, powering numerous mills with their strong currents. For decades, the bridge and traffic congestion hid the rivers from view. But, thanks to a revitalization project in the 1990s, their majesty is again revealed. The city lined the banks with walkways, benches, trees, and gardens, while graceful, Venice-inspired bridges span the waterway.

Explore the waterways ashore during the day or afloat on a sunset cruise. Or get a new perspective on the city with loads of exciting sights by booking a seat on an open-air boat ride. And if the waterfront isn’t for you, plan a ride in an authentic Venetian gondola. If you’re looking for a romantic outing, go at sunset or during WaterFire.

The “Mile of History”

Providence is also a hotspot for architectural history, particularly the mile-long stretch between the river and Brown University’s campus called “Mile of History.” Magnificent homes line the steep hillside and change as the street rises from the waterfront. You’ll see beautifully restored, Federal-period homes and grand estates on sweeping lawns as you continue meandering. Finally, as you approach the college, Victorian-style residences dominate the scene.

The Providence Preservation Society offers an excellent walking tour booklet detailing the various buildings. Make sure you visit some of the top attractions and places of interest. Times and days vary based on the location. However, several offer public tours, including:

• Providence Art Club (11 Thomas St.).
• Athenaeum (251 Benefit St.).
• Stephen Hopkins House (15 Hopkins St.).

Brown University

Brown University’s oldest building dates to 1770 and still sits at the center of campus. University Hall served as a Revolutionary War barracks and hospital, and that’s just one exciting attraction at the college. For student-led campus tours, stop by the Corliss-Brackett House on 45 Prospect St. or consider these excellent spots:

• Van Wickle Gates: These ornamental gates serve as an entrance to the college. However, they are only open twice a year: on the first day of class and for the commencement procession.
• John Hay Library: Stamp collectors can see an impressive exhibit of U.S. postage stamps.
• John Carter Brown Library: The gallery features a collection of rare early maps.
• David Winton Bell Gallery: This is the place to go for excellent changing historical and contemporary art exhibits.
• Brown’s Environmental Center: Located on Waterman Street, this glass conservatory offers visitors a jungle of plants and exotic flowers, even on Rhode Island’s coldest winter day.

Roger Williams

Roger Williams was an English-born clergyman. In 1636, he and his followers settled in Rhode Island on the peacefully acquired land. They named the new settlement Providence and founded the first Baptist Church congregation in America at the site. He spent his life traveling to his homeland and using his influence to obtain a charter that would secure the colony’s separate legal existence.

An influential writer, Williams penned many influential pamphlets advocating for freedom and the separation of church and state — 150 years before the First Amendment. He also wrote a book on the Narragansett tribe’s language and culture. His work was the first published anthropological study of Native North Americans. But sadly, the alliances he worked so hard to create fell apart during King Philip’s War, when Narragansett warriors burned Providence but spared the clergyman and his settlers.

Metacomet (King Philip)

Metacomet, or King Philip as European settlers knew him, became Chief Sachem of the Wampanoags in 1663. His father, King Massasoit, befriended the Pilgrims who settled in Plymouth in 1620 and later Roger Williams of Providence. However, as more colonists expanded into Native American territories, relationships on both sides soured. In June 1675, Metacomet led a group of New England tribes against the Pilgrims. However, after some early success, the warriors eventually suffered devastating defeats.

Now you know more about the top seven things that Providence is known for. Which one do you like best? If we missed one of your favorite reasons this Rhode Island city made the map — today or yesteryear — let us know. Send our team at Nucar Toyota of North Attleboro a message so we can add your ideas to our list.