Roger Williams Park

Visit the park named after Rhode Island's founder.

The Roger Williams Park was first created in 1871 when Betsey Williams gave 102 acres to the city of Providence to be used for public purposes. Roger Williams was the founder of Rhode Island. Horace Cleveland designed the park as a place to unwind, relax, and escape the busy industrialized city during the late 19th century. Just 20 years later, the park grew to more than 435 acres and was visited daily by 15,000 people. It has ponds, gardens, walkways, tennis courts, ball fields, statues,  and a zoo. Historical buildings include the Temple to Music, the Casino, the Bandstand, and the Museum of Natural History. They also have a Carousel Village, a botanical center, a bike park, and a playground.

Roger Williams Park is home to the Williams Family Cemetery as well as the Mounted Command. The City of Providences' Mounted Command is its 4-legged officers that graze in the fields across from the botanical center. There are 28 pieces of art and architecture, plus 4 year-round greenhouses with various plants, including 40-foot tall palms and 10-foot tall cacti. The pump track and jump line were built by a team of local BMXers and are located in a wooded area across the street from the Temple to Music.

Visitors can cruise the park's waterways on the swan paddle boats or bring their own kayak or canoe. A boat ramp is located near the Temple to Music. Self-guided tours of this park are available through a downloadable map. You can learn about the trees, art, and historic buildings at your own pace. The museum is open Friday - Monday from 10 am to 3 pm, and planetarium shows are at 1 pm on Saturday & Sunday. Enjoy spending time at this beloved park in Providence, Rhode Island.