Top 23 Things To Do In Woonsocket, Rhode Island

1. Discover Woonsocket’s textile manufacturing heritage at Museum of Work and Culture

Rhode Island was the final destination for thousands of immigrants who trooped into the state during the late 19th century and the early 20th century in search of work at the mill town of Woonsocket. The Museum of Work and Culture is where their stories have been preserved. The visit will take you back in time to discover the agricultural life as well as the city’s textile manufacturing heritage. Get the whole picture of how life was at school, home, and work. Also, learn about the story of the Independent Textile Union.

Museum of Work and Culture

Address: 42 S Main St, Woonsocket, RI 02895, USA

Website: Museum of Work and Culture

Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 9:30am - 4pm; Sat: 10am - 4pm; Sun: 1pm - 4pm (closed on Mon)

*Price: 8 USD

2. Enjoy fine dining at Chan’s Fine Oriental Dining

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The culinary diversity in Rhode Island is quite interesting, and if there is one dining experience that you must not miss when in Woonsocket, then that must be dining at Chan’s Fine Oriental Dining. Asia may be thousands of miles from Rhode Island, but it is in this joint where you find the best oriental cuisines along with soothing jazz, blues, and other musical performances from across the globe. When you visit, be sure to try out their award-winning wonton soup, pork dumplings, and fresh beans which have all been slowly simmered in beef and soy broth.

Chan’s Fine Oriental Dining

Address: 267 Main St, Woonsocket, RI 02895, USA

Website: Chan’s Fine Oriental Dining

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11:30am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 11:30am - 12:30am; Sun: 11:30am - 10:30pm

3. Enjoy electric art performances at Stage Right Studio for Arts

Part of learning about a region’s culture is to experience their art performances. This is because such performances are normally a depiction of the real things that affect society in one way or another. Through art, they get a chance to express their societal beliefs and give more insights about their identity as a society. If you are passionate about arts and you would like to dig deeper about Rhode Island, then going for performances at the State Right Studio for Arts will not just be entertaining, but also educational. They usually have a variety of performances lined up, depending on the season.

Stage Right Studio for Arts

Address: 68 S Main St, Woonsocket, RI 02895, USA

Price: 10 USD

4. Catch a show at Stadium Theatre

The Stadium Theatre has been around since 1926, and it is currently a community center for hosting a wide range of performances by renowned international artists. The theatre is also a regular venue for performances by local music and dance groups. The theatre aims to offer a wide variety of high octane, live performances to the locals and visitors at affordable rates. If you have a heart for performance arts, then a visit to the Stadium Theatre will be very enticing.

Stadium Theatre

Address: 28 Monument Square, Woonsocket, RI 02895, USA

Website: Stadium Theatre

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 6pm (closed on Sun)

5. Quench your thirst with a cold beer at Ravenous Brewing Company

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Ravenous Brewing Company is in the northern end of Rhode Island, and it is the very first brewing company on these parts of the state. It is a family-owned business with very strong links with the community, to which they have provided with a variety of beer choices to quench their thirst. Touring this brewery will not just give you education on their processes and methods used in producing their quality crafts, but also you will have a chance to gulp down some of their stuff to quench your thirst.

Ravenous Brewing Company

Address: 840 Cumberland Hill Rd #10, Woonsocket, RI 02895, USA

Website: Ravenous Brewing Company

Opening hours: Thu: 4pm - 9pm; Fri: 2pm - 9pm; Sat: 12pm - 9pm; Sun: 12pm - 4pm (closed from Mon - Wed)

6. Experience canoeing down Blackstone River

For the adventurous souls, going for a canoe down the Blackstone River is an experience you must never miss when you visit Woonsocket City. The river has about 44 miles (70.81 km) of riverway, meandering through unique and diverse landscapes, including farmlands, mills, urban areas, and historic villages. It’s got nice sections that are navigation-friendly and there are exciting rapids that canoeing enthusiasts will love going through. The river has very elaborate sections ranging from flat water to class-three currents, and this implies that no matter your experience in canoeing, you will find several sections to enjoy the glide.

Blackstone River

Address: Woonsocket, Rhode Island

7. Pay your respects at Veteran’s Memorial Museum

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

It is estimated that there are over 20 million veterans in the United States. These are men and women who were willing to pay the ultimate price to keep the US borders and the citizens safe. Visiting the museum is a great way to show your appreciation and honor them – both the current and those who are long gone, for their service to the nation. It is also a chance to learn more about the histories of the wars fought in the past, including the weaponry, artifacts, uniforms, medals and honors in the military.

Veteran’s Memorial Museum

Address: 78 Earle St, Woonsocket, RI 02895, USA

Website: Veteran’s Memorial Museum

Opening hours: Tue, Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed from Wed - Fri & Sun - Mon)

8. Admire the frescoes at St. Ann Arts & Cultural Center

The St. Ann Arts & Cultural Center contains the largest collection of fresco paintings in North America. The paintings were the work of Italian artist Nincheri Guido. He used the members of the community to model over 470 faces which you will find on the walls, ceilings, and the vaults of the former church. It is a masterpiece you will never find anywhere else in the world.

St. Ann Arts & Cultural Center

Address: 84 Cumberland St, Woonsocket, RI 02895, USA

Website: St. Ann Arts & Cultural Center

Opening hours: Sun: 1 - 4pm (closed from Mon - Sat)

9. Tour Woonsocket City Hall

Woonsocket City Hall may not be an obvious attraction, but its age and how it was constructed warrant sufficient reasons for a visit. It was constructed in 1856 as stores but the city bought it in 1902 and turned it into a city hall. Its construction is unique in the sense that it heavily features elements of Italianate styling, with the round-arch windows prominently displayed. The other fascinating attraction in this structure is an auditorium hall seating a capacity of 1,100 located on the third floor. City halls are known to have meeting spaces but if you want to see one that can hold so many people, then check this out when you are in Woonsocket.

Woonsocket City Hall

Address: 169 Main St, Woonsocket, RI 02895, USA

Website: Woonsocket City Hall

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8:30am - 4pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

Price: Free

10. Have a drink at Back Alley Pub

Editor’s note: establishment is permanently closed

Also known as the “the bar in the bowling alley,” Back Alley Pub is a common joint for both locals and visitors who frequent it to relax, have a drink, and enjoy the good times. The pub has over 17 beers on draft, as well as a humongous selection of liquor. But it is not just the beers and the liquor that make visiting this pub worth the while. Time spent here will also feature heart-warming performances such as live music by professional DJs, karaoke, and games such as pool tables, and darts.

The Back Alley Pub

Address: 112 Central Ave, Great Falls, MT 59401, USA

Website: The Back Alley Pub

Opening hours: Mon: 4pm - 11pm; Tue, Thu: 11am - 11pm; Wed: 2pm - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 2pm - 12am (closed on Sun)

11. Buy unique antiques at Timeless Antique & Collectibles

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

A visit to any new place is always a chance to add to your collection of antiques and collectibles from your travels around the world. If you are in Woonsocket, then the place to visit for all types of unique antiques and collectibles is Timeless Antiques & Collectibles. Expect to find exciting items such as unique Murano glass, sterling silver pieces, a variety of pottery, a selection of old tools, ivory ephemera, silver plates, old coins, and furniture amongst others.

Timeless Antique & Collectibles

Address: 91 Main St, Woonsocket, RI 02895, USA

Website: Timeless Antique & Collectibles

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 6pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

12. Enjoy concerts at River Island Art Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Most performances are normally held in theatres and halls and not always on riverfronts. This is what makes the River Island Art Park unique. It is a beautiful riverfront park that is a popular venue for events such as concerts and art festivals. Visiting comes with the pleasure of not only immersing yourself in the performances but also the beautiful nature around you. The gentle sounds of the flowing river and chirping of the birds in the forest create the environment you need to appreciate the blending of nature and art.

River Island Art Park

Address: Bernon St, Woonsocket, RI 02895, USA

Website: River Island Art Park

Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)

Price: Free

13. Stroll around the beautiful Bernon Park

If you are looking for a place for lazy evening strolls in the company of a loved one, then Bernon Park will be very suitable. It is a great place to go for a walk or an afternoon relaxation after a busy morning of hopping from one attraction to another. It is well-maintained, with a lot of beautiful greenery around, and, it usually hosts a variety of fun events which you will love watching.

Bernon Park

Address: Woonsocket, RI 02895, USA

Website: Bernon Park

Opening hours: 6am - 8pm (daily)

Price: Free

14. Attend concerts at World War II Veterans Memorial State Park

The World War II Veterans State Spark is another great park to go and have fun in when visiting Woonsocket. It is a public recreation space with a lot of open fields, a performance stage, and a splash pool for the little ones to play in. If you need a family-friendly public area for a day out, then you will be rarely disappointed with the amenities you will find in this park.

World War II Veterans Memorial State Park

Address: Social St, Woonsocket, RI 02895, USA

Website: World War II Veterans Memorial State Park

Opening hours: 7am - 8pm (daily)

15. Visit the verdant Cold Spring Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Cold Spring Parks is a serene and scenic green space with lots of wooded areas and fields. The park has well-maintained paths, and a plethora of amenities and attractions to enable you to have a wonderful time during your visit. There are an amphitheater and stage areas where live performances are normally held. For those who are feeling sporty or would love to engage in some physical activities, the park has playgrounds for a variety of games, including a softball field, basketball and tennis courts, and a little league field. Its proximity to the Blackstone River makes it an ideal place to tour the river, given that there is also a boat launch to the Black Stone River in the park.

Cold Spring Park

Address: Woonsocket, RI 02895, USA

Opening hours: 6am - 8pm (daily)

Price: Free

16. Enjoy a scenic walk at Costa Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Costa Park is located on Fairmont Street & First Avenue, and it is one of the most beautiful parks you will find in Woonsocket. There are increasingly scenic walking paths throughout the park. Complete with gazebos, a playground, a baseball field, and basketball and street hockey courts, you can do more than just enjoy relaxing walks along the scenic paths.

Costa Park

Address: 35 1st Ave, Woonsocket, RI 02895, USA

Website: Costa Park

Opening hours: 6am - 8pm (daily)

Price: Free

17. Spend some time at the gorgeous Cass Park

If you would love to engage in some outdoor activities in the park, and you are passionate about fishing, then prepare your fishing gear and head over to the pond at Cass Park for some fishing expedition. This is one of the best parks in Woonsocket, given that it has more to offer in terms of amenities that the rest of the parks. You will enjoy the cool and nice environment created by the greenery around, and you will also fall in love with the extent of activities you can do while in this park. Whether you love playing tennis, baseball, skating, street hockey, or all you want to do is stroll the beautiful paths while you fill your lung with fresh air, Cass Park has it all for you.

Cass Park

Address: Cass Ave, Woonsocket, RI 02895, USA

Website: Cass Park

Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)

Price: Free

18. Enjoy a day out at Soucy Falls

Soucy Falls is on Privilege Streets, and it is another interesting park worth checking out when in Woonsocket. You can enjoy spending time fishing at the pond which is not just a fishing area, but also the home to several waterfowls. The park trees are full of various species of birds, and it is always relaxing and refreshing to listen to their chirps as you stroll the paths of the park. If, however, you were looking for playgrounds, then you will be disappointed to learn that the parks don’t have a lot to offer along this line. It is a very admirable place to spend time in, and you will enjoy every moment.

Soucy Falls

Address: 1117 River Street, Woonsocket, RI 02895, United States

Website: Soucy Falls

Opening hours: 6am - 8pm (daily)

Price: Free

19. Go bowling at Walnut Hill Bowl

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Walnut Hill Bowl is where you go to when you want to try your bowling prowess in Woonsocket. It is a high quality establishment with a state-of-the-art bowling facility. Additionally, the establishment has a full bar service, a cutting-edge audiovisual system, and delicious menus to satisfy your hunger. Feel free to visit alone, as a couple, or a family and enjoy an array of fun and entertainment present herein.

Walnut Hill Bowl

Address: 1666 Diamond Hill Rd, Woonsocket, RI 02895, USA

Website: Walnut Hill Bowl

Opening hours: 9am - 12am (daily)

20. Take your family for a unique experience aboard the Polar Express Train

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

This is one of the most favorite family experiences in Woonsocket. It is a 90-minute excursion that features a ride on a real-life train. During the trip, there will be lots of reading of classic children stories, hot chocolates served in souvenir mugs, various games, and a variety of delicious cookies. If you will be visiting around Christmas time, there will be a special visit to Santa where he will give every child a Christmas gift. The trip also comes with a lot of photo opportunities with Santa and against the breathtaking backdrop of the custom-made Polar Express. After the trip, be sure to pass by the Polar Express gift shop for a few souvenirs.

Polar Express Train

Address: 1 Depot Square, Woonsocket, RI 02895, USA

Website: Polar Express Train

Opening hours: Nov - Dec

21. Enjoy karaoke nights at Ciro’s Tavern

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Ciro’s Tavern is a British-style pub with a charming ambiance in a cozy setting. The pub is well-known in Woonsocket as the place to be at when you want to enjoy soothing and relaxing karaoke nights. The environment and the performances, which sometimes feature live bands, are always on point, and so is the scrumptious foods. All these are further enhanced by fast and super-friendly service. It may not be the right place to check out if you want to sample the nightlife in Woonsocket, but it will work magic if you need a nice and decent place to relax the evening away.

Ciro’s Tavern

Address: 42 Cherry St, Woonsocket, RI 02895, USA

Website: Ciro’s Tavern

Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 4pm - 1am; Thu - Sun: 12pm - 1am

22. Sample the region’s cuisines at River Falls Restaurant

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Experience Rhode Island’s culinary diversity by sampling the menus at Falls Restaurant. The restaurant is a casual eatery with dinner specials as well as an American menu of burgers, seafood, and steaks. The ambiance is very cool, and the service is fast and friendly. Its location on the banks of Blackstone River, as well as being one of the premier restaurants in northern Rhode Island,create the combination you need to enjoy every bite from the plate. Their menu is extensive and will give you a real representation of the foods eaten in these parts of the United States. You will particularly fall in love with their all-you-can-eat offers for prime ribs and steaks.

River Falls Restaurant

Address: 74 S Main St, Woonsocket, RI 02895, USA

Website: River Falls Restaurant

Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 11:30am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11:30am - 12am; Sun: 12pm - 8pm (closed on Mon)

23. Shop till you drop at Diamond Hill Plaza

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

A visit to Woonsocket will not be complete without a feel of the shopping experience, and Diamond Hill Plaza is the place to go. It is one of the biggest shopping malls in the region, and it houses a variety of store dealing in a myriad of goods. Prominently featured are renowned fashion lines, sports designer wares, jewelry stores, and furniture stores amongst others. The mall also has a variety of courts serving both local and international cuisines.

Diamond Hill Plaza

Address: 2000 Diamond Hill Rd, Woonsocket, RI 02895, USA

Opening hours: 9am - 8pm (daily)

Enjoy every moment of your trip to Woonsocket

With so many things to do in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, you have no reason to not have fun during your trips. Whether you are traveling alone, as a couple or with family, so many fun opportunities await you in the parks, art galleries, museums, memorials, and the restaurants. Enjoy every bit of it!