Industrial-history National Park site

Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark

13.9 road mi · about 20 min

Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark is an NPS industrial-history site about 13.9 road miles from the Polar Express station.

The place

About Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark

Old Slater Mill interprets the 1793 water-powered cotton mill and the people, labor and technology associated with the rise of American industrialization.

The site combines a visitor center, exhibits, an introductory film and guided tours. Interpretation includes the work of Samuel Slater and local mechanics, Moses Brown's financing, and child labor among the new hourly wage workforce.

The reviewed 2026 summer schedule runs through October 31 with visitor information and tours Thursday-Sunday. A reduced Friday-Saturday fall schedule runs November 1-28. Wilkinson Mill and Sylvanus Brown House are currently closed.

The NPS publishes accessible parking, loan wheelchairs, an accessible visitor center and tour entrance, listening devices, captions and audio description. Advance ASL or captioning requests need 14 days and remain subject to availability.

What stands out

Tour a landmark 1793 mill

See how water power and machinery changed textile production.

Center labor in the story

Interpret mechanics, financiers, families and child workers rather than presenting technology alone.

Use current NPS access details

Plan around the accessible entrance, wheelchairs and communication supports.

Respect active closures

Do not expect Wilkinson Mill or Sylvanus Brown House to be open.

Pair it with the train

Why it belongs in a Blackstone Valley Polar Express trip

The site is about 13.9 road miles and 20 minutes from the Woonsocket station, making it a substantial daytime industrial-history stop before an evening holiday departure.

Before you go

Plan your visit

  • Summer 2026Through October 31: visitor information Thursday-Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; tours 10:30 a.m., 12:30 and 2:30 p.m.
  • November 2026November 1-28: visitor information and tours Friday-Saturday; confirm current times.
  • FeesThe NPS site is fee-free.
  • Current closuresWilkinson Mill and Sylvanus Brown House are closed.
  • HeatTours may be modified or canceled above an 87°F heat index; a short talk may substitute.
  • MobilityAccessible parking, visitor center/tour entrance and first-come loan wheelchairs are published.
  • CommunicationAssistive listening, captions and audio description are available; request ASL/captioning 14 days ahead, subject to availability.

Add a family wildlife stop

Add Roger Williams Park Zoo

Pair industrial history with a large zoo visit in Providence.

View the guide →

Useful answers

Frequently asked questions

When is Old Slater Mill open?

Through October 31, 2026, visitor information is Thursday-Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. with tours at 10:30, 12:30 and 2:30. A reduced Friday-Saturday schedule runs in November; confirm live.

Is admission charged?

The NPS publishes fee-free entry.

Are all historic buildings open?

No. Wilkinson Mill and Sylvanus Brown House are currently closed.

Can heat change the tour?

Yes. Tours may be modified or canceled when the heat index exceeds 87°F, with a shorter talk substituted.

Is the site wheelchair-accessible?

Accessible parking, the visitor center, the tour entrance and first-come loan wheelchairs are published. Contact the park for a route-specific need.

Are communication accommodations available?

The NPS publishes assistive listening, captions and audio description. Request ASL or captioning 14 days ahead, subject to availability.

How far is it from the train station?

The measured public driving route was about 13.9 miles and 20 minutes; traffic and route can vary.

Do the photos prove current access?

No. The images date from circa 1975, 2013 and 2018 and do not establish current buildings, displays, water, tours or accessible routes.

Trust and accuracy

Sources

Source checked 2026-08-17. This free guide has not yet been confirmed by the venue. Current hours, prices, services, and accessibility can change; confirm time-sensitive details directly.