Roger Williams National Memorial

Roger Williams National Memorial is a historic site located in downtown Providence, Rhode Island. Covering an area of 4.5 acres, this national memorial commemorates the life and legacy of Roger Williams, the founder of Rhode Island and one of America's earliest advocates for religious freedom.

Roger Williams National Memorial is situated on the site of the original settlement established by Roger Williams in 1636. Williams, banished from the Massachusetts Bay Colony due to his beliefs in religious tolerance, settled at this spot with a small group of followers. This settlement eventually grew to become the city of Providence, known today as the capital of Rhode Island.

The memorial offers visitors a glimpse into the life and times of Roger Williams through its exhibits and programs. Visitors can explore the Visitor Center, which provides an interactive exhibit about Williams' struggles for religious freedom and his contributions to the establishment of Rhode Island. The park also features a garden area, where visitors can relax and reflect on the principles that Williams fought for.

Besides the memorial itself, there are other attractions and activities nearby. Visitors can explore the charming streets of downtown Providence, which is known for its vibrant arts scene, historic architecture, and diverse culinary offerings. Notable places to visit include the Providence Performing Arts Center, WaterFire Providence (an art installation that lights up downtown's rivers), and the Rhode Island School of Design Museum.

For history enthusiasts, the John Brown House Museum and the Rhode Island State House are both within close proximity. The former provides insight into the life of a prominent Rhode Island family, while the latter showcases beautiful architecture and offers guided tours.

Overall, Roger Williams National Memorial is a significant destination in Rhode Island, providing a historical tribute to the founder of a state that values religious freedom and tolerance. Alongside the memorial, visitors can enjoy the rich cultural and historical attractions that downtown Providence has to offer.

Located in Providence, Rhode Island, the Roger Williams National Memorial holds a pivotal historical position within the state. Situated in the northern corner of the city, this memorial is nestled within downtown Providence, right along the southwest bank of the Moshassuck River. The site is surrounded by urban landscapes and modern cityscapes, serving as a stark reminder of the contrast between the present and the past. With its distinct location in the heart of the city, the Roger Williams National Memorial pays homage to the founder of Rhode Island, Roger Williams, showcasing the state's rich colonial history amidst a bustling urban environment.

Address & Contact

282 North Main Street
Providence, RI 02903
Driving Directions
Phone: 401-521-7266
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Roger Williams National Memorial would be during the months of May to September. During this period, the average maximum temperatures range from 69 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit, providing pleasant weather for outdoor activities. The average minimum temperatures range from 46 to 66 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring comfortable temperatures throughout the day. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation ranges from 3.1 to 4.7 inches, indicating relatively moderate rainfall levels.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Roger Williams National Memorial are: Food Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Junior Ranger Program Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Gift Shop and Souvenirs Arts and Culture Living History First Person Interpretation Cultural Demonstrations Live Music

Topics

Learn about these topics at Roger Williams National Memorial: Arts Transportation Explorers and Expeditions Monuments and Memorials Social Movements Roads, Routes and Highways Urban America Trains and Railroads Religious Freedom Poetry and Literature

Visitor Centers

Visitor Center

We're excited to welcome you to the park! Our grounds are open from dawn to dusk, and our Visitor Center is here to greet you Wednesday -- Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Stop by to grab your passport stamp, enjoy a fascinating 5-minute video about Roger Williams' life, and explore informative panels and exhibits showcasing his enduring influence on America today. We can't wait to share this enriching experience with you!

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near Roger Williams National Memorial

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near Roger Williams National Memorial

Providence Marriott Downtown

Centrally located in Providence, Providence Marriott Downtown is within a 15-minute walk of Rhode Island State Capitol Building and Providence Place Mall. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and express check-in. Planning an event in Providence? This hotel features 17510 square feet (1627 square meters) of event facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1 Orms St, Providence (and vicinity), Rhode Island 02904
Web: Link

Omni Providence Hotel

Omni Providence Hotel is in the heart of Providence, within a 5-minute walk of Rhode Island Convention Center and Providence Place Mall. Featured amenities include a business center, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk. Planning an event in Providence? This hotel has facilities measuring 22,000 square feet (2 square meters), including a conference center. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 1 W Exchange St, Providence (and vicinity), Rhode Island 02903
Web: Link

Courtyard by Marriott Providence Downtown

A stay at Courtyard by Marriott Providence Downtown places you in the heart of Providence, within a 5-minute walk of Rhode Island Convention Center and Alex and Ani City Center. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-in, and express check-out. Planning an event in Providence? This hotel features 3500 square feet (325 square meters) of event facilities. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 32 Exchange Ter, Providence (and vicinity), Rhode Island 02903
Web: Link

Christopher Dodge House

Located in Providence (Smith Hill), Christopher Dodge House is within a 10-minute walk of Veterans Memorial Auditorium (The VETS) and Rhode Island State Capitol Building. Featured amenities include express check-out, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and luggage storage. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 11 West Park St, Providence (and vicinity), Rhode Island 02908
Web: Link

Renaissance Providence Downtown Hotel

With a stay at Renaissance Providence Downtown Hotel in Providence (Downtown Providence), you'll be steps from Veterans Memorial Auditorium (The VETS) and 3 minutes by foot from Rhode Island State Capitol Building. Featured amenities include a business center, limo/town car service, and express check-in. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 5 Avenue of the Arts, Providence (and vicinity), Rhode Island 02903
Web: Link

Hampton Inn & Suites Providence Downtown

A stay at Hampton Inn & Suites Providence Downtown places you in the heart of Providence, within a 5-minute walk of Westminster Arcade and Kennedy Plaza. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and express check-in. This hotel has 3 meeting rooms available for events. A train station pick-up service is provided at no charge.
Address: 58 Weybosset Street, Providence (and vicinity), Rhode Island 02903
Web: Link

Graduate Providence

A stay at Graduate Providence places you in the heart of Providence, steps from Providence City Hall and Alex and Ani City Center. Featured amenities include dry cleaning/laundry services, a 24-hour front desk, and multilingual staff. Planning an event in Providence? This hotel has facilities measuring 18000 square feet (1672 square meters), including conference space. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 11 Dorrance St, Providence (and vicinity), Rhode Island 02930
Web: Link

Homewood Suites by Hilton Providence Downtown

A stay at Homewood Suites by Hilton Providence Downtown places you in the heart of Providence, within a 5-minute walk of Alex and Ani City Center and Kennedy Plaza. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and a 24-hour front desk. This aparthotel has 3 meeting rooms available for events.
Address: 5 Exchange Street, Providence (and vicinity), Rhode Island 02903
Web: Link

The old Court bed and Breakfast

Located in Providence (College Hill), The old Court bed and Breakfast is a 4-minute walk from Prospect Terrace Park and 5 minutes by foot from Brown University. Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby and a water dispenser. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 144 Benefit St, Providence (and vicinity), Rhode Island 02903
Web: Link

The Beatrice

With a stay at The Beatrice in Providence (Downtown Providence), you'll be steps from Westminster Arcade and Kennedy Plaza. Featured amenities include dry cleaning/laundry services, a 24-hour front desk, and luggage storage. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 90 Westminster Street, Providence (and vicinity), Rhode Island 02903
Web: Link