Rhode Island offers plenty of outdoor places to enjoy sciene and nature

Rhode Island has many places nd opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy nature (maybe learn a little, too) at wildlife preserves, bird santuaries, nature trails,and state parks.

Featured Listings

Audubon Society of Rhode Island

Environmental Education Center
1401 Hope Street, Route 114 Bristol, RI 02809 Phone: 401-245-7500

Stay in touch with the great outdoors

The Audubon Environmental Education Center is a state-of-the art natural history museum and aquarium that puts fun and excitement into experiencing nature. Look inside a 33-foot life size Right Whale, discover life in a tide pool, and observe Narragansett Bay’s marine life. The Center’s interactive exhibits feature local habitats. Situated on the 28-acre McIntosh Wildlife Refuge the Environmental Education Center has walking trails with a ¼ mile boardwalk that winds through fresh and saltwater marshes leading to a majestic view of Narragansett Bay. The refuge is along the East Bay Bike Path allowing bikers and walkers access to the refuge’s natural beauty. The Center offers guided tours, nature walks, special family programs and much more throughout the year. The facility and trails are handicapped accessible.
Informational Listings Courtesy of VisitNewEngland.com
Blackstone Valley Block Island East Bay
Newport Providence/Warwick South County
Blackstone Valley top of listings

Black Hut Wildlife Management Area

Spring Lake Road Burrillville, RI Phone: 401-568-4300

This preserve covers 1,548 acres of forest, wetlands, and farmland. The area contains many observation points.

Blackstone River Bikeway State Park

Manchester Print Works Road Lincoln, RI Phone: 401-723-7892

Part of The Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor on the banks of the Blackstone River, with canoeing, boating, a fishing area, and walking trails. The bikeway eventually will run 19 miles and connects with the East Bay Bike Path. There is about three miles of bike path developed.

Buck Hill Management Areas

Buck Hill Road Burrillville, RI

This wildlife management area offers observation of birds, fox, coyote, and others. Parts of the area are designed specifically for wildlife farming fields and food growth regions.

Durfee Hill Wildlife Management Area

Route 94 Glocester, RI

This wildlife area is home to both game and non-game wildlife, including deer, rabbits, muskrat, and coyote. Hunters will find wild turkey, pheasant, and more in season.

Florence Sutherland Fort and Richard Knight Fort Nature Refuge - Audubon Society of Rhode Island

Providence Pike North Smithfield, RI Phone: 401-949-5454

The headwaters of the Woonasquatucket River rise is on the 235-acre woodland. Three small ponds and a variety of deciduous and coniferous trees provide diverse habitats for wildlife. Take I-295 to Exit 8B (Rte. 7 North). Follow Rte. 7 North; bear right on Providence Pike. Go across at light at Rtes. 5 and 104. Refuge is 1/2 mile on the left, the first left after the Primrose Fire Station.

Lincoln Woods State Park

2 Manchester Print Works Road Lincoln, RI 02865 Phone: 401-723-7892

Located between routes 146 and 123, Lincoln Woods State Park is A short ride from Providence, Pawtucket, and Cumberland. Visitors can enjoy swimming at the fresh water beach, trout fishing, playing ball, hiking, jogging, horseback riding, or just relaxing under a shade tree. A new addition to the park is the Eastern Mountain Sports kayak school (800-310-4504).

Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge - Audubon Society of Rhode Island

12 Sanderson Road Smithfield, RI Phone: 401-949-5454

This 120-acre refuge houses the Audubon Society of Rhode Island's headquarters. The refuge has fine stands of pines, a pond and a brook. The headquarters has a library. gift shop, teacher's resource center, and a bird-feeding station. From I-295 take Exit 7B onto Rte. 44 West. At fourth set of lights, turn left onto Rte. 5 (Sanderson Road). Turn left at second driveway into the parking lot.
Block Island top of listings

Abrams Animal Farm

1 Spring Street Block Island, RI 02807 Phone: 401-466-2421

This outdoor facility, operated by the owners of 1661 Inn and Hotel Manisses, is a menagerie of exotic animals -- llamas, emus, sheep, goats, and ducks – that live next to the inn. Cost: Free. Open: Daily, dawn-dark.

Block Island Nature Conservancy

Block Island, RI

Formed by glaciers nearly 10,000 years ago, Block Island features a diverse array of habitats. Maritime shrubland, beaches and open morainal grasslands support more than 40 state and federal rare or endangered species, including the globally endangered American burying beetle. Birds stop here while migrating in the spring and fall along the Atlantic Flyway. There are approximately 25 miles of walking trails on Block Island open to the public, free of charge. Places of interest on Block Island include Clay Head Preserve off Corn Neck Road, the Fresh Swamp Preserve, off Lakeside Drive, Hodge Family Wildlife Preserve, off Corn Neck Road, Nathan Mott Park off Center Road and Turnip Farm off Old Mill Road, and Rodman's Hollow, Black Rock Road off of Cooneymus Road.

Lewis-Dickens Farm - Audubon Society of Rhode Island

Cooneymus Road Block Island, RI Phone: 401-949-5454

Coastal grasslands set on the bluffs above the Atlantic provide habitat for raptors and passerines. Walk from entry on south side of Cooneymus Road near West Side Road intersection.

Mohegan Bluffs and Southeast Lighthouse

122 Mohegan Trail Block Island, RI Phone: 401-466-5009 Toll-Free: 800-383-BIRI (2474)

On the southern end of the island, the bluffs rise 200 feet above the water and run along the coast for about three miles. It's the site of the Southeast Lighthouse, built in 1875. In season there are nature programs on the bluffs. Open July-September, 10 am-4 pm.

North Light

Corn Neck Road Block Island, RI Phone: 401-466-3200

Built in 1867, this is the fourth lighthouse built on Sandy Point, where exposure to the elements and shifting sands make keeping a lighthouse in one piece difficult. The lighthouse is on the grounds of the National Wildlife Sanctuary, which contains hiking trails. No tower access. Public beach, saltwater fishing, bird watching. Lighthouse open daily, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Rodman's Hollow

Block Island, RI

This glacial depression offers spectacular views of the ocean. In addition, this is the last remaining habitat of the Block Island meadow vole.
East Bay top of listings

Coggeshall Farm Museum

Off Route 114 Bristol, RI 02809 Phone: 401-253-9062

Open: October-March, Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; for self-guided tours; April-September, Tuesday –Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

This is a 35-acre colonial farm, established in 1750. The museum features rare breeds of livestock, a barn, cooling house, blacksmith, and springhouse. Cost: Adults, $3; children, $2.

Colt State Park

Route 14 Bristol, RI 02809 Phone: 401-253-7482

Enjoy the Ocean State

This is a 464-acre state park on the shore of Narragansett Bay, with four miles of hiking and biking trails, gardens, 10 playing fields, and six picnic groves. Fishing, concerts, and naturalist programs offered in season. Open year-round.

Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology

Tower Street, off Route 136 Bristol, RI 02809 Phone: 401-253-8388

Open: June-August, Tuesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; September-May, Saturday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

A part of Brown University, this museum focuses on the arts and culture of Native American, African, Southeast Asian, and Oceanic societies throughout history.

Prudence and Patience Islands Wildlife Management Area

Narragansett Bay Bristol, RI

While smaller areas are part of both parks listed above, Prudence and Patience Islands are a refuge for a wide variety of bird and mammal species. Prudence Island is known for its popularity for migrating birds and presents excellent opportunities for bird watching. Ticks are plentiful on these islands so use insect repellant and dress accordingly. Accessible only by boat.

Touisset Marsh Wildlife Refuge - Audubon Society of Rhode Island

Touisset Road Warren, RI Phone: 401-949-5454

These 66-acres are a fine example of salt marsh and bordering upland field and wooded habitat. A trail from the Touisset Fire Station on Touisset Road leads through fields to the Kickemuit River. Take I-195 East to Rte in North Swansea. Take Rte. 136 South to Rte. 103 (Child Street) in Warren. Go left (east) on Rte. 103 to Long Road. Go right onto Long Road and follow to end at Barton Avenue. Go left on Barton Avenue then t take first right onto Touisset Road. Follow it south to the next sharp left corner at fire station. Turn right into parking lot area and park at the westernmost edge of parking lot.

Watchamocket Cove

East Providence, RI 02914

Another area bird-watching site, ideal for winter spotting of gulls and widgeons.
Newport top of listings

Dutch Island Wildlife Management Avenue

Newport, RI

This island's 94 acres of scrub and forest provide an opportunity to observe the coastal ecosystem. Several species of waterbirds, shorebirds, and wading birds can be found there. Access to the island by boat only.

Emilie Ruecker Wildlife Refuge - Audubon Society of Rhode Island

Seapowet Avenue Tiverton, RI Phone: 401-949-5454

A 50-acre parcel of woods and salt marsh with a nature center and fine views of the Sakonnet River. The refuge has blinds for observing and photographing nature. From Providence take I-195 East to Rte. 24 South (in Fall River, MA). Travel Rte. 24 South to the Rte. 77 South exit. Follow RTE.77 South to Seapowet Avenue. Turn right onto Seapowet Avenue and continue down the hill to the refuge parking lot on the right.

Fort Wetherill State Park

Fort Wetherill Road Jamestown, RI Phone: 401-423-1771

Set on Narragansett Bay, the park is a popular spot for scuba diving. Offering spectacular views of Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay, Fort Wetherill is popular for watching Tall Ship events and sailing races. Open year-round.

Green Animals Topiary Gardens

Cory's Lane off Route 114 Portsmouth, RI 02871 Phone: 401-847-1000

Hours: May 24 – October 12, 2008, open daily at 10 a.m.; last tour admission at 5 p.m.; close at 6 p.m. Schedule is subject to change; call 401-847-1000 for more information.

The gardens have more than six dozen trees and shrubs, immaculately groomed and sculpted, some in the shape of animals. Also features fruit trees, flower beds, and a rose arbor. The gardens are the site of a Victorian toy museum

Heritage Foundation of Rhode Island Park

Prudence Island Narragansett Bay, RI

Natural parkland set on 475 acres, featuring hiking trails, excellent bird-watching, and natural photography spots. The entrance to the property is on Broadway, which is in the center of Prudence Island.

Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Sanctuary

Prudence Island Portsmouth, RI Phone: 401-683-6780

National environmental preserve with a self-guided hiking trail and guided nature walks. The park has a picnic area, swimming, and boating areas. Accessible through a ferry from Bristol, RI. Open dawn to dusk, Memorial Day-Labor Day.

Norman Bird Sanctuary

583 Third Beach Road Middletown, RI Phone: 401-846-2577

This 450-acre refuge includes several wildlife habitats and seven miles of trails. The site also houses an on-site museum, educational area, and small gift shop. Spring and fall bird walks are held. Open Memorial Day-Labor Day, daily, 9 am-5 pm.

Purgatory Chasm

Purgatory Road Middletown, RI Phone: 401-847-7565

A geological phenomenon caused by a thin crack in the ledges on the east side of Easton Point. The fissure has formed over the centuries due to erosion from the sea.

Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge

Sachuest Point Road Middletown, RI Phone: 401-364-9124

Very near to Newport, this national site is a haven for many types of shore birds, and very popular with Southern New England bird watchers.

Sakonnet Point

Little Compton, RI

Sakonnet Point is an ideal location for bird watching. The Sakonnet Point Lighthouse can be seen from the beach at the point, but is not open to the public.

Sapowet Marsh Wildlife Management Area

Puncatest Road Tiverton, RI

This typical coastline habitat is home to several species of game birds and is stocked with ring-necked pheasant. The area also supports a wide variety of songbirds, shore birds, and wading birds. Great spots for bird watching.

Tunipis Pond

Little Compton, RI

Another good bird watching spot, particularly for the wide variety of duck species that collect there.

Watson Farm

455 North Road Jamestown, RI Phone: 401-423-0005

Open: June 1-October 15, Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, 1-5 p.m.

Started in 1796, this working farm is set on 265 acres and features cattle, sheep, horses, chickens, and a garden. Trails and self-guided tours take visitors on a trip through the history and seasonal cycles of the farm. School programs and demonstrations are available. Open seasonally.

Providence/Warwick top of listings

Dame Farm

29 Brown Avenue Johnston, RI Phone: 401-949-3516

This working farm was built in 1789, and now contains an exhibit of farm equipment from the 18th and 19th centuries. A marked hiking and nature trail can be found on the site.

Goddard Memorial State Park

345 Ives Road Warwick, RI 02818 Phone: 401-884-2010

This state park was acquired by the state and converted from a private estate in 1927. Visitors to the park will find a beach, horse and walking trails, forest areas, a nine-hole golf course, picnic and grilling areas, and a performing arts venue.

Museum of Natural History and Cormack Planetarium

Roger Williams Park, 1000 Elmwood Avenue Providence, RI 02907 Phone: 401-785-9457 ext. 221

Open: Museum open daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Planetarium open school vacation weeks and Saturday-Sunday with shows at 2 p.m.

Rhode Island's only natural history museum and home to the state's only planetarium. The museum offers regular exhibits, events, and attractions. The Planetarium features a state-of-the-art Zeiss star projector and an enlarged domed ceiling on which the stars are projected. Cost: Museum admission is $2; planetarium admission is $3. Children under age 4 are not permitted into the planetarium.

Nicholas Farm Wildlife Management Area

Nicholas Road Coventry, RI Phone: 401-294-4662

This 1,429-acre natural preserve is the ideal location for hiking and fishing. The preserve offers ample opportunity to observe native animals and birds in their natural habitat.

Roger Williams Park

1000 Elmwood Avenue Providence, RI 02907

Roger Williams Park Casino 785-9450 ext. 240; Museum and Planetarium 785-9450 ext. 221; Zoo 785-3510.

Roger Williams Park is a 430-acre Victorian park with something for everyone, including a zoo, a museum of natural history and planetarium, a carousel, a casino, landscaped grounds, and historic buildings.

South County top of listings

Burlingame State Park

Sanctuary Road (Route 1) Charlestown, RI 02813 Phone: 401-364-8910, seasonal

The park has 3,100 acres of rocky woodland surrounding Watchaug Pond in Charlestown. Swimming beach and bathhouse, canoeing, kayaking, freshwater fishing, picnic tables, boat ramp, 73 fireplaces, restrooms, drinking water, telephone, wheelchair accessible. Open year round sunrise to sunset; restrooms open Memorial Day through Labor Day. Lifeguards on duty 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Canonchet Farm

Strathmore Street and Anne Hoxsie Lane Narragansett, RI Phone: 401-789-1044

Site of the South County Museum (see listing in the "Museums" section). A 19th century working farm set on a 174-acre park includes historic buildings, exhibits, and cemetery, featuring graves more than 200 years old. It also has nature trails, and a picnic area. Open daily, dawn to dusk.

Davis Memorial Wildlife Refuge - Audubon Society of Rhode Island

Davisville Road North Kingstown, RI Phone: 401-949-5454

A 90-acre property of woods and wetlands located on the Hunt River with access for canoeing. Take Exit 7 (Frenchtown Road/Davisville) off Rte. 4 South. Davisville Road (Rte. 403) is the left fork (follow signs toward Quonset Point/Davisville). Parking is on the right within 1/2 mile of the exit, immediately after the guardrail marking the Hunt River.

Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge - Audubon Society of Rhode Island

Pardon Joslin Road Exeter, RI Phone: 401-295-8283

This 937-acre property contains fields, diverse forest habitats, pond, streams (including a waterfall) and a historic cemetery. Take I-95 to Rte. 4 to Rte. 102 North. Turn right onto Widow Sweets Road (just after the Exeter Town Clerk's Office and across from Anderson's Quality Furniture Store). Take the second right onto Pardon Joslin Road (a dirt road). Travel approximately 1 mile. Parking lot is on the right side of the road by a large Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge sign.

George B. Parker Woodland - Audubon Society of Rhode Island

1670 Maple Valley Road Coventry, RI Phone: 401-295-8283

An 860-acre property consisting of majestic old forest, brooks, fields, and mysterious rock cairns. The caretaker's house was built in the 1700's. The barn has been converted into a nature center. From Providence take I-95 South to Rte. 102 North (Exit 5B). Take Rte. 102 North approximately ten miles. Turn right (east) onto Maple Valley Road (across Rte. 102, on the left is Waterman Hill Road). Turn into second driveway on the left for the trailhead or the first driveway for programs. Look for the Parker Woodland Wildlife Refuge sign.

Kimball Wildlife Sanctuary - Audubon Society of Rhode Island

Watchaug Pond Charlestown, RI Phone: 401-874-6664

A 29-acre property gem located on the southern shore of the Watchaug Pond. The land abuts Burlingame State Park and trails lead from the refuge to state land. Turn north off Rte. 1 at Prosser Trail, take the first left onto Montauk, and follow the signs to Kimball. At the bottom of the hill turn left and follow Sanctuary Road to the Nature Center.

Lathrop Pond Wildlife Refuge - Audubon Society of Rhode Island

Shore Road Westerly, RI Phone: 401-949-5454

This 86-acre property situated along the northern shore of Winnapaug Pond consists of coastal shrub land, freshwater wetlands, and salt marsh. A short trail leads from the parking lot down to the pond. From Rte. 1 South, take a left onto Rte. 1A (following signs to Misquamicut State Beach). Follow Rte. 1A approximately 3 miles. Look for the sign off left shoulder of the road.

Long Pond Woods - Audubon Society of Rhode Island

North Road Hopkington, RI Phone: 401-949-5454

A beautiful 218-acre parcel of stately hemlocks and rock outcrops bordering Long and Ells Pond. The Audubon Society of Rhode Island's land is a part of a large conservation area with trails connecting to Connecticut. Take Canonchet Road south from Rte. 138, then take the first right onto North Road.

Ninigret Park

Charlestown, RI 02813 Phone: 401-364-1222

This 227-acre park features a freshwater swimming pond with public beach, lifeguards on duty (seasonal), playground, ball fields, picnic areas, restrooms. Frosty Drew Nature Center and Observatory are privately operated; information can be obtained by calling 401-364-9508. Seasonal special events are held. Free admission, wheelchair accessible.

Rocks, Minerals, Fossils Collection

University of Rhode Island South Kingstown, RI Phone: 401-792-2265

The University's Department of Geology maintains this small collection, featuring samples collected in Rhode Island and nearby parts of Southern New England. Open Mon-Fri 8:30 am-4:30 pm.