Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park in Massachusetts, USA - map and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-10-29. Check linked official notices before travel.

Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park centers a visit on River Bend Farm and the historic canal in Uxbridge, Massachusetts. Come for a towpath walk and the relationship between farming, transportation, and industry.

Highlights

A canal walk gives the visit a clear focus. The state's self-guided material includes a Towpath Walking Tour, plus separate walks in Blackstone and Millville. Choose the location before setting out.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Paddling safety

Cold water remains a hazard even on warm spring days. Wear a life jacket while boating. Massachusetts requires canoeists and kayakers to wear one September 15–May 15, and requires life jackets for children under 12. The state life-jacket safety notice explains these conditions.

Visit responsibly

Grilling rules depend on the individual park. Check permission before bringing a charcoal grill. Never leave a hot grill unattended, and cool used charcoal before putting it in a fireproof container.

Maps, location, and access

River Bend Farm's visitor address is 287 Oak Street, Uxbridge, MA 01569. This Massachusetts state park is distinct from Rhode Island's Blackstone River State Park and the wider national historical park.

Use the official self-guided walks and trail-map links to choose a route. The named town walks are separate outings, rather than a single trail beginning at the farm.

Nearby parks

Purgatory Chasm State Reservation is at 198 Purgatory Road in Sutton. Its Chasm Trail closes in winter, while other trails remain open. Douglas State Forest has a road entrance at 107 Wallum Lake Road, Douglas. Its swimming season ends after Labor Day.

Things to do

Walk beside the canal or use the park's trails for hiking and biking. Canoes and kayaks have a car-top launch. For paddling, follow the seasonal life-jacket requirement described above.

The self-guided Towpath Walking Tour follows the historic Blackstone Canal. Pair its interpretation with the farm landscape rather than trying to cover every valley town on one visit.

Facilities and accessibility

A visitor center, restrooms, and picnic areas support a day visit. DCR identifies accessible programs, picnicking, restrooms, and visitor-center access. Its hiking accessibility listing specifies a sand-dust surface.

About the park

History in the landscape

River Bend Farm preserves evidence of the valley's agricultural past. Fields, pastures, and stone walls provide context for the canal and the region's industrial development. The canal carried trade during the 1800s.

Contact

The official DCR park page provides current visitor information. Call 508-278-7604 or email [email protected]. Confirm holiday service before a visitor-center trip.