LINCOLN – The Interstate 295 Visitor Center in Lincoln will become the new headquarters for the Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park — the state’s only national park, the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council announced Wednesday.
The BVTC will continue to provide services for visitors.
BVTC currently has volunteer visitor guides at the visitor center, which is owned by the R.I. Department of Environmental Management. The center services bicyclists and visitors of the Blackstone River State Park and Bikeway.
National Park Service Rangers will move into the new headquarters this spring.
“We look forward to welcoming National Park Service Rangers, along with our continued partnership with RIDEM, in helping to serve the information needs of travelers and visitors,” said BVTC President Robert D. Billington in a statement.
The Blackstone River Valley is dubbed the “Birthplace of the American Revolution” as home to some of the first textile mills in the United States, according to the National Park Service’s website.
“The visitor center will become a prime destination to discover the importance of how the making of America began in our state, along with experiencing the diverse historical, cultural and community resources our valley offer,” Billington said.
Lauren Aratani is a PBN contributing writer.
