Top 5 Rhode Island Historical Tours: See the Best Sites

Rhode Island, yeah it may be small, is actually bursting with really great historical significance, dating way back to colonial times. From gorgeous mansions in Newport, which you might know, to the actually pretty revolutionary streets, if you can believe that, of Providence, there’s actually a ton to explore. So, let’s get into it and actually uncover five top-tier historical tours in lil’ Rhody that, apparently, should offer genuinely compelling insights, or at least, I hope. These, almost definitely, aren’t your average sightseeing trips; rather they’re almost fully immersive experiences, that might make you feel, in a way, as though you’ve traveled backwards.

1. The Newport Mansions Tour

Newport Mansions, wow are they a sight, right? And these tours, they’re so cool. You get to peep at some of America’s seriously opulent estates. Apparently, you’ll stroll through these homes, learning all sorts of tidbits concerning the families, specifically the Vanderbilt’s and Astor’s, who, naturally, spent their summers showing off their serious wealth here. In a way, this isn’t merely checking out the architecture and also some lavish décor; rather, it actually involves hearing the really intriguing stories that are behind that period, apparently the Gilded Age. Expect, really, just absolutely jaw-dropping views of the Atlantic Ocean too.

Oh, and the Breakers? Yeah, that’s almost always a fan favorite. This spot was the Vanderbilt family’s summer “cottage,” and yet, it might blow your head off with its like excessive elegance. Seriously, if you are, maybe you are a fan of seeing how the mega-rich really lived, this trip will probably actually give you that experience.

• Must-See: The Breakers, Marble House, Rosecliff.
• Insider Tip: You could probably grab a combo ticket, in some respects, and that does cover entrance to multiple mansions, it is going to make it easier on your wallet.

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2. Providence Walking Tour: History and Culture

The city of Providence, basically, you might find, is super historic, but it’s also got that vibe. It’s so alive and busy with cool art. I guess on these walking tours, which you may have assumed, you actually get the history of America’s pretty early days. Expect seeing things like the Rhode Island School of Design and yet get that artsy view and that classic New England feel. Plus, it’s also an eating paradise now, there’s plenty of local eats after, okay maybe during, your journey!

I tell ya what, Benefit Street, in that case you did not know, is also referred to as the “Mile of History.” Yet it actually gives that really authentic feel. Apparently, it displays architecture from like the 18th and 19th centuries. These tours go slightly further too; you’ll know bits about the city’s actually huge changes as time passes.

• Must-See: Benefit Street, Rhode Island State House, WaterFire (seasonal).
• Insider Tip: Make sure to check WaterFire’s schedule, like you should, if you’re just traveling during the summer, that will make your photos very, very eye-catching.

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3. Black History Tours of Rhode Island

If you didn’t know already, Rhode Island also had a, could be, somewhat significant role back then regarding the slave trade as well as, yet, even a big impact on the story of emancipation in America. That said, what are these tours then? Well they can often feature stops to, I don’t know, places that are super, yeah like really meaningful. Plus you’re just trying to dig into the specific experiences of African Americans over the centuries, they might, that might make you just, pause for a little bit, especially to people of color of course.

A spot of particular interest is, well you might be able to guess this, the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society. That said, in a way, their tours will typically involve bits of knowledge, in short just pieces of history, you may not learn in history class. What happened back then can make you, that you never thought. It is basically about, to be fair, teaching more. It’s also seeing the area, yeah, in a new light. It shows how much the citizens made the area what it turned into.

• Must-See: Rhode Island Black Heritage Society, local historical landmarks relevant to Black history.
• Insider Tip: If it turns out you wish to deepen this knowledge, definitely also try supporting a local archive or society in the Ocean State, in that case.

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4. Coastal Lighthouse Tours

Rhode Island’s shoreline has, still does have a, quite, few lovely old lighthouses, by the way they actually have tales to tell. This includes tours which should include spots on land plus on the ocean itself. Basically, get ready to find about RI’s nautical history. From what? Apparently from lighthouse keepers’ old posts. Actually hearing bits that feature local legends might just fascinate. What could possibly actually top all that?

Basically, Point Judith Lighthouse happens to be an unskippable one to hit. Still, this location provides what now? Apparently it delivers what seems like absolutely stunning water panoramas combined with, that said, a long service history, right? Honestly, what seems more stunning. This has probably given safe passage to loads of mariners for actually a pretty good number of years. Seriously, actually take one and imagine its stories! You should like, actually find this place awesome.

• Must-See: Point Judith Lighthouse, Castle Hill Lighthouse.
• Insider Tip: Many tour options, to be honest, include boat trips that get, well actually very close to, the lighthouses themselves. It also lets one grab fantastic angles from, I guess, water vantage points.

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5. Revolutionary War Sites Tour

That it happened in Rhode Island or not, the U.S. struggle of independence, actually played out here. In fact, several Rhode Island historical tours bring to light different local Revolutionary War locations. They may include visiting crucial places. Hearing old accounts can give a good angle as well as a greater appreciation concerning the state’s important historical events and leaders during that era.

In this tour of crucial sites, they might try showing people some bits relating to Newport. Rhode Island, apparently that’s a place, really gave key efforts towards a, sort of, very defining period! That you might not, in a way have considered. These excursions also intend for providing just slightly greater perspective pertaining to everything involved in actually shaping present-day America as we recognize it to now. Seriously consider thinking on which tours might suit what interests yourself holds regarding such, so historic, past conflicts!

• Must-See: Newport, various spots and landmarks where major events or camps from the War came about.
• Insider Tip: Read various info pieces regarding RI tours as, seriously they tend covering sites and activities related specifically on a local scale.

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