All historic houses to visit in Rhode Island

Step into the past at 56 historic houses in Rhode Island. These preserved homes offer a glimpse into the lives of notable figures and everyday people from different eras.

Are you interested in exploring historic homes? Here are the must-see historic houses in Rhode Island:

  1. The Breakers1

    The Breakers

     Newport, RI
    The Breakers is a grand house that was owned by the renowned Vanderbilt family of Dutch origin. It is situated on Ochre Point Avenue in Newport, Rhode Island, and offers a stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean. This historic building is now owned by the Preservation Society of Newport County and serves as a testament to the opulence of the Vanderbilt family.
  2. The Elms Mansion2

    The Elms Mansion

     Newport, RI
    The Elms is a grand mansion located in Newport, Rhode Island. It was constructed between the years 1899 and 1914, serving as a summer residence for the industrial magnate Edward Julius Berwind. The architect behind this magnificent structure was Horace Trumbauer.
  3. Marble House3

    Marble House

     Newport, RI
    Marble House is a museum located in Newport, Rhode Island, United States. It is a significant historical site that offers visitors a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Vanderbilt family during the Gilded Age.
  4. Slater Mill Historic Site4

    Slater Mill Historic Site

     Providence, RI
    The Slater Mill, located on the banks of the Blackstone River in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, is a historic water-powered textile mill complex. Its design was inspired by the cotton spinning mills that were first established in England. This makes it a significant site for those interested in the history of industrialization and textile manufacturing.
  5. Chateau-sur-mer Mansion5

    Chateau-sur-mer Mansion

     Newport, RI
    Chateau-sur-Mer is a significant landmark in Newport, Rhode Island, as it is one of the first grand mansions built during the Gilded Age on Bellevue Avenue. This mansion played a crucial role in ushering in the Gilded Age of Newport, setting a standard for lavishness and grandeur that was unmatched until the construction of the Vanderbilt houses in the 1890s.
  6. Roger Williams National Memorial Visitor Center6

    Roger Williams National Memorial Visitor Center

     Providence, RI
    The Roger Williams National Memorial is a landscaped urban park that holds historical significance as it is located in the original settlement of Providence, Rhode Island. The park was established by minister Roger Williams in 1636, making it a site of interest for those keen on understanding the history of the region.
  7. Rough Point7

    Rough Point

     Newport, RI
    Rough Point is a mansion from the Gilded Age, located in Newport, Rhode Island. The mansion was designed by the architectural firm Peabody & Stearns for Frederick William Vanderbilt. The construction of the mansion, made of red sandstone and granite, began in 1887 and was completed in 1892. This historical mansion offers a glimpse into the past and the lifestyle of the wealthy during the Gilded Age.
  8. Newport Art Museum8

    Newport Art Museum

     Newport, RI
    The Newport Art Museum, originally established in 1912 as the Art Association of Newport, is situated at 76 Bellevue Avenue in Newport, Rhode Island. This historic institution has been a cornerstone of the local art scene for over a century, offering visitors a unique insight into the artistic heritage of the region.
  9. Fort Adams State Park9

    Fort Adams State Park

     Newport, RI
    Fort Adams, located in Newport, Rhode Island, is a former United States Army post. It was established on July 4, 1799, as a First System coastal fortification. The fort was named after President John Adams, who was in office at the time of its establishment.
  10. Governor Henry Lippitt House Museum10

    Governor Henry Lippitt House Museum

     Providence, RI
    The Governor Henry Lippitt House Museum is a historic site located at 199 Hope Street on the East Side of Providence, Rhode Island. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique glimpse into the past. The museum is housed in a historic mansion, providing an immersive experience for visitors.
  11. Blithewold11

    Blithewold

     Bristol, RI
    The Blithewold Mansion, Gardens and Arboretum is a sprawling 13-hectare (32-acre) property located at 101 Ferry Road, Bristol, Rhode Island. It is conveniently situated midway between Newport and Providence, Rhode Island, on Bristol Harbor, offering stunning views over Narragansett Bay.
  12. Beavertail Lighthouse12

    Beavertail Lighthouse

     Jamestown, RI
    Beavertail Lighthouse, constructed in 1856, is a significant landmark in Rhode Island. It marks the entrance to Narragansett Bay and is located on the southernmost point of Conanicut Island in the town of Jamestown. The lighthouse stands at a height of 64 feet and is situated in Beavertail State Park. It serves as a navigation aid for boats and ships entering Narragansett Bay in the East Passage between Conanicut Island and Newport, Rhode Island on Aquidneck Island.
  13. Smith’s Castle13

    Smith’s Castle

     North Kingstown, RI
    Smith's Castle, constructed in 1678, serves as a house museum and is situated at 55 Richard Smith Drive, in close proximity to Wickford, a quaint village in North Kingstown, Rhode Island. This historic site is easily accessible and offers a unique glimpse into the past, making it an interesting destination for history enthusiasts.
  14. Redwood Library and Athenaeum14

    Redwood Library and Athenaeum

     Newport, RI
    The Redwood Library and Athenaeum, located at 50 Bellevue Avenue in Newport, Rhode Island, is a unique institution that combines a subscription library, museum, rare book repository, and research center. Founded in 1747, it has a rich history and a diverse collection of resources that cater to a wide range of interests. Whether you're a history buff, a book lover, or a researcher, the Redwood Library and Athenaeum has something to offer.
  15. Aldrich House15

    Aldrich House

     Providence, RI
    The Nelson W. Aldrich House, also known as the Dr. S. B. Tobey House, is a Federal-style house located at 110 Benevolent Street in the College Hill neighborhood of Providence, Rhode Island. This historic house is a significant landmark in the area, showcasing the architectural style of the Federal period. It is a place where visitors can learn about the history of the house and its former inhabitants.
  16. The Colony House16

    The Colony House

     Newport, RI
    The Old Colony House, also referred to as the Old State House or Newport Colony House, is a significant historical site located at the east end of Washington Square in Newport, Rhode Island. This brick Georgian-style building, completed in 1741, served as the meeting place for the colonial legislature. Its rich history and architectural style make it a point of interest for visitors.
  17. Old Slater Mill17

    Old Slater Mill

     Pawtucket, RI
    The Slater Mill, located on the banks of the Blackstone River in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, is a historic water-powered textile mill complex. Its design was inspired by the cotton spinning mills that were first established in England. This mill holds a significant place in the history of American industry as it was the first of its kind in the country.
  18. Wanton–Lyman–Hazard House18

    Wanton–Lyman–Hazard House

     Newport, RI
    The Wanton–Lyman–Hazard House, located in Newport, Rhode Island, holds the distinction of being the oldest house in the city. Constructed around the year 1697, it is also one of the oldest houses in the entire state. This historic house offers a unique glimpse into the architectural style and living conditions of the late 17th century, making it a significant point of interest for those interested in history and architecture.
  19. Great Friends Meeting House19

    Great Friends Meeting House

     Newport, RI
    The Great Friends Meeting House, located in Newport, Rhode Island, is a historic meeting house of the Religious Society of Friends, also known as the Quakers. This building, which was constructed in 1699, is a significant part of the Newport Historic District and is currently open to the public as a museum.
  20. Clemence–Irons House20

    Clemence–Irons House

     Johnston, RI
    The Clemence–Irons House, also known as the Edward Manton House, is a historic house situated in Johnston, Rhode Island. This house was constructed by Richard Clemence in 1691 and stands as a testament to the architectural style of that era. It is a rare surviving example of a 'stone ender', a building type first developed in the western part of England and common in colonial Rhode Island.
  21. South County History Center21

    South County History Center

     Kingston, RI
    The South County History Center, located in Kingston, Rhode Island, is a nonprofit organization that was formerly known as the Pettaquamscutt Historical Society. The center is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the material culture of South County. This is achieved through the display of exhibits and the study of archival, library, and artifact collections. The center provides a unique opportunity for visitors to delve into the rich history of the region.
  22. General Nathanael Greene Homestead22

    General Nathanael Greene Homestead

     Coventry, RI
    The General Nathanael Greene Homestead, also known as Spell Hall, is a historic house located at 50 Taft Street in Coventry, Rhode Island. This house was the residence of the American Revolutionary War general Nathanael Greene from 1770 to 1776. It is a significant site due to its historical relevance and its connection to an important figure in American history.
  23. Christian Union Church23

    Christian Union Church

     Portsmouth, RI
    The Union Church, located at 870 East Main Road at Union Street in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, is not just a historic church but also a local history museum. It is owned and managed by the Portsmouth Historical Society. This location offers a unique blend of religious and local history, making it an interesting destination for tourists interested in both aspects.
  24. Arnold House (1693)24

    Arnold House (1693)

     Lincoln, RI
    The Eleazer Arnold House, built around 1693, is a historic house located in the Great Road Historic District at Lincoln, Rhode Island. This house was built for Eleazer Arnold and is a significant part of the region's history. It offers a glimpse into the architectural style and living conditions of the late 17th century.
  25. Mount Hope Farm25

    Mount Hope Farm

     Bristol, RI
    Mount Hope Farm, also known as the Gov. William Bradford House, is a historic estate located on Metacom Avenue in Bristol, Rhode Island, United States. This significant site has a rich history and offers a unique glimpse into the past. The farm is a notable landmark in the area and is recognized for its historical importance.
  26. Block Island Historical Society26

    Block Island Historical Society

     New Shoreham, RI
    The Block Island Historical Society operates a museum located at 18 Old Town Road and Ocean Avenue on Block Island in Rhode Island. This location is easily accessible and offers a deep dive into the rich history of Block Island.
  27. Wilbor House27

    Wilbor House

     Little Compton, RI
    The Wilbor House, located at 548 West Main Road in Little Compton, Rhode Island, is a historic house museum that also serves as the headquarters of the Little Compton Historical Society. This location offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore a piece of history while also learning about the local area's past.
  28. Whitehorne House Museum28

    Whitehorne House Museum

     Newport, RI
    The Whitehorne House Museum is a historic mansion located at 416 Thames Street in Newport, Rhode Island. This mansion is a prime example of the United States Federal style, a popular architectural style during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The mansion's location offers easy access for tourists visiting the area.
  29. Annmary Brown Memorial29

    Annmary Brown Memorial

     Providence, RI
    The Annmary Brown Memorial is a unique combination of an art museum, library, and mausoleum. It is situated within the premises of Brown University, at 21 Brown Street in Providence, Rhode Island. This location offers visitors the opportunity to explore the rich history and culture of the university and the city.
  30. Prescott Farm30

    Prescott Farm

     Middletown, RI
    Prescott Farm is a preserved colonial farm located in Middletown, Rhode Island. The farm covers an expansive area of 40 acres, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. The farm's preservation is a testament to the efforts made to maintain historical sites and their significance.
  31. Gen. James Mitchell Varnum House31

    Gen. James Mitchell Varnum House

     East Greenwich, RI
    The General James Mitchell Varnum House, located at 57 Peirce Street in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, is a historic site that offers a glimpse into the past. This house, built in 1773, served as the residence of James Mitchell Varnum, a general in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. It stands as a testament to the rich history of the area and the nation.
  32. Museum of Work & Culture32

    Museum of Work & Culture

     Woonsocket, RI
    The Museum of Work and Culture, situated in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, is a unique institution that highlights the city's rich textile manufacturing heritage. It provides an in-depth look into the industrial past of the region, making it an interesting destination for those interested in history and culture.
  33. Hearthside House33

    Hearthside House

     Lincoln, RI
    Hearthside House is a historic landmark located in Lincoln, Rhode Island. It is situated at 677 Great Road (Rt. 123), at the intersection of Breakneck Hill Road. This location is easily accessible and provides a glimpse into the rich history of the area.
  34. Coggeshall Farm Museum34

    Coggeshall Farm Museum

     Bristol, RI
    The Coggeshall Farm Museum is a non-profit organization located within the scenic Colt State Park in Bristol, Rhode Island. This unique museum offers visitors a glimpse into the past, showcasing the life and times of a coastal tenant farm during the eighteenth century. It's an ideal destination for those interested in history, agriculture, or simply looking for a unique experience in a beautiful setting.
  35. Whitehall Museum House35

    Whitehall Museum House

     Middletown, RI
    The Whitehall Museum House, located in the northern section of Newport, Rhode Island, now known as Middletown, is a farmhouse that was modified by Dean George Berkeley. This historic site offers visitors a glimpse into the past, showcasing the architectural design and lifestyle of the early 18th century.
  36. Smith-Appleby House Museum36

    Smith-Appleby House Museum

     Smithfield, RI
    The Smith–Appleby House Museum, located in Smithfield, Rhode Island, is a historic house museum that serves as the home of the Smithfield Historical Society. This museum offers a unique glimpse into the past, showcasing the history and heritage of the region. Visitors can explore the museum to learn about the history of the house and the people who lived there.
  37. Paine House Museum37

    Paine House Museum

     Coventry, RI
    The Paine House Museum is a historic house located at 7 Station Street in the village of Washington, Coventry, Rhode Island. This location is steeped in history and offers a unique glimpse into the past.
  38. John Brown House38

    John Brown House

     Providence, RI
    The John Brown House, the first mansion built in Providence, Rhode Island, is situated at 52 Power Street on College Hill. It shares its borders with the campus of Brown University. This historic location offers visitors a glimpse into the past, with its rich history and architectural beauty.
  39. John Waterman Arnold House39

    John Waterman Arnold House

     Warwick, RI
    The John Waterman Arnold House is a significant historical site located at 11 Roger Williams Avenue in Warwick, Rhode Island. This 18th-century house is a testament to the architectural style of the period and offers a glimpse into the past. It is a two-story, five-bay wood-frame structure with a central chimney and a two-story ell extending to the rear.
  40. Bristol Train Of Artillery Armory Museum40

    Bristol Train Of Artillery Armory Museum

     Bristol, RI
    The Bristol Train of Artillery Museum is an armory museum located in Bristol, Rhode Island. It serves as a meeting place for the Bristol Train of Artillery, a militia artillery unit of the Rhode Island State Militia and a member of the Rhode Island Independent Military Organizations.
  41. Watson Farm41

    Watson Farm

     Jamestown, RI
    Watson Farm remains a functioning family farm to this day. The farm's residence, a house built in 1796, is still in use by the farmers. This offers visitors a unique glimpse into the life and history of farming families in the United States.
  42. Clouds Hill Museum42

    Clouds Hill Museum

     Warwick, RI
    Clouds Hill is a historic house museum situated at 4157 Post Road in Warwick, Rhode Island. This location is steeped in history and offers a unique glimpse into the past. The museum is housed in a grand Gothic Revival structure, which is one of the few surviving large-scale residential designs by the renowned Providence architect, William R. Walker.
  43. Southeast Lighthouse Foundation43

    Southeast Lighthouse Foundation

     New Shoreham, RI
    The Block Island Southeast Light is a significant landmark located on Mohegan Bluffs at the southeastern corner of Block Island, Rhode Island. It was recognized as a U.S. National Historic Landmark in 1997, marking it as one of the most architecturally sophisticated lighthouses constructed in the United States during the 19th century. This recognition highlights the lighthouse's historical and architectural importance, making it a notable site for visitors interested in history and architecture.
  44. Armory of the Kentish Guards44

    Armory of the Kentish Guards

     East Greenwich, RI
    The Armory of the Kentish Guards is a significant historical site located at the intersection of Armory and Peirce Streets in East Greenwich, Rhode Island. This location is not only a testament to the rich history of the area but also serves as a unique attraction for those interested in military history and architecture.
  45. Governor Stephen Hopkins House45

    Governor Stephen Hopkins House

     Providence, RI
    The Governor Stephen Hopkins House, located at 15 Hopkins Street in Providence, Rhode Island, is a museum and a National Historic Landmark. This house was the home of Stephen Hopkins, a governor of the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations and a signer of the Declaration of Independence. It is a significant structure associated with Hopkins' life and offers a glimpse into the colonial era.
  46. Rosecliff Mansion46

    Rosecliff Mansion

     Newport, RI
    Rosecliff Mansion, located in Newport, Rhode Island, is a former grand bourgeois residence that has been converted into a museum. The mansion, built in the Beaux-Arts style, offers visitors a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
  47. Artillery Company of Newport Military Museum47

    Artillery Company of Newport Military Museum

     Newport, RI
    The Newport Artillery Company maintains a museum within its historic armory. This museum houses an extensive collection of military uniforms from over 50 different nations, as well as several artillery pieces, including four bronze cannons cast for the state of Rhode Island by Paul Revere in 1798. Visitors can also view a portrait of President George Washington by Jane Stuart and a letter from President Washington to the Newport Artillery Company.
  48. Museum of Newport History48

    Museum of Newport History

     Newport, RI
    The Museum of Newport History is situated in the Old Brick Market building in the heart of Newport, Rhode Island. This location is not only central but also steeped in history, making it an ideal place for a museum that aims to tell the story of Newport's past. The building itself is a National Historic Landmark, designed by the renowned 18th-century American architect Peter Harrison and built in the 1760s.
  49. Belcourt of Newport49

    Belcourt of Newport

     Newport, RI
    Belcourt is a historic American mansion situated in Newport, Rhode Island. It stands as a testament to the grand mansions that were constructed during the Gilded Age, a period of great economic growth in the United States. This mansion offers a glimpse into the opulence and architectural grandeur of that era.
  50. Chepstow50

    Chepstow

     Newport, RI
    Chepstow is an Italianate house museum situated at 120 Narragansett Avenue in Newport, Rhode Island. This historic building was constructed in 1860 and offers a glimpse into the architectural style and lifestyle of that era. The museum is easily accessible and provides an enriching experience for those interested in history and architecture.
  51. Linden Place Museum51

    Linden Place Museum

     Bristol, RI
    Linden Place mansion, located in Bristol, Rhode Island, is a prime example of Federal-style architecture. It was constructed in 1810 by General George DeWolf, a prominent figure in the slave trade, privateering, and ship owning industries. The mansion's design was the work of Russell Warren, a renowned architect of the time. Today, the mansion stands as a testament to the architectural prowess of the early 19th century and offers a glimpse into the life and times of its original owner.
  52. Gilbert Stuart Birthplace & Museum52

    Gilbert Stuart Birthplace & Museum

     North Kingstown, RI
    The Gilbert Stuart Birthplace and Museum, located in Saunderstown, Rhode Island, offers a rich historical experience. The museum complex includes the 1751 house where Stuart was born, an operational snuff mill, a working grist mill, a mill pond, streams, a fish ladder, and 23 acres of nature trails. Visitors can also explore an herb garden and a welcome center and art gallery that houses paintings by both Gilbert Stuart and his daughter Jane Stuart.
  53. Seabee Museum & Memorial Park53

    Seabee Museum & Memorial Park

     North Kingstown, RI
    The Seabee Museum and Memorial Park is a non-profit military history museum located in Davisville, Rhode Island. The museum is dedicated to the Seabees of the U.S. Navy, providing a comprehensive insight into their history and contributions. Visitors can explore the museum to learn about the Seabees, their missions, and their significant role in the U.S. Navy.
  54. South County Museum54

    South County Museum

     North Kingstown, RI
    The South County Museum is a non-profit institution located in Narragansett, Rhode Island. It is a place where visitors can explore the rich history and culture of the region. The museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing artifacts and exhibits that reflect the area's past.
  55. Governor Sprague Mansion Museum55

    Governor Sprague Mansion Museum

     Cranston, RI
    The Governor William Sprague Mansion, located at 1351 Cranston Street in Cranston, Rhode Island, is a historic mansion that now serves as a museum. This grand structure was the birthplace of Governor William Sprague III and his nephew, Governor William Sprague IV, both of whom played significant roles in the history of Rhode Island. The mansion offers a glimpse into the lives of these influential figures and the era in which they lived.
  56. 56

    Barrington Preservation Society

     Barrington, RI
    The Barrington Preservation Society, located in Barrington, Rhode Island, serves as both a museum and a preservation society. It is a place where visitors can learn about the history of the town and its preservation efforts.