This community hub goes beyond just a quick stopping point for those traveling on Route 146, it's a place to reflect, exercise, meet and ultimately connect and learn about Central Mass. of the past, present and future.
The Visitor Center serves as a gateway to the Blackstone Heritage Corridor, the Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park, and the City of Worcester. More than a park, this destination is an interpretive and cultural center for the region. Amenities include connections to Worcester neighborhoods, walking trails and bikeways, and access to the Blackstone River and the Blackstone Canal. It will host special events and will also be the Central Region Headquarters of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation.
The Blackstone River Bikeway
The bikeway is a beautiful way to explore the Blackstone Valley, whether by bike or on foot, and offers something for everyone to enjoy. With over 17 miles already constructed, the vision is to extend 48 miles from downtown Worcester, MA, to India Point Park in Providence, RI. From there it connects with the existing East Bay Bike Path and continues on to Bristol, RI, for additional 14.5 miles. When completed, the Blackstone River Bikeway will serve as an alternate mode of transportation for commuters as well as the region’s premiere recreational resource, connecting New England’s second and third largest cities.
Today, there are three completed sections of the Blackstone River Bikeway, totaling 17 miles of off-road paved trails with the remainder connecting the segments on marked, on-road routes. The first segment, starting at the Blackstone Heritage Corridor Visitor Center at Worcester (3 Paul Clancy Way) is 2.5 miles long and features two bike repair stations including one at the Visitor Center and another at the 1265 Millbury Street parking lot in Worcester. There is also an outdoor water bottle filling station at the Visitor Center.
A Beautiful New Park to Enjoy
Set on five acres of reclaimed brownfield, the park features a landscape made up of native plants and trees, picnic and seating areas, an event field, parking for 63 automobiles (with possible satellite parking within a five minute walk on the bikeway), bus drop-off and turn around access, connection to the Blackstone River Bikeway (with on-site bike parking, repair stations, and water bottle accessible water fountains), restrooms, and features historical and tourism based exhibits throughout.
Interactive Exhibits That Will Wow You
Unprecedented interactive exhibits are found throughout the visitor center, including sculptures, compelling outdoor elements and historical references exploring America's journey towards industrialization, from the first mills built along the river to the rise of factories, culminating with Worcester's legacy of innovation and invention.
The historic role of the Blackstone and its watershed and the ecology of the river today will provide essential contemporary references. The exhibits will also delve into the tremendous socio-economic changes that industrialization brought to the economy, society and communities of not only of the region but of the entire Nation.
A Place for Business and Community Events
The Visitor Center features a theater/classroom space which seats 64 people theater-style, with sink, digital projector and AV, and direct access to an exterior deck overlooking the river. An adjacent storage room can serve as a caterer’s prep space. The space is available for rent for corporate meetings and private functions. To inquire, send an email to mail@BlackstoneHeritageCorridor.org.
Address: 3 Paul Clancy Way in Worcester, MA
