Exeter Rhode IslandATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO


Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Exeter, Rhode Island.



1. Tomaquag Museum

INDIGENOUS HISTORY AND CULTURE


The Tomaquag Museum is Rhode Island's only Native-run museum, showcasing the rich heritage and culture of the Indigenous peoples of the region. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring traditional artifacts, artwork, and educational displays that tell the story of Native American communities in Rhode Island. The museum offers a unique opportunity to learn about Indigenous perspectives and experiences through guided tours, workshops, and special events.


2. Tilted Barn Brewery

RUSTIC CRAFT BEER EXPERIENCE


Tilted Barn Brewery offers visitors a charming farm-to-glass craft beer experience in a rustic, authentic barn setting. The brewery produces a variety of handcrafted beers using locally grown ingredients, including hops cultivated on their own farm. Guests can enjoy tasting flights, purchase growlers to take home, and relax in the picturesque surroundings of this family-owned establishment.


3. Yawgoo Valley Water Park

YEAR-ROUND OUTDOOR RECREATION


Yawgoo Valley offers seasonal outdoor activities throughout the year, transforming from a ski area in winter to a water park during summer months. In winter, visitors can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing on the only ski slopes in Rhode Island. During warmer months, the location features refreshing waterslides and other water attractions perfect for family entertainment.


4. Wicked Tulips Flower Farm

VIBRANT SEASONAL BLOOMS


Wicked Tulips Flower Farm dazzles visitors with acres of colorful tulips in bloom during the spring season. Guests can stroll through the vibrant fields, pick their own tulips, and capture Instagram-worthy photos amidst the sea of flowers. The farm typically opens for a limited window in April and May when the tulips are at their peak, offering a magical experience that draws visitors from across the region.


5. Schartner Farms

FRESH LOCAL PRODUCE


Schartner Farms is a beloved local farm market offering fresh seasonal produce, baked goods, and specialty food items. The farm features pick-your-own opportunities throughout the growing season, including strawberries, apples, and pumpkins depending on the time of year. Fall visitors especially enjoy the farm's additional attractions like corn mazes, hayrides, and festive seasonal events.



6. Queen's Fort

HISTORIC WAR MEMORIAL


Queen's Fort is a remarkable historic landmark in Exeter dating back to the King Philip's War era, offering visitors a glimpse into America's colonial past. The park features faintly visible remnants of the original fort structure set among lush green fields and walking paths. Open daily from 6 AM to 10 PM, the site combines historical significance with outdoor recreation opportunities including hiking and picnicking.


7. Arcadia Management Area

VAST OUTDOOR WILDERNESS


Arcadia Management Area spans an impressive 14,000 acres, making it Rhode Island's largest recreational area and a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can explore thirty miles of hiking trails, camp at designated sites, and enjoy freshwater beaches and ponds perfect for fishing, boating, and kayaking. The area is particularly spectacular during fall when the New England foliage transforms the landscape with vibrant autumn colors.


8. Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge

PEACEFUL NATURE SANCTUARY


Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge offers a tranquil retreat with over 900 acres of diverse habitats including forests, fields, and wetlands. Nature enthusiasts can explore several miles of well-maintained trails while observing native wildlife and birds in their natural environment. The refuge provides a peaceful escape from everyday life with scenic views and opportunities for photography, birdwatching, and quiet contemplation.


9. The Nordic

LEGENDARY SEAFOOD EXPERIENCE


The Nordic is a renowned seafood restaurant tucked away in the serene woods of nearby Charlestown, offering more than just a meal but an unforgettable culinary experience. The restaurant specializes in fresh, locally-sourced seafood prepared with traditional New England techniques and flavors. Diners enjoy the cozy, rustic atmosphere that complements the authentic coastal cuisine, making it a destination worth the short drive from Exeter.


10. Narragansett Beach

ICONIC COASTAL DESTINATION


Narragansett Beach is one of Rhode Island's most popular beaches, featuring a mile of pristine sandy shoreline and refreshing Atlantic waves. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and surfing, with lifeguards on duty during the summer season for added safety. The beach is complemented by convenient amenities including changing facilities, concessions, and the historic Narragansett Towers overlooking the coastline.



11. Newport Mansions

GILDED AGE OPULENCE


The Newport Mansions offer visitors an extraordinary glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of America's wealthiest families during the Gilded Age. These meticulously preserved architectural masterpieces, including The Breakers, Marble House, and Rosecliff, showcase opulent interiors, priceless art, and manicured grounds overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Guided tours provide fascinating historical context about the families who built these summer 'cottages' and the era that defined American luxury.


12. Ryan Family Amusements

INDOOR ENTERTAINMENT CENTER


Ryan Family Amusements provides indoor entertainment options for visitors of all ages, including bowling, arcade games, and other family-friendly activities. The facility offers a clean, modern environment perfect for rainy day fun or evening entertainment after a day of exploring South County. Regular specials and events make this a popular destination for both locals and tourists looking for active indoor recreation.


13. Wickford Village

QUAINT WATERFRONT SHOPPING


Wickford Village charms visitors with its picturesque waterfront setting and collection of unique boutiques, galleries, and cafes housed in historic buildings. The village's tree-lined streets and harbor views create a postcard-perfect atmosphere for leisurely shopping and dining experiences. Specialty shops offer everything from locally-made crafts and jewelry to antiques and gourmet foods, making it an ideal destination for finding one-of-a-kind treasures.


14. South County Bike Path

SCENIC RECREATIONAL TRAIL


The South County Bike Path offers a picturesque 7-mile paved trail perfect for cycling, walking, and running through beautiful South County landscapes. The path connects several towns and attractions, providing a car-free route to explore the region's natural beauty and charming communities. Along the way, users can enjoy rest areas, access to local beaches, and convenient connections to dining and shopping options.


15. Green Animals Topiary Garden

LIVING SCULPTURAL ART


Green Animals Topiary Garden showcases over 80 carefully sculpted shrubs and trees trimmed into whimsical animal shapes and geometric designs. As the oldest and most northern topiary garden in the United States, it combines horticultural artistry with historical significance on the grounds of a Victorian estate. Visitors can explore not only the famous topiaries but also vibrant flower gardens, fruit trees, and vegetable gardens maintained using traditional gardening techniques.