Sightseeing Sunday: Weird Things to Do in Rhode Island
Looking for weird things to do in Rhode Island? The smallest state has some big personality — giant blue bugs and unexpected art installations.
Fun Facts About Rhode Island
Rhode Island is the smallest state in the country — more than 500 Rhode Islands could fit inside Alaska.
Rhode Island’s state motto, “Hope,” is the shortest of any U.S. state.
The Industrial Revolution in America began in Rhode Island, at a water-powered cotton mill in Pawtucket in 1793.
Rhode Island was the first of the original 13 colonies to declare independence from Great Britain, but the last to ratify the U.S. Constitution.
Some of these we’ve visited, others are still on our list. When we’ve been somewhere, the link takes you to our photo page with details and snark. Otherwise, you’ll head to their official site — assuming one exists, since sometimes that’s half the adventure.
Unique Attractions & Weird Things to Do in Rhode Island
Weird Roadside & Oddities
Providence
Gun Totem – Sculpture made from 1,000 recycled guns by artist Boris Bally. Located on South Main Street in Memorial Park.
World’s Largest Blue Bug – Big Blue Bug Solutions – 58-foot long termite mascot on the highway.
Factory Tours & Behind-the-Scenes
West Kingston
Kenyon’s Grist Mill Tours – Historic grist mill still grinding corn.
Plan Your Rhode Island Road Trip
We’re always adding new weird things to do in Rhode Island to this list, so check back for more roadside attractions, quirky museums, oversized oddities, and future road trip discoveries.
Where to next? Check out our Massachusetts roadside attractions guide for more New England weird, browse our complete roadside attractions by state guide, get tips for traveling with pets, or head back to the Right At The Light homepage.
Interactive Map: Weird Roadside Stops We’re Tracking
This map includes weird roadside attractions, big-rig friendly stops, and places still on our running road trip list across the country.