Market Square, Waterplace Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Market Square and Waterplace Park are two popular tourist destinations located in the state of Rhode Island.
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Summary
Market Square is a historic district located in the heart of downtown Providence, featuring a vibrant mix of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Waterplace Park is a scenic riverwalk located adjacent to Market Square, boasting beautiful views of the Providence River and its picturesque bridges.
There are several good reasons to visit Market Square and Waterplace Park, including their rich history, beautiful architecture, and scenic natural views. Some specific points of interest to see include the iconic Superman Building, the Providence Performing Arts Center, and the Waterfire Art Installation. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and cycling, as well as cultural events such as the Providence Athenaeum Book Sale and the Providence International Film Festival.
Interesting facts about the areas include that Market Square was once a bustling commercial center during the colonial era, and Waterplace Park was designed by renowned architect William Warner in the 1990s. The best time of year to visit Market Square and Waterplace Park is during the summer months when the weather is warm and the park is alive with activity. However, visitors can also enjoy the park's beautiful fall foliage and winter holiday displays.
Overall, Market Square and Waterplace Park are must-see destinations for anyone traveling to Rhode Island. With their rich history, stunning natural views, and vibrant cultural scene, these two areas offer visitors a unique and unforgettable experience.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Kennedy Plaza
Bank of America City Center
Roger Williams National Memorial
Mary Elizabeth Sharpe Memorial Park
Waterplace Park