Greenville, Rhode Island: 10 Fun Things To Do Nearby

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10 Fun Things To Do Near Greenville, Rhode Island (Providence County)

If you’re looking for a low-key New England getaway, Greenville, Rhode Island is a cozy spot with big charm. Tucked inside the town of Smithfield in Providence County, it feels like a small town but sits just a short drive from Providence, Johnston, and Lincoln. Whether you’re planning a weekend trip, visiting family, or just exploring a new corner of Rhode Island, here are 10 fun things to do in and around Greenville that locals actually love.

1. Stroll Around Greenville’s Village Center & Waterman Lake

Greenville’s village area is small, but that’s part of the appeal. It’s the kind of place where you can park once and wander for a while.
  • Grab coffee or a pastry at a local café.
  • Pop into small shops and services clustered along Putnam Pike (Route 44).
  • Drive a few minutes to Waterman Lake for peaceful views.
Waterman Lake isn’t lined with big beaches or boardwalks, but that’s what keeps it calm. You’ll find quiet roads, lakefront homes, and pull-off spots where you can pause, breathe, and enjoy that classic New England lake scenery. Travel tip: If you’re visiting in fall, the foliage around Greenville and Waterman Lake is stunning. Think bright orange, red, and gold mirrored in the water—perfect for photos.

2. Pick Your Own Fruit at Local Orchards

Greenville and nearby Smithfield are known for their farms and orchards. In season, apple picking in Greenville, RI is one of the best things to do with kids, couples, or friends. Popular spots in the greater Smithfield/Greenville area include:
  • Jaswell’s Farm (nearby in Smithfield) – Famous for apples, pumpkins, and tasty cider doughnuts.
  • Steere Orchard – A classic Rhode Island orchard with wide-open views.
  • Other nearby farms along Route 44 and local backroads that offer seasonal produce and farm stands.
You can:
  • Walk the rows of trees and pick your own apples.
  • Let kids run around in the open fields.
  • Stock up on pies, jams, cider, and local treats.
If you grew up in the city, a fall day at a Greenville-area orchard feels like stepping into a postcard.

3. Hike the Trails at Wolf Hill Forest Preserve

Just minutes from Greenville, you’ll find Wolf Hill Forest Preserve in Smithfield. It’s a peaceful place to stretch your legs and soak in some nature. What to expect:
  • Well-marked trails, many under 3–4 miles.
  • Wooded paths, rocky overlooks, and small ponds.
  • Wildlife spotting—birds, deer, and more.
  • Historic markers, including World War II memorial sites.
The hiking here isn’t extreme. Think more “Sunday walk in the woods” than “all-day mountain climb.” It’s a great spot for:
  • Families with kids.
  • Leashed dogs (always check current rules).
  • Casual hikers who like forest trails, not steep climbs.
Local tip: Wear shoes you don’t mind getting muddy in spring and fall. Trails are beautiful, but New England weather keeps them interesting.

4. Enjoy Quiet Green Space at Deerfield Park

Another nearby Smithfield gem is Deerfield Park, an everyday favorite for locals. It’s one of those parks that has a little bit of everything. You’ll find:
  • Walking paths for light exercise.
  • Playgrounds for kids.
  • Sports fields and courts.
  • Open grassy areas for picnics or just lying in the sun.
If you’re staying in Greenville for a few days, Deerfield Park is perfect for:
  • Letting the kids burn off energy.
  • Getting in a morning walk or jog.
  • Relaxing with a book under a tree.
It’s not “fancy,” but it feels real and community-focused—exactly the kind of place that makes a small town feel like home.

5. Go Shopping and Dining at Smithfield Crossing

Sometimes you just want easy access to stores and restaurants without driving into Providence. That’s where Smithfield Crossing comes in. Located just down Route 44 from Greenville, this shopping area offers:
  • Big-name retail stores for anything you forgot to pack.
  • Chain restaurants and casual dining options.
  • Fast food and coffee shops for quick stops.
While it’s not a historic town green, it’s very practical. On a rainy day or a cold winter trip, Smithfield Crossing is an easy one-stop option for:
  • Shopping for clothes and travel gear.
  • Grabbing dinner and groceries.
  • Picking up last-minute road trip snacks.

6. Visit Lincoln Woods State Park (About 15–20 Minutes Away)

Looking for more outdoor fun near Greenville? Head east to Lincoln Woods State Park, one of Rhode Island’s most-loved parks, just a short drive away. Here you can:
  • Swim or relax by the freshwater beach in summer.
  • Walk or bike the roads and trails around the pond.
  • Try fishing or kayaking (bring your own gear).
  • Have a picnic under tall trees.
On warm weekends, the park gets busy with families, barbecues, and groups hanging out. It has that classic “day at the lake” vibe, but still feels close to Greenville and Providence. Good to know: Parking areas can fill up on sunny summer days, so going earlier often makes life easier.

7. Explore the Rhode Island State House & Downtown Providence

One of the best parts of staying in Greenville is how close you are to Providence—usually about a 20–25 minute drive, depending on traffic. For a half-day or full-day trip, add:
  • Rhode Island State House – A beautiful white-domed building on Smith Hill, with free or low-cost tours available at certain times.
  • Downtown Providence – Walk along the river, browse shops, and grab a meal.
  • College Hill – Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) give the area a creative, youthful feel.
Downtown Providence offers a different energy from Greenville: more city lights, more restaurants, more nightlife. Then, when you’re done, you can head back to the calm of your Greenville base.

8. Catch a WaterFire Event on the Providence River

If your visit lines up with one, WaterFire Providence is a must-see event and is one of the top things to do near Greenville, RI. During WaterFire:
  • Dozens of fire braziers are lit along the city’s rivers at night.
  • Music plays as flames reflect off the water.
  • Vendors, food trucks, and performers appear along the riverwalk.
The atmosphere is almost magical—warm fire, cool air, city lights, and people of all ages strolling along the river. It’s romantic for couples, but also family-friendly. Tip: Check the official WaterFire schedule before your trip. The events don’t happen every weekend, but when they do, they’re worth the drive from Greenville.

9. Visit Museums Nearby: RISD Museum & Local History

If you enjoy art, culture, or history, you’ll have some solid options within a short drive of Greenville. RISD Museum (Providence):
  • Part of the Rhode Island School of Design.
  • Features art from ancient to modern, plus changing exhibits.
  • Great for a rainy day or a cooler afternoon.
Local history and small museums (around Providence County):
  • Check for small town historical societies in Smithfield or nearby towns—many have exhibits on local mills, farms, and early New England life.
  • They’re usually low-key and affordable, with volunteers who love to share stories.
Even if you’re not a huge “museum person,” an hour or two in one of these spots can help you understand how places like Greenville grew from farming villages into the communities they are today.

10. Take a Scenic Drive Through Northern Rhode Island Backroads

Sometimes the best thing to do near Greenville is simply drive. Northern Rhode Island is full of:
  • Rolling hills and stone walls.
  • Older farmhouses and barns.
  • Quiet village centers and country roads.
Try this simple loop-style idea:
  • Start in Greenville.
  • Head toward Smithfield, North Scituate, and Glocester on country roads instead of the highway.
  • Stop at farm stands, small diners, or lakeside pull-offs as you go.
In fall, the foliage alone makes the drive worth it. In winter, snow-covered fields and frozen ponds give the area a peaceful, almost storybook feel.

Where to Stay Near Greenville, Rhode Island

Greenville itself is more residential than touristy, but nearby areas in Smithfield and Providence offer:
  • Chain hotels along major roads.
  • Airbnb or vacation rentals in lakeside or wooded neighborhoods.
  • City hotels in Providence if you prefer a more urban feel.
A lot of visitors like staying somewhere quiet near Greenville and then taking day trips out to Providence, Lincoln Woods, and other spots in Providence County.

Final Thoughts: Why Visit Greenville, Rhode Island?

Greenville isn’t a place of huge crowds or flashy attractions. Instead, it offers:
  • Small-town New England charm
  • Easy access to nature—woods, lakes, and parks
  • Close proximity to Providence for city energy when you want it
If you like simple pleasures—apple picking, lake views, quiet hikes, and relaxed drives—Greenville and the surrounding Providence County make a great mini-escape.

Share Your Greenville Experience

Have you been to Greenville, Rhode Island or nearby Smithfield and Providence?
  • What was your favorite thing to do?
  • Did you find a great orchard, café, or hiking trail I should know about?
Drop your thoughts and tips in the comments so other travelers can discover new ideas. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with a friend who’s planning a trip to Rhode Island or looking for new weekend getaway ideas in New England.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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