City Guides: Things to do While Boating in Tiverton, Rhode Island
Tiverton, Rhode Island, located at Mount Hope Bay (near Narragansett Bay), is just north of Newport. It’s a quiet coastal town between Aquidneck Island and Fall River, Massachusetts. With a rural farm-coast character, it blends salt marshes, rolling farmland, historic buildings and a small but lively arts and boutique scene.
Tiverton Four Corners Historic Village
The intersection known as Four Corners is the heart of Tiverton’s cultural life. It’s lined with 18th- and 19th-century buildings that are now home to shops, galleries, cafés and artisan studios. Stroll from shop to shop, peek into artists’ studios and enjoy local craftsmanship. The architecture, shingled facades, stone walls and village layout give it a timeless New England feel.
Beaches & Coastal Access
Tiverton’s coastline is not filled with big sandy beaches, but it offers scenic shoreline spots and quieter coastal charm. If you’re looking for something fun to do from a marina or a private boat dock for rent, head to some of the town’s beaches.
Fogland Beach is a black stone beach with a partly rocky shore with scenic views over the Sakonnet River. It’s a favorite for kayaking and windsurfing. The drive to the beach passes through farmland and quiet country roads, making the approach part of the experience.
Grinnell’s Beach is smaller, more low-key and makes a nice coastal stop. It has views of the Sakonnet Bridge and a memorial (WWI Doughboy statue) nearby. For those interested in shoreline access from a private boat slip for rent, the Sakonnet Bridge Boat Ramp provides a launching point and interesting water views.
Audubon Emilie Ruecker Wildlife Refuge
A natural highlight in Tiverton, the 50-acre Audubon Emilie Ruecker Wildlife Refuge includes salt marshes, upland woods and red maple swamps. There are approximately 1.6 miles of well-marked trails with mostly easy terrain. Check out the Blue Trail, where you’ll get peaceful marsh vistas and opportunities for birdwatching. Because the area is less developed, you’ll often find solitude and natural sounds.
Fort Barton Historic Site
Fort Barton Historic Site is a Revolutionary War site in Tiverton. The fort was used as a defensive post during the Revolutionary War and played a role during the Battle of Rhode Island. Check out the earthworks (embankments) from the fort built circa 1777, which overlooks the ferry crossing to Aquidneck Island. There are walking paths and a viewing platform.
Cook-Bateman Farm
A colonial-era farmstead, the Cook-Bateman Farm is now preserved over about 63 acres. Portions of the farm date from 1730 to 1748, with later additions and changes. The site includes barns, structures and landscapes tied to its long agricultural history. It’s an excellent spot to visit from private boat lifts for rent in Tiverton.
First Baptist Church of Tiverton (Old Stone Church)
The First Baptist Church of Tiverton, built in 1841 (the congregation dates to 1680), is constructed of field stone and has strong historic and architectural value. The property includes a church, a parsonage and a cemetery among wooded grounds and stone walls.
Nature & Conservation Lands
Beyond the wildlife refuge, Tiverton is blessed with conservation land, trails and open space. Winding roads, farmland views, stone walls and salt marsh edges make for scenic drives and spontaneous stops. Weetamoo Woods and Pardon Gray Preserve has trails through forested areas near Tiverton Four Corners. Sapowet Marsh & Point Fishing Area offers marshland views, wildlife and scenic coastal marsh walks.
