[2] This 1,000-acre (4.0 km2) park "recalls the role of canals in transporting raw materials and manufactured goods between emerging industrial centers.

The southern entrance to this state park is the site of the historic Stanley Woolen Mill, currently being redeveloped for commercial and tourism.

The canal was a simple ditch alongside the Blackstone River with a dirt tow path for boats to be pulled by horses.

The transformation of transportation from horse drawn teams (origin of the word "teamsters"), to canal barges, to railroads was complete.

The River Bend Farm Visitor Center provides a convenient gateway to canoeing, fishing, trails, and snowmobiling or cross-country skiing access.

National Park Service rangers explain the local history at the River Bend Farm Visitors Center.