The open, green spaces in Richmond attract visitors all year round. Golfers tee off from early Spring to late Fall at one of Richmond's many courses. Troll hunters visit Young Boulder, part of the Rhode Island Troll Trail. Outdoor enthusiasts spend time in Arcadia Management Area. And the Preserve Sporting Club and Residences offer a resort stay with innumerable activities and amenities. This and more make Richmond another great South County destination.
Highlights to Explore
The Trolls - The Rhode Island Troll Trail began in South County in 2024 in Ningret Park in Charlestown. In 2025 Thomas Dambo built 3 new Trolls, one in Richmond, Young Boulder. You can find Young Boulder in the Browning Mill Pond hiking area. These larger-than-life figures, constructed from recycled materials add a bit of magic to the woods and make for a fun day exploring around Richmond.
Looking for Troll T-shirts? - Shop merchandise of the unique Thomas Dambo Trolls in Rhode Island - Erik Rock and Greta Granit. Made with recycled, earth friendly fabrics, these soft, comfy t-shirts can outfit the whole family. Li’l Boulder, Ivan Mudslider coming soon!
Arcadia Management Area- The Arcadia Management Area is a sprawling state-managed forest and trail system offering hiking, kayaking, fishing, fresh air, and quiet escape. This property is one of the few places in Rhode Island where it is quite possible to see a Pileated Woodpecker. Fishing, hunting, hiking (more than a dozen trails), mountain biking, swimming, horseback riding and motorcycling are available on the 14,000 acres of forest.
Golf Courses- For the golf enthusiasts, there are 5 golf courses in Richmond, making it the town with the highest number of golf courses per capita in Rhode Island. The Richmond Country Club is an 18-hole championship public course set amid pine forest, ponds and rolling terrain and Meadow Brook Golf Course is often described as a “hidden gem” in southern New England.
Washington County Fair-Each summer, Richmond becomes home to one of Rhode Island’s largest events — the Washington County Fair. Established in the town’s fairgrounds on Richmond Townhouse Road, the fair showcases agricultural exhibits, live music, midway rides, youth shows and more, all celebrating South County, and Rhode Island’s agricultural heritage.
Where to Eat
A Good Breakfast:Alaina’s- Get going with the most important meal of the day at Alaina’s Coffee & Kitchen, it’s the perfect spot for breakfast or brunch while you’re out discovering Richmond’s quieter roads, forested edges, and State Parks.
Dining & Local Vibes: Wood River Bar & Grill- Fresh air and exercise will make you hungry, and lunch or dinner at Wood River Bar & Grill satisfies. Housed in a historic setting, the restaurant delivers craft beers, live music and regular events in a laid-back yet lively local environment. It’s the perfect place to meet locals and learn more about Richmond from people who know.
Where to Stay
Historic Charm: The Stagecoach House-The former Stagecoach House Inn on the Wood River evokes an earlier era when travelers stopped here before pressing on through the countryside. Today it serves as a reminder of South County’s past and the connection of small villages. Recently renovated, the Stagecoach House offers varying accommodations to suit your needs.
The Preserve Sporting Club and Residences - The Preserve Sporting Club & Residences is a four-season adventure resort that offers experiences you won’t find anywhere else in Rhode Island. Spread over 3,500 acres of forests, fields, and rolling hills it’s a destination for fine dining, outdoor adventure, world-class sporting ranges, and where guests can choose indulgence, adrenaline, or complete tranquility all in the same day.
Accommodations range from luxury town homes, single-family homes, cabins, tiny homes, Hilltop Lodge suites, and private lodges with rustic charm and refined comfort.
Dining at The Preserve is an experience on its own. The award-winning signature restaurant, Double Barrel Steak, offers a seasonal menu, while the iconic Maker’s Mark Hobbit Houses offer a unique dining experience inside hillside hideaways with wood-fired meals and bourbon pairings. Snack at the poolside café in summer or unwind with smoothies and light fare at the spa’s White Birch Café.
Outdoor & Sporting Activities- The property boasts the longest indoor automated shooting range in the country, outdoor clay courses, five-stand setups, and upland hunting fields. The fishing ponds are stocked for fly-fishing, spin casting, and angling lessons. The 18-hole golf course winds through the woodland and is a crown jewel of the property. The Equestrian Center offers trail rides, carriage rides, lessons, and pony experiences for children. This list of additional activities has something for everyone: Mountain biking, Rock climbing, Ziplining, Axe throwing, Kayaking, Canoeing, Hiking, Fishing clinics for kids, Scavenger hunts, Crafts, Nerf archery, S’mores nights, Stargazing, Seasonal pool, Yoga classes, Wellness activities, Spa & Wellness.
The Preserve is available for your dream vacation as well as weddings, corporate retreats, social events, and seasonal celebrations.
Fun Facts
- There are 123 miles of rivers and streams throughout the Town of Richmond.
- The total area of Richmond is 40.7 square miles.
- The Town of Richmond was established in 1669 and incorporated in 1747.
- There are 7 villages in the Town of Richmond: Carolina, Hope Valley, Kenyon, Shannock, West Kingston, Wood River Junction, Wyoming.
- Richmond is one of only 8 towns that the North South Trail runs through.
- The Town of Richmond is home to the largest annual county fair in Rhode Island: the Washington County Fair.
- Approximately 60% of the land in Richmond is undeveloped.
- The Town of Richmond is bounded on three sides by rivers and was originally inhabited by indigenous people known as the Narragansetts.
