Part of the Blackstone River National Heritage Corridor, which reaches from Worcester to Providence, the park features restored sections of the Blackstone River Canal and Towpath, including a canal lock. Exhibits at the park's Riverbend Farm Visitors Center explain the canal's history. Recreation and nature viewing are also part of Blackstone's mission. There are several picnic sites in the park. Canoeing is permitted on the canal and in the Blackstone River.
Fishing is permitted, although pollution has left the fish unfit to eat.
Great blue herons, ospreys, wood and black ducks, songbirds and bluebirds have all been seen at Rice City Pond.