What is the Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Bridge?

It's Providence's pedestrian bridge over the Providence River, also known as the Providence River Pedestrian Bridge. It connects the Fox Point neighborhood on the East Side to the Innovation & Design District.

What can you do on the bridge itself?

Sit at wooden benches, play chess at the built-in chessboards, or gather around illuminated tables.

Is there anything to do at either end of the bridge?

Yes. Both ends open onto urban parks with pop-up vendors, entertainment and food trucks, especially from late spring through early fall.

What's near the west side of the bridge?

A larger park with seasonal pop-ups and performers. The new 195 District Park Pavilion houses The Guild's beer garden and Seven Stars Bakery and hosts year-round events. Nearby spots include Blu Violet (the rooftop bar at Aloft Providence Downtown), Dune Brothers Seafood and Bayberry Garden.

The Providence River Pedestrian Bridge Connects the City

The Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Bridge, also known as the Providence River Pedestrian Bridge, connects the city's Fox Point neighborhood on the East Side to the burgeoning Innovation & Design District.

Opened in August 2019, this pedestrian bridge reuses the existing piers of the old I-195 highway bridge. Stretching 450 feet across the Providence River, the deck of the bridge is constructed from Brazilian Ipe wood and features matching wooden benches, built-in chessboards and illuminated tables. At the end of each side of the bridge are sprawling urban parks often featuring pop-up vendors, entertainment and food trucks.

You'll find restaurants on the east side of the river, including Hemenway's, Dave's Coffee, Bacaro, and Geoff's Superlative Sandwiches, along with shops all along South Main Street. Stroll the area at your own pace with our East Side Historic Walking Tour Map.

On the west side of the bridge is a larger park area with seasonal pop-up vendors and performers from late spring through early fall. The newly opened 195 District Park Pavilion will be home to The Guild's beer garden and Seven Stars Bakery, and will provide a gathering space for year-round events.

Blu Violet, the rooftop bar atop the Aloft Providence Downtown, offers incredible views of the East Side and the waterfront while serving up small bites and masterfully crafted cocktails. Dune Brothers Seafood and Bayberry Garden feature patio dining and favorite New England dishes. In the summer, be sure to stop by the Providence Flea in 195 District Park most Sundays. There's also plenty of history to explore throughout the Jewelry District, much of which is covered in our Jewelry District Historic Walking Tour Map.

Two men playing chess on an outdoor wooden bench along Providence's Riverwalk, with pedestrians strolling on the waterfront boardwalk and city buildings in the background.

Insta-Worthy

The bridge has quickly become one of the best spots in the city to take pictures. Check out these awesome photos from Instagram:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Bridge?: It's Providence's pedestrian bridge over the Providence River, also known as the Providence River Pedestrian Bridge. It connects the Fox Point neighborhood on the East Side to the Innovation & Design District.
What can you do on the bridge itself?: Sit at wooden benches, play chess at the built-in chessboards, or gather around illuminated tables.
Is there anything to do at either end of the bridge?: Yes. Both ends open onto urban parks with pop-up vendors, entertainment and food trucks, especially from late spring through early fall.
What's near the east side of the bridge?: Restaurants and shops along South Main Street, including Hemenway's, Dave's Coffee, Bacaro and Geoff's Superlative Sandwiches. The East Side Historic Walking Tour Map covers the area in more depth.
What's near the west side of the bridge?: A larger park with seasonal pop-ups and performers. The new 195 District Park Pavilion houses The Guild's beer garden and Seven Stars Bakery and hosts year-round events. Nearby spots include Blu Violet (the rooftop bar at Aloft Providence Downtown), Dune Brothers Seafood and Bayberry Garden.