Discover H.P. Lovecraft's Providence: A Self-Guided Walking Tour

Key facts

What's included

Itinerary

1. Stop 1 Pass by

   Begin at the Roger Williams National Memorial, a peaceful park that Lovecraft often visited for inspiration. Walk through the grounds before heading into College Hill.

2. Stop 2 Pass by

   Pass by the Gothic Revival Cathedral of St. John and its shadowy churchyard, once described by Lovecraft as a place of "unsuspected vampiric horror." The cathedral itself is not open to the public on this route.

3. Stop 3 Pass by

   View 135 Benefit Street, the real house that inspired "The Shunned House." It’s a private residence, so you’ll only see it from the sidewalk.

4. Stop 4 Pass by

   See the Providence Art Club and the Fleur-de-Lys Building, decorated with bas-relief sculptures similar to those in "The Call of Cthulhu." Entry to the galleries is not included.

5. Stop 5 Pass by

   Pass by the Stephen Hopkins House, linked to Lovecraft’s "The Case of Charles Dexter Ward." The house is private, and entry is not included.

6. Stop 6 Pass by

   See the John Hay Library at Brown University, where a plaque features lines from Lovecraft’s poetry. Entry is not included.

7. Stop 7 Pass by

   Pass 454 Angell Street, the site of Lovecraft’s birthplace, now a modern apartment building. Only a passing view.

8. Stop 8 Pass by

   View the Halsey House on Prospect Street, the inspiration for the Ward family home in "The Case of Charles Dexter Ward," and the nearby "Little White Farmhouse." Both are private residences seen from the street.

9. Stop 9 Pass by

   Conclude your tour at Prospect Terrace, offering sweeping views of Providence and a monument to Roger Williams. Entry is free.

Meeting point & pickup

Meet at the starting point

This tour begins at the Roger Williams Memorial center. Please install the VoiceMap app and use your confirmation code before arrival. Detailed instructions will be provided after download.

Cancellation & confirmation