Seekonk’s Old Grist Mill Tavern Unveils Giant Swan Paddle Boat

If you take a drive over to The Old Grist Mill Tavern in Seekonk, you’ll spot something a little magical floating on the pond. There's a brand-new swan paddle boat proudly bobbing in the water like it owns the place.

Here's the catch: it’s not officially launching to the public until spring 2026, but owner Karl Pelletier put the swan out early as a playful teaser. Honestly, it’s working. People are already stopping, staring, taking photos, and getting hyped for warm-weather fun.

The larger-than-life swan fits three people comfortably, making it perfect for first dates, connecting with old friends or even taking your little ones out for a stroll across the pond.

A Swan With a Story

For Pelletier, the arrival of this paddle-powered beauty has been years in the making.

“We’re super excited,” he said. “Ever since we took over the property, it was something we wanted to do. Grist Mill has been known as the swan pond forever. There are vintage signs and swan decoys throughout the restaurant. The pond is perfect for it.”

Between the rustic café, the ice cream and coffee shop, the book nook, Four Echoes Vintage Shop, and the restaurant itself, the swan feels like the natural next step in making the Grist Mill campus feel like a little village of its own.

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Healing After a Tough Loss

This new swan also comes with a bittersweet backstory.

Earlier this year, the resident mama swan and her babies were tragically killed (likely by a mink, weasel, or another animal) and shortly after, the papa swan flew off and never returned. The beloved pond that had always been home to real swans suddenly became swan-less.

A Tease for Spring — and a Holiday Treat

The new paddle boat placement is no accident.

With the annual tree lighting on November 29 and a full lineup of magical holiday events on deck, Pelletier wanted to give visitors something to talk about, and something to look forward to once winter melts away.

READ MORE: The Swan-Sized Lightbulb That Lit Up the Historic Seekonk Pond

“We put the swan in the water to tease and invoke conversation for next year’s spring launch,” he said. “Between the tree lighting and the magical holiday celebration we’re about to kick off, a lot of people will get excited.”

A Community That Keeps Showing Up

If there’s one thing Pelletier can’t stop talking about, it’s the town’s support.

“Everyone has been wonderful to The Grist Mill. Our community is so supportive and we are very lucky,” he added. “This is just another way we can offer something to build memories, invoke some nostalgia, and create good old-fashioned feel-good fun.”