WARWICK, R.I. — As summer approaches and residents begin planning visits to seasonal staples like beaches, festivals, and theme parks, a piece of Rhode Island’s past reminds the state of its own amusement legacy. Nearly 200 years ago, Rhode Island was home to one of America’s earliest theme parks—Rocky Point Amusement Park—an iconic destination that delighted generations before its closure in the 1990s.
A Legacy That Began in the 1840s
Rocky Point’s story began in the 1840s, when steamboat captain William Winslow acquired the land and began hosting seaside picnics. The area gradually evolved into a major recreational venue, attracting crowds with its mix of entertainment, sports, and dining.
Over the decades, successive owners introduced various attractions that expanded the park’s appeal. Notable features included a baseball field where Babe Ruth once played and a grand ballroom that hosted legendary performers such as Janis Joplin. The Shore Dinner Hall became especially famous for its clambakes, establishing Rocky Point as both a culinary and leisure destination.
Golden Era and Decline
Rocky Point Amusement Park flourished in the 1950s and 1960s, a period widely considered its heyday. Popular rides during this time included the Ferris wheel, the Corkscrew Loop Roller Coaster, the Log Flume, and the Castle of Terror. The park drew visitors from across New England, becoming a cherished fixture in Rhode Island’s cultural landscape.
However, the 1980s marked the beginning of a steady decline. Attendance dwindled and financial pressures mounted. In 1994, the park ceased operations. In the years that followed, most of the rides were dismantled or sold, and the once-bustling site fell silent—reduced to memories and remnants.
A New Chapter as Rocky Point State Park
Today, the historic grounds have been transformed into Rocky Point State Park, a 120-acre public space that embraces its natural beauty and storied past. The park now offers amenities such as hiking trails, a fishing pier, biking paths, birdwatching areas, and picnic spots. While the amusement rides are gone, visitors can still find preserved structures and interpretive plaques that offer glimpses into the park’s vibrant history.
Rocky Point State Park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. and is located at 1 Rocky Point Avenue in Warwick. Admission is free.
Though the rides have vanished, Rocky Point’s legacy endures—now as a place of reflection, recreation, and enduring Rhode Island heritage.
