Rocky Point Amusement Park (Warwick, RI)

The abandoned remains of the old Rocky Point Amusement Park can be found along the coast of Narragansett Bay in Warwick, Rhode Island — in what is now the public Rocky Point State Park. Once one of New England’s most cherished seaside attractions, Rocky Point’s story spans nearly 150 years of joy, decline, and rebirth.

Origins of Rocky Point Park

The history of Rocky Point dates back to the 1840s, when Captain William Winslow envisioned a coastal retreat where families could enjoy seaside recreation and “shore dinners under the trees.” By 1847, Winslow had purchased land on Warwick Neck and began offering amusements and meals to visitors arriving by steamboat.

By the 1850s, the first rides appeared — swings, a carousel, and the “Spanish Fandango,” an early form of the Ferris wheel. Through the late 19th century, Rocky Point became a full-fledged amusement park, complete with the Forest Casino, where politicians, entertainers, and prizefighters performed before eager crowds.

A Seaside Playground for Generations

By the early 1900s, Rocky Point had earned the reputation as “New England’s Most Beautiful Amusement Park.” Its location on Narragansett Bay, easily accessible by train or boat, made it a popular destination for Rhode Island families.

The park’s Shore Dinner Hall became a legend of its own. Seating over 4,000 guests, it served clam cakes, chowder, steamers, and lobster dinners that drew crowds from across the region. Visitors came as much for the food as for the thrill rides.

Over the years, the park introduced attractions that became Rhode Island icons:

• The Corkscrew Loop Roller Coaster
• The Log Flume
• The Freefall Tower, dropping riders 13 stories at 55 mph
• The Skyliner Gondola Ride and Wildcat Coaster

The park also included Kiddie Land, a massive saltwater swimming pool, and the Palladium Ballroom, where music legends like Janis Joplin, The Yardbirds, AC/DC, The Ramones, and Pearl Jam performed for thousands.

Rocky Point endured devastating storms — including the Great Hurricane of 1938 and Hurricane Carol in 1954 — but each time, it was rebuilt and reopened, continuing its reign as the state’s favorite summer destination.

Decline and Closure

By the early 1990s, the park was showing its age. Competing with large, modern theme parks such as Six Flags New England and Lake Compounce proved difficult, and the owners had heavily leveraged the property to fund outside ventures. Financial losses mounted, and bankruptcy became unavoidable.

Rocky Point closed in 1995, briefly reopening in 1996 for a final farewell season. The following year, its rides and equipment were auctioned off — the Corkscrew Coaster was sold for $850,000 and relocated to Washington State, where it still operates today as the Wild Thing.

Fires, Vandals, and the End of an Era

After closing, the park’s sprawling grounds quickly fell into decay. The property, sold to the U.S. Small Business Administration in 2003, became a magnet for vandals and urban explorers. Fires in 2000, 2004, and 2006 destroyed much of what remained, including the “Big House” and the bumper car pavilion.

In 2007, demolition of the remaining midway officially began with a press conference marking the end of an era. By then, only the cracked pavement, scattered ride supports, and concrete foundations hinted at the amusement park that once brought generations of Rhode Islanders so much joy.

Rebirth as Rocky Point State Park

Despite decades of abandonment, the local community never lost its connection to Rocky Point. Residents and preservationists pushed to reopen the land to the public, arguing that the property should remain a shared coastal space rather than be redeveloped into private housing.

In 2011, part of the site reopened as Rocky Point State Park, with a one-mile walking path along the bay. By 2013, the State of Rhode Island purchased the remaining acreage and placed the park under the care of the Department of Environmental Management.

Today, visitors can stroll the scenic shoreline and discover subtle remnants of the amusement park — the upper and lower stations of the Skyliner gondola, the foundation of the old water tank, and a towering white arch originally built for the 1964 World’s Fair in New York before being moved to Warwick.

Visiting the Ruins Today

Rocky Point State Park is open to the public year-round and offers a tranquil setting for walking, photography, and quiet reflection. While most of the rides and buildings are long gone, the park’s spirit still lingers in the sea breeze and in the memories of those who spent summers there.

• 📍 Address: 1 Rocky Point Avenue, Warwick, Rhode Island
• 🌐 GPS Coordinates: 41.688472, -71.368056
• 🅿️ Parking: Large free lot available near the walking path
• 🕰 Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk
• 🚶‍♂️ Best For: Walking, exploring ruins, and scenic coastal views

Quick Facts

• 🎢 Opened: 1847
• 💥 Closed: 1995 (farewell season in 1996)
• 🦞 Famous For: Shore Dinner Hall and Rhode Island clam bakes
• 🎶 Concerts: Hosted Janis Joplin, The Yardbirds, Pearl Jam, and many more
• 🌊 Size: Over 120 acres on Narragansett Bay
• 🔥 Major Fires: 2000, 2004, 2006
• 🏗 Demolition Began: 2007
• 🌳 Reopened As: Rocky Point State Park (2011)
• 🏛 Managed By: Rhode Island DEM Parks & Recreation
• 📹 Featured In: You Must Be This Tall: The Story of Rocky Point Park (2007 documentary)

Final Thoughts

The abandoned ruins of Rocky Point Amusement Park are a poignant reminder of Rhode Island’s seaside past. Though the rides, laughter, and lights have faded, the park’s legacy remains etched into the coastline. Today, visitors can walk where the midway once buzzed with energy — a place where nostalgia and nature meet, preserving the spirit of summer for generations to come.