The Remnants of this Abandoned Theme Park in Indiana are Hauntingly Beautiful
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Courtney Johnston
Author
Have you ever heard of the abandoned Rose Island in Charlestown? Considering this popular Hoosier theme park closed in 1937, it’s not surprising that many residents of Indiana have never heard of this park, nor been to see the splendor of its ruins.
Rose Island was a thriving amusement park built on a peninsula in Charlestown, called The Devil’s Backbone. It was purchased by David Rose in the early 1920s and turned into an amusement park, hotel, and large public swimming pool.
The rides in the amusement park included a Ferris wheel, wooden roller coaster, and a racing derby. Animals included wolves, monkeys, and a black bear dubbed Teddy Roosevelt. To reach the park, visitors had to travel by steamboat or footbridge, adding to the quaintness of this experience. The bridge, above, has since been rebuilt.
While the park thrived for years, the 1937 flood demolished the park, and the damage was too severe to consider rebuilding. While this tragedy shut the doors on Rose Island, the remnants are amazingly beautiful, and worth checking out if you ever visit the nearby Charleston State Park.
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The three pillars that formed the entryway to the park still remain, though nature has reclaimed the world around them.
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The location of the former bridge leading to Rose Island is stunning.
The Rose Island fountain is beautifully adorned with ferns and plants and can still be found amongst the ruins.
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The remains of the old swimming pool are perhaps the most compelling images with leaves and plants weaving over this lovely sight.
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Visitors can explore the grounds for themselves to uncover the wonder of these ruins.
Would you like to visit these gorgeous ruins?
If you’ve ever had the chance to visit Rose Island, please be sure to share the photos of your journey on our Facebook page!
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