Posted in Indiana
September 17, 2016
This Hidden Destination In Indiana Is A Secret Only Locals Know About
Indiana has many popular tourist attractions, from our amazing zoos to our incredible parks and museums. However, as most people know, some of the best places to explore are hidden destinations. If you’re looking for a great place you never knew existed in Indiana, this hidden destination is one you won’t want to miss…
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Rose Island was a popular theme park in the early 1900s located on a peninsula near Charlestown. The park was eventually destroyed in the flood of 1937 and closed to the public. This once lively park has slowly decayed over time, but what you'll find there now is simply breathtaking.
In its prime, Rose Island contained a wooden roller coaster, a racing derby, a ferris wheel, an ice rink and dance hall, as well as unique animals like wolves, monkeys, and a black bear.
You can visit Rose Island via a bridge which was set up in Charlestown State Park a few years ago. Before that it was pretty impossible to cross over onto this peninsula.
The handful of structures you'll still find more or less intact on Rose Island have been mostly reclaimed by nature. Just look at the ruins of this once grand fountain that nature has slowly begun to cover.
The magnificent Olympic-size swimming pool that once entertained the public is now overrun by leaves and debris. The sight is hauntingly beautiful up close.
Locals have known for years how much beauty Rose Island contained, but most people in Indiana have no idea this island exists, or that it's accessible to the general public.
The next time you're near Charlestown, take a detour over the Portersville Bridge and venture into the incredible ruins at Rose Island.
You'll be blown away by the swift takeover of nature, and how gorgeous this abandoned amusement park still is.
Wow, have you ever been to this fairly hidden destination in Indiana? For more secret locations in Indiana, check out this post.
