The Remote Walk To The Bells In Rhode Island Winds Through A Secluded Seaside Park

Rhode Island has 15 beautiful state parks, and each one has its own special character and appeal. But the Ocean State only has one state park that leads to a spooky but fascinating abandoned mansion. Take a seaside stroll and you'll end up at some of Rhody's most interesting ruins.

Brenton Point State Park is located in Newport.

Newport is one of Rhody's largest cities, and during the summertime, this park stays perpetually packed. However, in the off season, it stays nice and quiet.

To reach the ruins, you'll take a calming seaside stroll through the park, taking in the beautiful views of the ocean.

This is definitely more of a nature walk than a hike, but you'll love every minute of it.

It doesn't take long for the walk to go from bright and sunny to just a little spooky.

That's because you'll be approaching The Bells, the decaying remains of one of Newport's once most prominent mansions.

The Bells is a once sprawling mansion that was originally known as The Reefs.

Constructed in 1876, it served as the dream home of lawyer Theodore M. Davis.

During his time here, Davis filled the rooms with the artifacts and treasures he had collected on his travels around the world, including some rare Egypitan artifacts.

When Davis died, the mansion was sold to the Budong family, who held the mansion until it was seized during World War II so that a defense battery could be built on the property.

Here's where things get a little odd.

After World War II, the government returned the mansion to the Budongs. But the couple divorced, abandoning the mansion and leaving it to rot. No one knows why, and no one knows what became of some of the artifacts.

Most of the mansion was consumed by fire, and not much of the structure remains today.

Parts of the carriage house and the stable are all that remain, and nature is slowly reclaiming them.

Have you ever checked out The Bells at Brenton Point State Park?