Take a walk in the past to Rose Island, part of Charlestown State Park. This once-thriving attraction is now only a memory. You can walk through the eerie, still-standing gates that thousands walked through in the 1920s to enjoy lazy summer days at this popular amusement park.

The site is not actually an island, but rather located on a beautiful peninsula in the Ohio River Valley.

History of Rose Island

Initially, Victorian tourists enjoyed visiting this area of natural beauty. Being close to many Ohio River towns, it was an ideal spot for a ferry stop. Visitors would disembark and spend the day relaxing and picnicking.

Then, in the 1920s, Rose Island was transformed into an amusement park that featured a small zoo, fair-type rides, a swimming pool, a shooting gallery, and much more.

Tourists from Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio flocked to the park for summertime fun. Located on a peninsula, visitors could only arrive by steamer, bridge, or ferry.

After the Great Depression, attendance at Rose Island slowed. A flood destroyed the park beyond repair in 1937.

During the Second World War, the Indiana Ammunition Plant owned the land. In 1995, the property was donated to the state as part of Charlestown State Park.

Rose Island Today

Today the park is a place for visitors to reflect on the past of almost a century ago. Not much remains but a lovely walk and a few reminders of a different era.

Trails

There are over 15 miles of trails at Charlestown State Park, ranging from rugged to easy. Most areas are not accessible, but a motorized wheelchair is available for use around the park and in select trail areas.

Rose Island Loop

This paved path climbs steeply for 0.6 miles. Although walking down is not too extreme, coming up on your return trek can be difficult. Those needing ADA assistance can call the park office to arrange transportation.

To access, take Trail Three southbound to the Portersville Bridge, then cross over to peninsula.

Enjoy walking through an unearthly scene, exploring park remnants that include stone foundations and concrete structures.

For more information, visit the Charlestown State Park Website.

Until next time, get out and enjoy some dirt under your boots!

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