Have you ever stopped to consider what our state parks were before they were deemed “state parks?” Before state governments began funding, operating and protecting these parks, the lands were prairies, wetlands, seashores, battlefields, etc. Learning the history of our protected lands proves to be very interesting, especially when it came to discovering what one of Indiana’s newest state parks once was. In the 1920s, nearly a century ago, Charleston State Park was a booming, popular amusement park. Named Rose Island, this theme park not only offered thrilling rides, but a dining hall, a swimming pool, and a mini zoo. However, in 1937, a massive flood destroyed the theme park, covering the entire area with ten feet of water. Aside from an amusement park, it was also a recreational area used for church camps in the 1800s and served as part of the Indiana Army Ammunition Plant. In 1996, the land was given to Charlestown State Park, which became Indiana’s newest state park.
Fast forward to 2019, and here we are, blessed with the opportunity to traipse through an abandoned amusement park!
Trail 3 lead us down a steep incline and across a bridge, where Rose Island’s entrance lie. From there, we were able to explore the grounds that once housed thrilling roller coasters and fun entertainment. It was neat to be able to wander through the area, visually observe the flood water lines, glimpse old remnants, and enrich ourselves with our states’ fascinating history. Steel, gated architecture stood stately, guiding us along a leaf-cluttered path. The navy waters of the Ohio River shimmered in the sunshine on the right, traced by gold, amber and crimson trees, and steel train tracks ran along the left.
Aside from the amusement park grounds, the state park also offered many other trails that wound through thick forests, rocky cliffs, and deep canyons. A prized natural waterfall even greeted us in the middle of one of the trails!
Autumn was beginning to make an appearance, brightening the quiet landscape with varying hues of yellow, red and orange. A hush whispered across the park as we hiked the trails. Rocky cliffs gave way to open, tree-lined grass, which eventually descended into the waterfall canyon. Shaded by vibrant gold trees, we crossed a wooden bridge and stepped off path, down the rocky decline to the trickling waterfalls below. A soft hum echoed the canyon, music to our ears. We traipsed precariously up and back down a steep, hilly decline to glimpse the falls from a different angle.
My wife was the one that discovered this gem, and I can’t help but wonder what other gems we’ve overlooked and what secrets are waiting for us to discover. This discovery illuminated a lightbulb in my head: we haven’t seen all of what our state has to offer, let alone the country. There is SO much to explore in this world, and I can’t wait to continue to discover more of what nature has to boast, one trail at a time.
Happy hiking!
Wonder. Wander. Repeat. 