SAVORING THE VOYAGE

Hiking an abandoned amusement park – equal parts spooky and fascinating.

Charlestown State Park has been on my “to-do” list for a while. It’s draw was this unusual feature – a hike through the remnants of an abandoned amusement park. Before you start picturing scary clowns and rusty, decrepit rides, an amusement park back then was a little different from the modern form.

WHAT WAS ROSE ISLAND?

Rose Island was a popular amusement park in the early 20th century, located on a peninsula along the Ohio River in Charlestown, Indiana. Though now in ruins within Charlestown State Park, it once drew visitors – over 100,000 annually – from Louisville and surrounding areas for entertainment and leisure.

Before becoming an amusement park, the area was home to Fern Grove health resort in the late 19th century, capitalizing on the supposed benefits of mineral springs in the region. In the 1923, Louisville businessman David Rose purchased the land and developed it into an amusement park, naming it Rose Island.

At its peak, Rose Island featured a variety of attractions, including:

• A wooden roller coaster
• A dance and dining hall
• A zoo with animals such as bears, monkeys, and wolves. One such bear was named “Teddy” after Mr. Roosevelt, himself, who famously refused to shoot a chained black bear while on a hunting trip.
• A shooting gallery
• A swimming pool known as the “Rose Island Pool,” which used filtered water from the Ohio River
• A hotel and cottages for overnight stays
• Concessions, gardens, and walking paths

And for a whopping 25 cents, visitors traveled there by steamboat, particularly aboard the Idlewild (later renamed the Belle of Louisville). A suspension bridge also connected the park to the mainland, making access easier.

It was rumored David Rose was able to get a liquor license by convincing authorities that his property was an island, not part of Indiana.

DECLINE AND ABANDONMENT

The Ohio River flood of 1937 devastated Rose Island. The amusement park was completely submerged, and the damage was so severe that it never reopened. The financial hardship of The Great Depression adding to the burden and with no efforts made to restore it, the site was eventually abandoned.

In the 1950’s the U.S. Army acquired the land as part of the Indiana Army Ammunition Plant, which was established in Charlestown during World War II. Although the amusement park structures were long abandoned, the military controlled the land for decades, limiting public access.

The Indiana Army Ammunition Plant was eventually decommissioned, and in the early 2000’s the land was transferred to the state. It became part of Charlestown State Park, which allowed the public to once again access the site.

WHICH BRINGS US TO TODAY

Today, visitors to Charlestown State Park can hike the Trail 3 loop, which takes them across a historic footbridge and into what remains of Rose Island. They can see remnants like the swimming pool, stone foundations, bridge supports, and the zoo enclosures, now accompanied by plaques explaining the history. Markers indicate where structures once stood and include visual markers of just how high the flood waters reached in 1937. The closer I ventured to the Ohio River, the more shocking it became. It was simple to understand the devastation and — a powerful reminder of nature’s force.

This forgotten amusement park has become a unique mix of history and nature—a ghostly but intriguing piece of Indiana’s past.

HOW DO I GET THERE?

Trail 3 is a beautiful 2 mile trail. It becomes rugged in some areas, so be mindful of footwear. The path guides you to Fourteenmile Creek with scenic rock cliffs above, wildflowers in the Spring and plenty of forest. Eventually, the trail spits you out in front of a footbridge and paved path. Cross the bridge and be greeted with Rose Island’s entrance.

If you’d rather a more direct path, follow signs for Trail 3 and hang a right – staying on the pavement and towards Trail 7. This is also the ascent out of Rose Island (and completes Trail 3’s loop). Be mindful it’s a fairly strenuous, uphill walk out. The Park does offer ADA assistance, should you or anyone your are visiting with have the need.

WHAT ELSE DOES THIS PLACE HAVE TO OFFER?

If you’ve got the time, hit some of the other trails! All of which are fairly short and, overall, moderate.

Trail 1 (2.4 miles) is a descent into Fourteenmile Creek Valley. It meanders through dense floodplain forest and eventual views of the Creek itself.

Trail 2 (1.4 miles) begins and circles back to the Park’s picnic area, featuring falls, small ravines and rock-bottom streams.

Trail 4 (2.9 miles) follows tributaries of Fourteenmile Creek. About halfway through, hikers will be met with a view of the Creek from a bluff more than 100ft above the water. This trail is also noted for it’s wildflower displays.

Trail 5 (1.2 miles) – I stacked this one with my Trail 3 & Rose Island visit. Situated next to the Park’s campground, this trail is easily accessed. It descends into a wooden ravine, coming to a platform overlooking Fourteenmile Creek. I imagine this area gets quite lush in late Spring and Summer and wonder how little the view of the Creek might be during that time. In Autumn and Winter, however, it was in full view from the platform.

Trail 6 (2.3 miles) starting across the road from the Riverside Overlook, this trail runs along the top of the river bluff and offers glimpses of the Ohio River and Twelve mile island.

Visiting Charlestown State Park offers not only a glimpse into the past but also an opportunity to experience one of Indiana’s most scenic natural areas. The hike to Rose Island is a journey through history, where you can walk the same paths that once led visitors to laughter, music, and excitement. Though time has erased much of the amusement park’s former glory, the remnants tell a fascinating story of resilience, nostalgia, and nature’s ability to reclaim what was once man-made.

As you explore, remember to follow Leave No Trace principles—stay on marked trails, respect historical structures, and carry out anything you bring in. Preserving this piece of Indiana’s past ensures that future visitors can experience the same sense of wonder while enjoying the beauty of Charlestown State Park. Whether you’re a history buff, a hiker, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, this park offers a little something for everyone.

So lace up your hiking boots, bring your curiosity, and take a step back in time at one of Indiana’s hidden treasures.