This Historic 300-Year-Old Quarry Is Now A Water Park And It's Awesome
By Natalie Clunan
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Published July 30, 2018
With the end of summer looming ahead, it’s time to pack some serious fun into the month of August. It’s going to be hot in Connecticut and you’re going to want to stay cool. A visit to this epic quarry water park will keep you refreshed and entertained all day long. What was once a thriving rock quarry is now the most incredible natural waterpark and you’re going to want to check it out.
The Portland Brownstone Quarries were first put into use in 1690 by James Stanclift. He traded stonework for a deed of land with the town of Middletown. Brainerd Quarry Company began commercial quarrying in 1783. During the high point of the brownstone era, the quarry had more than 1500 workers extracting stone.
The operation was brought to an abrupt halt when a flood in 1936 and a hurricane in 1938 flooded the quarries which were never able to be permanently drained. But even though the stone business was laid to rest, eventually something spectacular came out of the natural disasters.
The historic stone quarry has been revitalized into an incredible natural water park. Filled with zip lines and huge inflatables, Brownstone Exploration and Discovery Park is an adventure-filled summer escape.
Climb, slip, and jump to conquer the giant-sized inflatables at the park. This huge water playground is like nothing you've ever seen before!
Take a leap of faith from a tall wooden platform and land on the Giant Blob to send a friend flying into the water.
Soar high above the water on any of 14 zip lines that criss cross the park.
Each zip line has a splash ending where you land safely in the water at the end of a hair-raising ride.
Take a plunge from a water slide or experience the thrill of a rope swing. This quarry park also has cliff jumping, but it's not for the faint of heart.
You can also try wakeboarding or flyboarding at the quarry. Those looking for something a little tamer can rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard to explore the water further. If you have a scuba certification, you can dive here too.
From taking a low-key swim to riding the zip lines, this water park has something to appeal to all ages and adventure levels.
And if you just want to hang out and watch the action, enjoy the floating docks, sandy beaches, and shaded grassy areas.
Are you ready to splash your way to an epic summer day?
Visit Brownstone Exploration and Discovery Park from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m daily from June 16th - September 10th. An Adventure Sports Daily Pass costs $36. Kayak rental, paddle board rental, wakeboarding, and flyboarding have additional charges .
All swimmers at this quarry water park must wear a life jacket. Bring your own or use the park supplied life jackets for no additional charge. Learn more about Brownstone Exploration and Discovery Park by visiting their
website . Check out the photos of all the fantastic attractions in the park on their
Facebook page .
Have you visited this amazing quarry water park yet? There are also a few other water wonderlands in Connecticut you’ll want to visit before summer’s end.
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