Most People Don’t Know This Resort Island Existed In Indiana Once Upon A Time

Indiana isn’t generally the first place that comes to mind when you think of the word “island.” As a mostly inland state (with the exception of Lake Michigan and the Ohio River, of course), there aren’t many opportunities for island adventures in the Hoosier state. Yet, once upon a time, a resort island actually existed in our humble state.

Jonathan Parish/Flickr

Off the coast of the Ohio River, in what is now known as Charlestown State Park, lies an almost forgotten island that used to be a popular resort for many Hoosiers, decades ago.

arsheffield/Flickr

You may have heard of Rose Island, the popular amusement nestled on this Ohio River island, but few people know that this former "amusement park" was actually an amazing resort.

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In the 1920s, over 135,000 people visited Rose Island each year. Located on a natural slice of paradise, this island resort had everything you could want in a vacation: a zoo, roller coaster, dance hall, restaurant, pool, hotel, and cottages. Above, you can still see three pillars from the resort's original entryway.

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The pool, now memorialized and well marked on this unique island, was the state's first Olympic-sized swimming pool and was a really big deal in the early 1900s. Just think of how fun it must have been to retreat to an island paradise where you could hang by the pool all day, right here in Indiana!

Jonathan Parrish/Flickr

Rose Island used to be accessible by a footbridge or by steamboat, adding to the resort's whimsical charm. Now, you can access the remnants of this natural Eden by crossing over the bridge in Charlestown State Park.

Jonathan Parrish/Flickr

Rose Island closed its doors in the late 1930s, unable to recover from the massive damage caused by the 1937 Flood. This flood is responsible for wiping out the majority of the buildings and structures, though you'll still find pieces of foundation scattered throughout this abandoned resort park. Today, you'll find the remnants of the park at 12500 Highway 62, Charlestown, IN 47111.

For more information on this unique former resort in Indiana, check out this awesome video by Louisville Urban Explorer.

Did you know this incredible resort island was once one of Indiana’s hottest attractions? Have you ever visited the resort’s remains inside of Charlestown State Park?

For more incredible abandoned structures in the Hoosier state, check out this epic road trip through some of the most stunning deserted places in Indiana.