Brenton Point State Park Might Just Be The Most Haunted Park In Rhode Island
By Melissa Mahoney|Updated on May 23, 2023(Originally published May 18, 2023)
×
Melissa Mahoney
Author
I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I grew up in New England before moving to SoCal for several years. I then lived in NYC or a year before moving to AZ in 2009. I worked in the entertainment industry for many years of my adult life and have a deep love for photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream!
With Rhode Island’s long history, it’s no wonder the state has so many haunted locales. From the house that inspired the movie “The Conjuring” to haunted hotels, mansions, a carousel, mills, churches, and restaurants, there are plenty of places here that can send shivers down your spine. If you’ve been to Newport, perhaps you’ve stopped by Brenton Point, a seaside park located on Ocean View Drive. While this is one of the most beautiful spots on Aquidneck Island, don’t let its pretty facade fool you. We can confidently say that this is, hands down, the most haunted park in Newport, Rhode Island.
The 89-acre Brenton Point State Park is located at the point where Narragansett Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. With sweeping vistas and a beautiful green lawn, it's a popular place for families to come and enjoy a nice day.
Embark on a leisurely hike, or just sit back, have a picnic, and drink in the views of the Atlantic. This Rhode Island state park is a prime spot for snapping photos, too, so don't forget your camera.
One activity people enjoy most is flying kites due to the almost constant wind off of the water. While this is a picturesque spot for enjoying views, good weather, and flying kites, this property sits on what was once a grand estate, now in ruins. It is also said to be haunted.
Are you brave enough to visit what's been called the most haunted park in Newport, Rhode Island?
Advertisement
In 1876, a notable attorney and famous Egyptologist by the name of Theodore M. Davis built his dream home on the breathtaking spot where Brenton Point State Park now stands. With his grand mansion, known as The Reef and later, The Bells, he also built a stately carriage and stable house, a laundry house with servants' quarters, gorgeous gardens, and a windmill.
Davis was a collector of artifacts from around the world, many of which he acquired from Egypt and other parts of the Middle East. He used them to decorate his home, but many believed they were cursed. One year, there was a storm and the windmill burned to the ground. Soon after this incident, lightning struck and destroyed the stables. Was this coincidence or were some of the artifacts in the Davis home cursed?
Advertisement
Sometime after Davis died, the estate was purchased by the Budlong family who also experienced some troubles and eventually left it to abandon. A fire destroyed the mansion in 1960 and in 1969, the state took over the property and turned it into a public park.
If you visit the park, take a walk to find the ruins of the once-prominent estate. The stables and carriage house ruins are surrounded by a fence to deter trespassers, and you will also see the former laundry house and servants' quarters which is now the park office.
Will you experience the paranormal when you visit this haunted Rhode Island state park?
Disembodied voices have been heard around the stable and windmill sites when there is no one else around. Visitors have also felt strange, negative energy around the gardens and trees, and park rangers won't dare come close to the ruins during certain times of the day.
Is it possible that the spirits of the past owners still wander the property? Or have the curses from Davis' ancient artifacts been to blame? We may never know.
We may never know what spirits linger within, but if you're a believer in the paranormal, you don't want to pass by a visit to this haunted Rhode Island park.
Have you explored Brenton Point State Park, the most haunted park in Newport, Rhode Island? If so, did you hear any voices or horses? Please tell us in the comment section.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
More to Explore
Haunted Places In Rhode Island
Beth Price-Williams|May 22, 2023
What are some other haunted places in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island is teeming with the paranormal. If we’re brave, we might even be able to experience it for ourselves. Here are some more haunted places in Rhode Island:
Tower Hill Road in Cumberland is said to be haunted by several little ones. You might see the apparition of a little girl dart in the road or a boy riding a bike. If you get closer, they vanish.
The Providence Athenaeum is said to be haunted by Edgar Allan Poe and poet Sarah Whitman. If you want the chance to run into Poe, visit the top floor.
Belcourt Castle in Newport is among the most haunted places in Rhode Island. Join a tour to see if you experience anything otherworldly.
Schoolhouse Road in Warren, according to legend, was the site of the brutal murders of settlers many years ago. Their ghosts are said to still roam the area.
