8 Weird Landmarks in Rhode Island You Should Visit

Thedailymiaminews– Rhode Island, which is known as the “Ocean State,” has more than 400 public access locations and 400 miles of coastline, making it easy to understand why the state is often recognized for its beaches. However, this New England gem, which is the 13th oldest state in the United States, has had plenty of time to develop a distinctive collection of unusual landmarks. These unusual yet amazing sights may not always receive the recognition they deserve, but they are certainly worth checking out. These unusual sights, which include haunted houses, historic mansions, and intriguing ruins that are surrounded by mystery, are a memorable part of any trip to Rhode Island.

Topiary Garden of Green Animals

If you are in Portsmouth between May and October, you may visit the Green Animals Topiary Garden, where you can explore a whimsical world. This seven-acre wonder is the oldest topiary garden in the United States and has a view of Narragansett Bay. It has more than 80 creatures and geometric shapes, along with thousands of colorful flowers, which makes for an amazing experience for the senses. Joseph Carreiro, a well regarded gardener from Portugal, created the topiaries in 1905. The effort that has been made to maintain his work is clear to see. Wandering around this magical plant zoo is like going on a journey in Wonderland, with towering giraffes, a secret unicorn, and even a bear that you can cuddle.

Holy Maze

The Sacred Labyrinth is located on Block Island, which is situated just south of the mainland of Rhode Island. You may find this interesting circular walking path on Corn Neck Road. When you see the strange arrow sign that says “Labyrinth,” you will know that you have reached your destination. Visitors are encouraged to slow down and think on the small, stone-lined trail, which makes it an ideal place to meditate and reconnect with nature. When you arrive at the center, you will be given a space to sit and enjoy the views of Sachem Pond, the historic North Lighthouse, and the Atlantic Ocean beyond. Be careful to check out the wooden box that is located under the crabapple tree close before you depart. You will find notes from others who visited the Labyrinth before you.

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Newport Tower

The Newport Tower has been classed as the ruins of a windmill by the Museum of Newport History and many other historians, although there are some who are not convinced. This edifice, which was built in the 17th century, is one of the oldest in Rhode Island. Many local stories and speculations have been inspired by the mystery surrounding its beginnings. During the 1800s, some people believed that the Vikings were responsible for its development, while others believed that it was created by American colonists. The Tower was one of the most popular sights in Rhode Island during the Victorian era, and the mystery surrounding it was one of the reasons Touro Park, its home base, was established in 1854. Even though the real identification of this stone monument is still unknown, the mystery surrounding it has made it famous.

Marble House

After visiting the Newport Tower, you may reach the stunning Marble House in less than ten minutes by car. Richard Morris Hunt, the architect who designed this Gilded Age palace, drew inspiration from the Petit Trianon at Versailles. The mansion was built between 1888 and 1892. When it was completed, the house was said to have needed an amazing 500,000 cubic feet of marble. William Vanderbilt gave the opulent structure to his then-wife, Alva. She called it her “temple to the arts.” The former vacation home and land will reopen for its tourist season on February 1, 2025, allowing visitors to see the incredible wealth and grandeur of the Gilded Age.

Fleur-de-Lys Studios

You can find a historic monument in Providence that is equally as eye-catching and has a fascinating history. Since its completion in 1885, Fleur-de-Lys Studios has been a show-stopping edifice. At the height of the American Arts & Crafts Movement, artist Sydney Richmond Burleigh and Edmund R. Willson worked together to build this unusual art studio. The building is known for its half-timber framing and Art Nouveau-style figures, which are similar to those found in the 16th century. The building was given to the Providence Art Club in 1939, and it continues to serve as a studio space for artists to this day.

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Garden in the Japanese Style

A part of Roger Williams Park, located just fifteen minutes away from Fleur-de-Lys Studios, provides a peaceful getaway that feels like traveling to another country. The Japanese Garden, which covers two acres, is frequently referred to as a “peaceful oasis in the heart of Providence.” It is one of the few projects from the Works Progress Administration that has maintained a significant amount of its original appeal. The garden was first established during the Great Depression. In the 1960s, landscape architect Ralph Hartman made some small changes to it. Hartman had experience in Japan, and this impacted the addition of additional Japanese plants and a beach area inspired by nature. People who are ignorant of this unusual attraction are pleasantly delighted to find it today, and the longer you remain, the more you will learn about it. This Japanese-themed sanctuary is definitely worth a visit, with its koi fish, sculptures, and bridge that are all influenced by Japanese culture.

The House of Conjuring

Burrillville is home to the Conjuring House, which is a must-see for fans of horror movies and the paranormal. If you have watched the 2013 movie The Conjuring, you are aware of the famous hauntings that allegedly occurred here in the 1970s. The previous home of the Perron family has been a tourist attraction since 2019, and thousands of people who are interested in the paranormal have visited it, saying that it is one of the most haunted places in the United States. The attraction is not booking new visits as of January 2025 because its business license was just denied. However, Jacqueline Nuñez, the owner, has revealed plans to reopen, and the eerie site can still be enjoyed from the outside..

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Museum of Gilbert Stuart

Last but not least, we have the Gilbert Stuart Museum, which is “One of Rhode Island’s Best Kept Treasures.” This one-of-a-kind residence, built in 1750, serves as a museum to showcase the works of the renowned portrait artist Gilbert Stuart. It also provides a glimpse into what life was like during the artist’s childhood. Visitors can also locate a real snuff mill from the 1700s on the premises. A snuff mill is a machine that grinds tobacco. This particular mill replaced the one that the Stuart clan used for eleven years. Visitors can tour the house and view its antiques, as well as the work of Stuart and his daughter Jane, from June until early October. This unusual museum is a cherished landmark in Rhode Island for people who appreciate the more modest aspects of history, even if it may not appear as spectacular as other art galleries.

What Makes These Unusual Attractions in Rhode Island Worth Visiting?

These sites will allow you to see a different side of the 13th state, whether you are arranging a trip around these landmarks or visiting them as a follow-up to another adventure in Rhode Island. The beaches of the Ocean State are unforgettable in their own way, but these unique sites also have interesting stories that can help you make vacation memories that will last a long time. These eight unusual landmarks, which include the whimsical charms of Green Animals Topiary Garden and the jaw-dropping artistry of Fleur-de-Lys Studios, are the perfect addition to your vacation in Rhode Island.

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