At one point, present-day Ninigret Park in Charlestown, Rhode Island, was home to the Charlestown Naval Auxiliary Landing Fields. This facility was constructed during World War II to accommodate overflow air traffic from the Quonset Point Complex in North Kingstown and was completed in 1943.
By the end of the war, though, there was a significant reduction in military air traffic and less need for specialized flight training. The runways were used a bit during the Korean War, but the facility was no longer needed by the 1970s, finally closing in 1974.
The closure of the airfield left additional land for the expansion of Ninigret Park, which had been established in 1970. Today, the park is over 850 acres in size and features wooded swamps, wetlands, grasslands, freshwater ponds, and Rhode Island’s largest saltwater pond, ensuring visitors are never short on activities.
Here’s a look at some of the things you can do while visiting Ninigret Park from your South County vacation rental.
The Wildlife Refuge
Many trips to Ninigret Park involve exploring the Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge is 409 acres in size and features four trails that combine for over four miles of hiking. It also offers some paved paths running beside the main roads that are perfect for biking or rollerblading.
The refuge has some of Rhode Island’s best bird-watching opportunities, too, as it’s home to more than 250 species. If you visit in the spring or summer, there’s even a chance you’ll see the ultra-rare piping plover, which is a federally threatened shorebird.
Beyond bird-watching and hiking, the Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge permits fishing at its southwest corner. Be prepared, though, because you’ll have to hike the Foster Cove Nature Trail and continue on the fishing access trail before putting your line in the water.
If you’re looking to spend some time in the outdoors while vacationing in the Charlestown area, the Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge is an outstanding option.
Sports Fields and Courts
Exploring the park’s wilderness is excellent, but it isn’t the only way to get outdoors with your family. That’s because this facility also has a more traditional park, complete with all the activities you could ever want on your vacation.
First, there are the sports facilities, as you’ll find soccer, baseball, and football fields at the park. These spaces are free to use as long as a local group hasn’t rented them, and there are random open spaces where your kids can play, too.
The tennis courts are another hit with visitors because they make it easy to play a few sets in a scenic setting, and they’re available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are eight courts at the park in total.
Another popular venue is the disc golf course, a full 18-hole facility that’s free for public use. You’ll have to bring your own discs to participate, though.
Other on-site facilities include a full playground, a basketball court, and a dog park. There are picnic tables scattered throughout the park, as well, and washrooms are readily available.
Overall, Ninigret Park is an excellent place to spend a few hours of your day, and since it’s such a large venue, it’s usually possible to find a secluded corner for a picnic or some relaxation.
Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center
Depending on when you visit Ninigret Park, some after-hours events could be in the works at the Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center. This facility features high-powered telescopes, including a brand new 24-inch PlaneWave CDK600, that visitors can try while inside the center.
There are regular stargazing nights throughout the year, in addition to special functions when a meteor shower or other rare event in space occurs. These exhibitions include Frosty Drew team members walking you through what you’re seeing, making them an interesting and informative time for all ages.
The Frosty Drew Observatory is free to visit, although donations are encouraged. Remember that you might need to request an access pass in the summer because the facility regularly fills to capacity. These passes are free but are often necessary to gain admittance on busy evenings.
Checking Out Ninigret Park
As you can see, Ninigret Park is a popular venue all day long, as you can get there first thing in the morning for some fishing, hiking, or bird-watching and not leave until you’ve seen some stars and planets through the telescope at night.
Ninigret Park offers so many activities that you might want to head there on a warm summer’s day and figure out how you wish to spend your time after your arrival.
This park is easy to reach, as it sits just off Route 1 in Charlestown and is a beautiful place to take a day or two on your South County vacation.