Situated at the mouth of the Newport Harbor, Fort Adams State Park offers an exceptional panoramic view of both Newport Harbor and the East Passage of Narragansett Bay. Before being deeded to the State of Rhode Island in 1965, Fort Adams had served the U.S. Navy for ten years and the U.S. Army for more than a century. Today the park offers a wide range of activities, including tours of the historic fort, saltwater bathing, fishing, boating, soccer, rugby, and picnicking.
Fort Adams Trust: Historic Fort Adams is operated by the Fort Adams Trust, a non-profit with a mission to protect and promote historic places and public spaces at the gateway to Narragansett Bay and Newport. The Fort often hosts guided tours and special historical events like reenactments of battles and the daily lives of soldiers in a historical setting. The original defenses still standing include walls, powder magazines, guns and cannons, and tunnels. The fort also welcomes people to seasonal events, like its Halloween season Fright and the Fort Fun House. For hours and information, visit www.fortadams.org.
Sail Newport, a non-profit organization based at Fort Adams, offers instruction and rentals of sailboats and windsurfing equipment. Sail Newport also hosts sailing events and races with the park as its home base. For hours and information, visit www.sailnewport.org.
Schools, municipalities, companies, organizations, and large groups planning trips to RI State Beaches must apply for a Special Use Permit. PLAN AHEAD: Special Use Permit applications must be received online at least 30 days in advance of your intended use of the property.