The site was once home to a coastal artillery fort constructed in the late 1890s to protect the entrance to Narragansett Bay.
It replaced the earlier Fort Dumpling, which was demolished to accommodate the new construction.
The park's coves are considered some of the best shore-diving locations in New England due to the depth of the water near the rocks.
During World War II, the fort was heavily manned with guns intended to repel potential surface naval threats.
The park grounds have been used as a filming location for several major motion pictures, including 'Moonrise Kingdom'.
Its location on the east side of Jamestown provides a direct line of sight to the Newport Bridge and Brenton Point State Park.
Fort Wetherill State Park is a 61-acre former coastal defense fort located on the southern tip of Conanicut Island in Jamestown, Rhode Island. The site features extensive granite fortifications and abandoned artillery batteries overlooking the East Passage of Narragansett Bay. It serves as a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkeling due to its deep, rocky coves and clear underwater visibility. The park provides paved walking paths atop high coastal cliffs that offer unobstructed vistas of Newport Harbor. The property was historically used as a military fortification from the late 19th century through World War II. It is currently managed by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. Visitors can explore the graffiti-covered remains of the historic bunker complexes. The park is characterized by its rugged shoreline, which attracts boaters and anglers. It offers picnic areas with benches positioned to face the ocean.
The elevated overlook area on the cliff edge facing the East Passage and the Newport Bridge.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes if you intend to explore the interior of the concrete bunker ruins.
Bring a flashlight if you plan to walk through the darker segments of the abandoned military tunnels.
Use caution near the unfenced cliff edges, as the terrain is uneven and steep.
Attempting to climb or scale the highest outer walls of the fort, which can be unstable and dangerous.
Maintain caution near cliff edges; do not vandalize or leave graffiti on historic structures; pack out all trash.
