8 Strangest Landmarks In Rhode Island

With 400 miles of coastline and over 400 public access points, it is easy to see why Rhode Island (the “Ocean State”) is typically celebrated for its beaches. Yet, as the 13th oldest state in the United States, this v darling has also had ample time to cultivate a unique array of eccentric landmarks. While these strange but wonderful attractions may not always get the attention they deserve, they are definitely worth exploring. From haunted houses and historic mansions to fascinating ruins shrouded in mystery, these strange landmarks are a memorable addition to any Rhode Island getaway.

Green Animals Topiary Garden

If you find yourself in Portsmouth between May to October you can experience a world of whimsy at the Green Animals Topiary Garden. This 7-acre marvel overlooks Narragansett Bay and is the oldest topiary garden in the United States. It boasts over 80 animals and geometric figures as well as thousands of vibrant florals, creating a marvelous sensory experience. The topiaries were designed by esteemed Portuguese gardener Joseph Carreiro back in 1905, and the care taken to preserve his work is evident. From towering giraffes to a hidden unicorn and even a bear you can hug, wandering through this enchanting plant zoo feels like Alice’s adventure through Wonderland.

Sacred Labyrinth

Just south of mainland Rhode Island, Block Island is home to the Sacred Labyrinth. This intriguing circular walking path can be accessed on Corn Neck Road, and you will know you have arrived when you see the mysterious arrow sign that reads “Labyrinth.” The narrow, stone-lined trail encourages visitors to slow down and reflect, making it a perfect opportunity to meditate and reconnect with nature. Once you reach the center, you are rewarded with a place to sit and appreciate views of Sachem Pond, the historic North Lighthouse, and the Atlantic beyond. Before you leave, make sure to take a peek at the wooden box beneath the nearby crabapple tree to find notes from previous Labyrinth visitors.

Newport Tower

While the Museum of Newport History and many other historians have classified the Newport Tower as the remains of a windmill, others are not so sure. This 17th-century structure is one of the oldest in Rhode Island and the mysteries of its origins have sparked countless local legends and theories. In the 1800s, many gave credit to Vikings for its creation, while others attributed it to American colonists. This shroud of intrigue made the Tower one of Rhode Island’s top attractions in the Victorian era, partially inspiring the founding of its home base, Touro Park, in 1854. While there is still no definitive answer for the true identity of this stone structure, the mystery surrounding it has immortalized it all the same.

Marble House

As a follow-up to the Newport Tower, an under-ten-minute drive will bring you to the majestic Marble House. This Gilded Age mansion was constructed between 1888 and 1892 under architect Richard Morris Hunt, who took inspiration from the Petit Trianon at Versailles. By the time it was finished, the home reportedly required an astonishing 500,000 cubic feet of marble. It was a gift from William Vanderbilt to his then-wife Alva, who described the extravagant building as her “temple to the arts.” On February 1st, 2025, the former summer home and property will reopen for its touring season, granting visitors a look at the astonishing opulence and grandiosity of the Gilded Age.

Fleur-de-Lys Studios

In Providence, you can find an equally eye-catching historic landmark with a fascinating past. Since its construction in 1885, Fleur-de-Lys Studios has been a show-stopping structure. This eccentric art studio was designed by artist Sydney Richmond Burleigh in collaboration with Edmund R. Willson at the height of the American Arts and Crafts Movement. The building is noted for its Art Nouveau-style figures and half-timber framing reminiscent of the 16th century. To this day, it remains a studio space for artists, presently owned by the Providence Art Club which was gifted the building in 1939.

Japanese Garden

Just fifteen minutes from Fleur-de-Lys Studios, a section of Roger Williams Park offers a serene escape that feels like stepping overseas. The 2-acre Japanese Garden is often described as a “peaceful oasis in the heart of Providence” and stands out as one of the few projects from the Works Progress Administration that retains much of its original charm. Originally created during the Great Depression, the garden underwent minor revisions in the 1960s by landscape architect Ralph Hartman, whose experience in Japan influenced the introduction of more Japanese flora and a nature-inspired beach area. Today, those who are unaware of this offbeat attraction are pleasantly surprised to discover it, and the longer you stay, the more you can discover. From its koi fish to its sculptures and Japanese-inspired bridge, this Japanese-inspired oasis is well worth a detour.

The Conjuring House

For horror movie lovers and paranormal enthusiasts, Burrillville is home to the must-see Conjuring House. If you have seen the 2013 The Conjuring film, you are familiar with the iconic hauntings that supposedly took place here in the 1970s. Since opening as a tourist attraction in 2019, thousands of paranormal devotees have visited the former Perron family home, claiming it to be one of the most haunted places in the United States. As of January 2025, the attraction is not booking new tours due to a recently rejected business license. However, owner Jacqueline Nuñez has announced efforts to reopen, and the haunted site can still be enjoyed from the outside.

Gilbert Stuart Museum

Finally, we have the Gilbert Stuart Museum, "One of Rhode Island's Best Kept Treasures." This unique 1750 home is not only a museum to display works by famous portraitist Gilbert Stuart but also depicts what life would have been like during the artist’s upbringing. On the grounds, visitors can also find an authentic 1700s snuff mill (a mill used to grind tobacco) which replaced the actual device operated by the Stuart clan for eleven years. From June through early October, visitors can explore the home, its antiques, and work by Stuart and his daughter Jane. While seemingly less glamorous than other art galleries, this quirky museum is a beloved Rhode Island landmark for those who appreciate humbler parts of the past.

Why Visit These Eccentric Rhode Island Attractions?

Whether planning a trip around these landmarks or visiting as a follow-up to another Rhode Island adventure, these attractions will help you experience a different side of the 13th state. While the Ocean State’s beaches are memorable in their own way, these one-of-a-kind landmarks come with fascinating stories to help you create vacation memories you will not forget any time soon. From the whimsical charms of Green Animals Topiary Garden to the jaw-dropping artistry of Fleur-de-Lys Studios, these eight strange landmarks are the perfect addition to your time in Rhode Island.