The Skyliner at Rocky Point - Warwick, Rhode Island
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Long-retired, The Skyliner aerial lift at the former Rocky Point amusement park in Warwick, Rhode Island, has two terminals and four towers. Open to the public again, as a state park since 2014, visitors can explore the remaining structures.
Waymark Code: WM17GC4
Location: Rhode Island, United States
Date Posted: 02/17/2023
Views: 0
Long-retired, The Skyliner aerial lift at the former
Rocky Point amusement park (operational from the 1840s to 1995) in Warwick, Rhode Island, has two terminals and four towers. Manufactured by the former Goforth Brothers Chairlift Co. of Shelby, North Carolina, it was installed around 1966. A southeast-to-northwest cable car ride took people on a round trip loop of about 1100 feet in total. Most of the course is about 50 feet above the southern part of the park until its sharp rise to the top of a hill at the northwestern end. The chairs are gone but the mechanical structures still stand. Opened to the public again, as a
state park since 2014, visitors can explore the remaining but defunct elements. A marker placed at the lower base reads:
The Skyliner
The Skyliner was considered a relaxing alternative to the park's more hair-raising rides. Similar to a ski lift, it carried passengers from one side of the park to the other, providing a bird's-eve view of the amusement park. After reaching a secluded wooded area atop dangerously steep cliffs, the ride would turn around, offering a gorgeous view of Narragansett Bay during the return.
FUN FACT: Urban legends say that kids would jump off at the top and explore the nearby cave, an attraction from the early days of the park.
A large color photograph fills the left half of the plaque. It shows a sunny daytime view of the midway from the top end of the lift looking towards Narragansett Bay. You'll find my re-creation of the shot in the photo gallery.
Watch a brief tribute video full of vintage photos and more-recent footage (2016) accompanying commentary by Rocky Point Park enthusiast and historian, George LaCross.