Discover History, Hear Music and Have Fun at Fort Adams in Newport

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Fort Adams State Park is a wonderful attraction to visit in Newport, Rhode Island.  Its natural harbor location made Fort Adams an important and heavily armed fort from the Revolutionary War all the way through modern times.

In addition to preserving an important historical attraction, Fort Adams State Park is the site of popular annual music festivals. It is also a favorite spot people visit to enjoy a variety of water-based activities, field sports and picnicking.

Visitors can tour the historic grounds and buildings at Fort Adams on their own, but you may wish to take a guided tour to make the most of your experience. During a guided tour, you will visit the Officers’ Quarters on site, view the Naval War College Museum exhibit on the defense of Narragansett Bay from 1704 – 2004, and walk through the outerworks designed to defend against land attacks. You can also enter one of the listening tunnels located underneath the walls of Fort Adams on your tour.

Either as part of the guided tour or on your own, you will want to climb to the scenic overlook at Fort Adams. Here you will have a postcard-perfect, stunning view of Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay. You will also want to explore the 6 ½ acre parade field. In addition to touring the historic and military attractions at the Park, you may also plan your visit to coincide with a special military reenactment held at Fort Adams.

Some of the recreational activities to enjoy at Fort Adams State Park include boating, fishing, and swimming. Sailboat and windsurfing lessons and equipment rentals are available at the Park. There are also soccer and rugby fields and plenty of pristine locations to have a picnic. The Museum of Yachting is another interesting attraction at Fort Adams State Park. Displays focus on yachting in Newport and include photographs, models, boats and costumes from the “Golden Age” of yachting.

The JVC Jazz Festival in Newport is one of the most popular summer concert events held at Fort Adams State Park. The Jazz Festival is held over a weekend in August. Top jazz artists from around the world perform on three stages over the course of two days at Fort Adams.

The Newport Folk Festival is another popular festival music lovers flock to Fort Adams to attend. Folk-based and related artists perform on three stages over the course of a weekend in August.

Whether you come to hear music, go sailing, take a swim, or explore history, you will be delighted with the beautiful natural surroundings at Fort Adams State Park. Spend a few hours or an entire day relaxing and enjoying the fresh sea air for an unforgettable Rhode Island experience.