Rock Springs Park

Rock Springs Park was an amusement destination near the Ohio River in Chester that operated with multiple attractions and entertainment facilities. The site featured rides, pavilions, picnic areas, and gardens spread across spacious grounds for visitors to enjoy.

The park started in 1897 as Rock Springs Grove before J.E. McDonald transformed it into a major entertainment destination. It operated successfully for over 70 years until the property was cleared in the early 1970s to make way for highway infrastructure.

The location held special meaning for Archaic Indians who considered the area a sacred hunting ground 4,000 years before the park's establishment.

The former site is located in Chester and is no longer open for visits since the grounds have been cleared. Visitors interested in the park's history can find information through local historical records and community resources.

The mineral springs that gave the park its name remain accessible today, preserving a natural element from this former entertainment venue. These springs attracted visitors for generations before the park itself was even established.

Location: West Virginia

GPS coordinates: 40.61280,-80.56280

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:27