A Landscape Shaped by Centuries
Cocumscussoc is part of the traditional home of the Narragansett People, who spent their summers here farming, fishing, and hunting. This rich land provided everything they needed, from food and medicine to materials for tools and homes.
In the centuries that followed, Cocumscussoc was inhabited by generations of owners who manipulated the landscape to suit changing agricultural needs, and large swaths of farmland were broken up into smaller parcels.
The last working farm on this site before the property was acquired by the Cocumscussoc Association in 1948 was owned by the Fox family, whose herd of prize-winning Ayrshire cattle supplied the North Kingstown area with dairy products and their famous ice cream.
Visiting the Grounds
- Hours: Open to the public year-round, sunrise to sunset.
- Pets: Leashed pets are welcome on the grounds but must be cleaned up after. Pets are not allowed during events.
- Please note: There is no access to the Castle during off hours.
Grounds & Trails
Trail & Path Guide
Brochure and trail signage supported by The Jelm Educational Fund and the Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission (CLG Grant) 2017
The Spring Path
The Spring, first recorded in 1659, provided the reliable fresh water that was likely key for settlement at Cocumscussoc.
The Stone Foundation is mysterious; records mention a nearby icehouse (1791) and a barn, but its large size suggests it may have been more than just the icehouse. The foundation's true purpose and the source of the ice remain unanswered.
The Old Farm Road Trail
This trail follows the old farm roads that connected the Fox family's dairy barns to the main entrance of the property. Along the way, you can see the remains of a stone wall that might have surrounded an orchard in 1802. You might also notice seasonal puddles and wetlands caused by changes in how the land drains. You can still see parts of the old dairy barn foundations and a section that used to be a salt marsh but is now filled with invasive reeds.
Farm Road Trail Videos
The Sea View Railroad Path
Between 1899 and 1922, the Sea View Railroad carried vacationers from Providence through towns like East Greenwich, Wickford, Narragansett, and Wakefield. Building the roadbed for the train significantly changed the layout of Post Road and the surrounding landscape. The construction even forced Cocumscussoc Brook to change its course; today, the sharp turn in the stream is slowly washing away the old railroad bed. These shifts in how water flows across the land have transformed the area—much of the freshwater wetland you see now as you look toward Mill Cove was actually open pasture in the past.
Gardens
18th Century Garden
Step inside and enjoy the view! Let the bright colors and sweet smells take you back to the 1700s when the Updike family lived here. Imagine you are a guest visiting this peaceful spot. While it isn't an exact replica, we designed this garden to capture the feel of that time in history.
Dye Garden
Welcome to our Dyers’ Garden! While many people in the past used wild or imported plants for dyes, our garden features 12 local plants that create a beautiful rainbow of natural colors.
Please use our numbered guide as you walk through the garden. Afterward, stop by the North Chamber in the Castle to see our color wheel made from local dye samples!
Three Sisters Garden
Explore the tradition of the Three Sisters! This indigenous way of planting allows corn, beans, and squash to grow together in a helpful partnership. In this system, the corn grows tall and strong, providing a pole for the beans to climb, while the beans add vital nutrients to the soil to keep all the plants healthy. Meanwhile, the squash spreads across the ground, acting as a natural blanket to keep the soil moist and suppress weeds. These three plants make a healthy meal when eaten together, providing a balanced diet of essential nutrients.