This Penny Arcade In Rhode Island Is The Oldest In America And You Have To Visit

As winter drags on, we thought we’d make ourselves feel better by taking a look at a summer activity that brings back the good old days. Did you know we have the oldest Penny Arcade in America right here in Rhode Island? At Spring Lake in Burrillville, the Spring Lake Arcade has been entertaining kids and kids at heart for generations.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/

Spring Lake Arcade opened in 1930, and is still a place where you can play the same games your grandparents played when they were kids. Flickr/ Mycophagia The original building was razed in 1998 and a modern building was built. Spring Lake Arcade About half the games are from the 1920s, but there are more "modern" games mixed in, like these awesome pinball machines. Flickr/ Mycophagia It is now the oldest Penny Arcade ‘Business’ in America. There are only a few arcades that have penny games still operating. These include Manitou Springs Arcade in Colorado, Half Moon Arcade in NH, and a few others. Flickr/ Mycophagia In 1938, Spring Lake was a bustling attraction with the arcade, a hamburger stand, Mather's Ice Cream, a shooting gallery, carousel, and a lot more. Flickr/ Mycophagia You may be surprised to still be able to play games for pennies, but they aren't all penny games. Bring some nickels, dimes, and quarters too. Flickr/ fred owsley The original coin operated machines were purchased as a package from the Mills Novelty Company in about 1930. Flickr/ fred owsley Evan’s Ten Strike Bowling machine was replaced with a reproduction bowling machine in 2006. The scoring assembly of the Evan’s machine had worn out and will need to be restored. Flickr/ fred owsley Research into the past continues at Spring Lake Arcade, and the goal is to locate, acquire, restore, and operate historically correct machines that are fun to play. Flickr/ Blackstone Valley Tourism Council Spring Lake Arcade is located on the Town of Burrillville’s Spring Lake Beach. Hours of operation are set by the Town, June through September. Flickr/ Mycophagia

Start saving your pennies now and plan to head to the oldest Penny Arcade in America this summer at 52 Old Hillside Drive, Glendale. If you’re interested in the history of Spring Lake Arcade, head to their website for an extensive account of its history. Who has fond memories of this amazing place?