In June of 1880, Glen Island, one of the first theme parks in the country, opened its gates to members of the press. Founded by politician John Starin, the park was designed with the goal of functioning as what Jim Futrell, author of Amusement Parks of New York, calls a “permanent world’s fair.” It was originally made up of five separate islands connected by red-roofed footbridges, each focusing on a different element of global culture—including a Chinese pagoda, two German castles, and a Dutch mill.
During its heyday at the end of the 19th century, the property contained a zoo, a museum, a beer garden, and a bathing pavilion. Starin would send steamboats to and from New Rochelle, bringing guests in from the mainland so they could enjoy all that the island had to offer.
A tragic boat accident in 1904 that diminished the steamboat business, combined with Starin’s death at his home in 1909, led to the shutdown and eventual sale of Glen Island. When it was purchased by the county in 1924, a drawbridge was built to fully connect the island to New Rochelle, and the five small islands were joined to form one land mass. The Glen Island Casino opened in 1930 and quickly became a hot destination for popular performers of the era, including Ozzie Nelson and Shep Fields. The casino closed its doors in 1978 to become a restaurant, and the property became the Glen Island Harbour Club, an upscale event space.
Today Glen Island is a 105-acre recreational park. The only remnants of the original attractions are two German castles and several abandoned stone structures that were most likely part of the 145-year-old amusement park.
Related: Explore Westchester’s Outdoor Recreation Destinations by Town
