Want views of Narragansett Bay, Aquidneck Island? Climb Newport's Miantonomi Tower

NEWPORT – The Miantonomi Park tower will be open to the public on Saturday, Nov. 11, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in observance of Veterans Day.

According to a Facebook post by the city of Newport, the event "aims to recognize the historical significance of the tower as a memorial to the Veterans of World War I."

What is Miantonomi Park tower?

The tower stands atop a hill in Miantonomi Park, which was once the seat of power of the Narragansett tribe. Chief Miantonomi transferred it to the colonists in 1637, and the site was used as a lookout. Colonists built a beacon on the hill in 1667 and, though the site was used by colonial, English and French forces, it was the Americans who built a fort there from 1796 to 1817.

In 1929, the Park Commission hired renowned architectural firm McKim, Mead & White – the same firm that designed the Rhode Island State House, the Isaac Bell House, Rosecliff and more – to build a stone tower as a World War I memorial. The 30-acre park, which was added to the National Historic Register in 1968, offers beautiful shade trees and rolling green expanses, picnic tables and grills, a playground, volleyball and basketball courts, walking trails, and historic structures including a memorial tower.

How high is Miantonomi Tower?

The 100-foot tower is built one one of the highest points in Newport, a hill that stands 155 feet above sea level.

There's no need to break the bank: Picnic at these five beautiful public parks in Newport

Who can climb the tower?

Adults and families are welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult, according to the city. The interior stone steps lead to a narrow metal staircase that ascends to the top observation deck. On a clear day, visitors can observe sweeping views of Narragansett Bay.

The tower is open only on limited days.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: What to know about climbing Miantonomi Park tower in Newport