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
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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.