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.

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?

Flickr/ Mycophagia

Spring Lake Arcade

Flickr/ fred owsley

Flickr/ Blackstone Valley Tourism Council

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