Turkey Swamp County Park
Georgia Road, Freehold Township
http://www.monmouthcountyparks.com
This 849 beautiful acres include a 17-acre lake for boating, bass and bluegill
fishing; miles of trail; an archery range; playgrounds; and camping facilities.
the lake offers winter ice-skating when ice is thick enough. Wooded campsites
with electrical and water service feature restrooms with showers and laundry.
732-842-4000
Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park
Main Office
625 Canal Road, Somerset
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/forestry
The Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park is one of New Jersey's most popular
recreational corridors for canoeing, hiking, bicycling, fishing and horseback
riding. The 70-mile linear park is a valuable wildlife corridor, connecting
adjacent fields and forest. More that 160 bird species have been
identified along the canal and towpath, which are part of the National
Recreational Trail System. the path includes a series of 19th-century bridges
and various historic structures, including: Prallsville Mills, Griggstown and
Blackwells Mills.
732-873-3050
Thomas Alva Edison Memorial Tower and Menlo Park Museum
37 Christie Street, Edison
http://www.edisonnj.org/menlopark/museum.asp
Built in 1937 and dedicated on February 11, 1938 to commemorate Thomas Edison's
91st birthday, the Tower is located on the exact spot where Thomas Edison had
his laboratory. The first modern Research and Development center in the
world, the Menlo Park Museum contains some of Edison's inventions and products
from the Thomas A. Edison Company including a recently donated 1929 Edison
Light-O-Matic Radio. Open Wednesday through Sunday. School and group tours can
be arranged by appointment.
732-248-7298
Edison National Historic Site
Main Street and Lakeside Avenue, West Orange
http://www.nps.gov/edis/home.htm
Over half of Thomas Alva Edison's 1,093 patents were for inventions developed at
his West Orange, New Jersey research and development laboratory. From 1887 until
his death in 1931, Edison conducted experiments in electricity, sound recording,
motion pictures and metallurgy. Today the National Park Service preserves the
chemistry lab, machine shop, pattern shop and library where Edison conducted his
research. The Edison home, Glenmont, contains the original furnishings and
family items used by Thomas and Mina Edison.
7973-736-0550
Newark Museum/Washington Park
49 Washington Street, Newark
Founded in 1909, The Newark Museum underwent an extensive four-year $23 million
renovation and expansion which was completed in 1989. the museum complex, the
largest in New Jersey, weaves together 80 galleries of art and science,
mini-zoo, planetarium, gift shops, cafe, auditorium, sculpture garden,
schoolhouse and the Ballantine House, there stored 1885 mansion that is a
National Historic Landmark. Washington Park has been vital to the City since its
founding in 1666. statuary in the 3.4-acre park includes likenesses of George
Washington, Christopher Columbus, Seth Boyden and Abraham Coles. At the park's
north end stands a sculpture stanchion - "The Indian and the Puritan"
- by Gutzon Borglum, who has three other works in Newark.
General Information; 973-596-6550; 1-800-7MUSEUM
Branch Brook Park
Roosevelt Avenue, Newark
http://www.co.essex.nj.us
the first county park to be opened for public use in the United States, Branch
Brook Park was developed in the 1890's by the Essex County Park Commission.
renowned architect Frederick Law Olmsted, the designer of New York's central
Park, assisted in the original plan. the 359-acre park is noted for the
springtime splendor of its 3,500 varied pink and white cherry trees - more than
in Washington D.C., recreational facilities and its lakes and streams. At its
height, the Cherry Blossom festival attracts over 10,00 people daily.
973-268-3521
The Great Falls National Historic Landmark
65 McBride Avenue, Extension, Paterson
http://www.patersongreatfalls.org
Within the heart of Paterson lies the spectacular 77-foot tall Great Falls, one
of the largest and best examples of early manufacturing in the U.S. It contains
18th, 19th and 20th-century waterpower remnants, including a three-tiered
raceway and an abundance of mills. The complex has been described as this
country's first systematic attempt to develop extensive waterpower for
manufacturing purposes. Pierre Charles L'Enfant and Alexander Hamilton designed
the unique waterpower system in 1791. A number of mills have been restores,
including a former Rogers Locomotive mill, which is now the Paterson Museum.
Other beautiful mills are still being used for manufacturing purposes or have
been converted to offices and housing. The city of Paterson has developed some
of the areas along the raceways as a scenic park, restoring the raceways where
necessary.
973-279-9587
Richard W. De Korte Park/Saw Mill Creek Wildlife Management
Area
2 DeKorte Park Plaza, Lyndhurst
http://www.hmdc.state.nj.us
The 110-acre Meadowlands Environment Center complex is the heart of the Richard
W. DeKorte Parks and overlooks the Kingsland Impoundment and Sawmill Creek
Wildlife Management Area. Spectacular views of this major migratory bird
stopover and of marsh, mudflat, restored upland field, young woodland and
evergreen forest can be seen from the Kingsland Overlook and Lyndhurst Nature
Reserve areas. Marsh Discovery and Transco trails offer easy access for
birding, hiking and self guided nature study. Observation and photography blinds
are available. The memorial butterfly garden is a restful spot for birds,
butterflies and visitors. The Center features a hands-on museum, wetlands
diorama, observation pavilion, information center and special guided tours,
public events, school field trips, canoe and boat tours.
201-406-8300
Saw Mill Creek Wildlife Management Area
Lyndhurst
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw
Saw Mill Creek Wildlife Management Area is more that 780 acres of tidal marsh,
shallow tidal bays and connecting creeks, co-managed by the New Jersey Division
of Fish and Wildlife and the Hackensack Meadowlands Development commission. Bird
utilization was an import factor for preserving this marsh. Shorebirds abound
May, August and September. Waterfowl are abundant is winter. For access and
facilities information see Richard W. DeKorte Park. Boat access for fishing from
area launches upriver only.
908-637-4125
Little Red School House
91 Crane Ave. Rutherford
One room, crowned by a bell, the Little Red Schoolhouse, symbolizes a simpler
time: 19th and early 20th century America. The present school was built in 1893,
used for classes until 1980 and placed on the New Jersey and National Register
of Historic Places in 1974. The museum features a recreated 1912 classroom. The
public is invited to visit on the second and fourth Sundays of the month. Group
tours can be arranged. Call for information on tours and special events.
201-935-1175
Historic New Bridge Landing, Steuben House
1209 Main Street, River Edge
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/forestry
Historic New Bridge Landing is 18 acres of unspoiled land in the middle of one
of the country's most densely developed area. Visitors to the sire can tour the
Steuben House, Campbell Christie House, the Demarest House, an out-kitchen/bake
house, English style barn and an 1889 iron-truss swing bridge. The Steuben
House, the site's centerpiece and an important American Revolutionary Was site,
is one of the earliest and finest examples of the Dutch Colonial style of
architecture. In 1783, the house was presented to Baron Von Steuben in gratitude
for his assistance to the colonies during the Revolutionary War.
210-487-1739
The Hiram Blauvelt Art Museum
705 Kinderkamack Road, Oradell
The Hiram Blauvelt Art Museum, founded in 1857, is committed to bring awareness
to issues facing the natural world and to showcasing the artist who are inspired
by it. Hiram Blauvelt was an early conservationist. Through the contribution of
his private wildlife art and big game collections, he helped promote the
cultural value of wildlife art and the need for its conservation. The museum is
located in an 1893 shingle and turret-style carriage house. The collection on
the main floor consists of mini galleries which feature an Audubon folio and
extinct birds.
201-261-0012
Liberty State Park
Morris Pesin Drive, Jersey City
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/forestry/parks/liberty
With the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island as a
spectacular backdrop, Liberty State Park is one of New Jersey's most dramatic
parks. The historic Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal (CRRNJ), a grand
setting for much of New Jersey's transportation history is the northeast, sits
prominently at the north end of the park. A two-mile promenade, Liberty Walk,
links the picnic area, Interpretive Center and the CRRNJ Terminal while
presenting visitors with a sweeping view of the Hudson River. An 80-acre Green
Park is open for passive recreation and other improvements mark the northern
section of the park, while the western portion is home to the exciting Liberty
Science Center. Circle Line ferries provide transportation to the Statue of
Liberty and Ellis Island.
201-915-3401
Liberty Science Center
251 Phillip Street, Jersey City
http://www.lsc.org
Liberty Science Center is a major public institution for lifelong, interactive
education about science and technology. Home to more that 250 hands-on exhibits
which are housed on three theme-specific floor - Invention, Health and
Environment - Liberty Science Center hosts numerous science-related activities
and demonstrations, and is home to the nation's largest IMAX dome theater. Since
opening in 1993, more than five million guests have come to Liberty Science
Center, making it one of the region's most visited family attractions.
2091-200-1000
Ellis Island/Ellis Island Immigration Museum
Liberty Island, NY
http://www.nps.gov/stli
This was America's gateway for some 12 million immigrants who arrived here
between 1892 and 1954. During peak periods more that 5,000 people arrived daily.
Most immigrants arriving at Ellis Island where processed through in 5-6 hours
and began their new life in America. Two percent of the immigrants processed at
Ellis Island where denied entry to America usually due to medical reasons. The
National Park Service has restored the Great Hall and the Immigration Museum had
an overview of the Ellis Island Story, exhibits and a film. Both Ellis Island and the nearby Statue of Liberty are
accessible by ferry from Liberty State Park.
212-363-3200
Hudson River Waterfront Walkway
Bayonne to Fort Lee
The Walkway, an internationally acclaimed urban linear park, spans 18.5 miles of
the Hudson River Waterfront providing a bicycle and pedestrian link from the
Bayonne Bridge in Hudson County to the George Washington Bridge in Bergen
County.
1-888-WALKWAY
Hoboken/Stevens Institute/Castle Point
Castle Point on Hudson, Hoboken
http://www.stevens-tech.edu
Stevens Institute of Technology is one of the world's leading technological
universities and home of the award-winning DeBaun Auditorium, which features
theatrical and musical performances for the public throughout the year. The
newly renovated auditorium, is the Victorian centerpiece of Edwin A. Stevens
Hall, designed in 1871 by Richard Upjohn, famous for the design of the Trinity
Church in New York City. On the upper campus near 8th street, Stevens' Castle
Point provides a spectacular, unobstructed view of New York City and the Hudson
River from a promontory point 100 feet above the river.
201-216-5000
Hoboken Terminal
Hudson Place, Hoboken
This magnificent rail and ferry terminal was built in the Beaux Arts and English
Victorian Style in1907 by the Delaware Lackawanna and Western Railroad. Embossed
copper panels cover the roof and sides of the Hoboken Terminal, a prominent
landmark visible from New York City and from the New Jersey shoreline of the
Hudson River. Placed on the National and New Jersey Register of Historic Places
n 1973, it is being stabilized and restored by New Jersey Transit.
Palisades Interstate Park
Alpine
http://www.njpalisades.org
Created in 1900 and spanning parts of four towns in Bergen county, the 13-mile
length of the New Jersey Section includes some of the most spectacular scenery
in the Northeast. The Palisades Cliffs, rising up to 500 feet above the Hudson
river are designated National Historic and Natural Landmarks. The park contains
30 miles of hiking trails; 3 cliff-top overlooks, including state Line Lookout,
where a hawk-watch is conducted each Fall; 4 riverfront picnic areas with access
for launching canoes and kayaks; 2 public boat basins; and a boat launching
ramp. Fort Lee Historic Park, a revolutionary Was historic site with tremendous
views overlooking the George Washington Bridge and upper Manhattan, is located
at the southern end of the park. Upriver, at the park's Alpine Boat Basin, the
historic Blackledge-Kearney House (ca. 1750) now serves as a museum and research
center for the rich history of the Palisades.
201-768-1360
Appalachian Trail
A 70-mile section of the Appalachian Trail runs through New Jersey, entering the state at Greenwood Lake, following the New York-New Jersey border westward toward the Kittatinny Ridge and then south to the Delaware Water Gap. The trail passes through scenic farmland, forest and wetlands. The trail crosses the Abram S. Hewitt State Forest, Wawayanda State Park, High Point State Park, Stokes State Forest, Worthington State Forest and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. |
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Bushkill, PA
http://www.nps.gov/dewa
The park stretches along 40 miles of the Delaware river in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
The area is rich in both cultural and natural history. the ridges and river
valley contain streams, waterfalls, geologic features, a diversity of plants and
wildlife and traces of past occupants and cultures. Craft demonstrations
are preformed at the Peters Valley Craft Education Center and the restored late
19th-century village of Millbrook.
570-588-2451
High Point/Stokes State Forest
1480 Route 23, Sussex
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/forestry
The rugged terrain of the Kittatinny Mountains is High Point State Park provides
for a network of trails that very in difficulty and accessibility, including the
section of the Appalachian Trail. the nearly 15,000-acre park also offers plenty
of quiet spots for campers and fishermen. High Point's natural resources include
the spring-fed waters of Lake Marcia, rich forestland and more than 800 acres of
the Dryden Kuser Natural Area. High Point Monument, 220-feet above sea level,
offers a breathtaking view of ridges of the Pocono Mountains to the west, the
Catskill Mountains to the north and the Wallkill River Valley to the southeast.
A cross-country ski center is open for visitors during the winter months and a
20-acre natural lake is open for swimming from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Nearby
Strikes State forest is also a favorite spot for hikers, campers and fishermen.
there is a panoramic view from Sunrise Mountain, which is accessible from a
section of the Appalachian Trail.
973-875-4800
Kittatinny Valley State Park
P. O. Box 621, Andover
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/forestry
Glacial lakes, limestone outcroppings and former railroad lines are features of
one of New Jersey's newest State Parks, acquired in 1994. the 117-acre Lake
Aeroflex and 39-acre Gardner's Pond are part of the headwaters of the Pequest
River and are excellent for fishing and boating. Lake Aeroflex is stocked
annually with brown and rainbow trout. The Paulinskill Valley Trail and the
Sussex Branch Trail are well-used trails that originally were railroads critical
to the region's economic development.
973-786-6445
Worthington State Forest
Old Mine Road, Delaware Water Gap, Columbia
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/forestry
Some of the most rugged terrain and splendid views of northern New Jersey are
found in Worthington State Forest. Hikers can choose from several rocky trails
following Dunnfield Creek from the Delaware River to Mount Tammany or a trail to
Sunfish Pond, one of 14 rock-basin lakes between the Delaware Water Gap and the
Kittatinny Ridge. the Appalachian trail passes through Worthington to Stokes
State forest and High Point State Park. One of the earliest roads in the region
- the Old Mine road - skirts the forest along the Delaware River.
908-841-9575
Merrill Creek Reservoir and Environmental Preserve
34 Merrill Creek Road, Washington
http://www.merrillcreek.org
This unique facility was created ad maintained by a group of seven electric
utilities (The Merrill Creek Owners Group). The 650-acre reservoir stores
water for release to the Delaware River during periods of low flow, replacing
water used for generating facilities along the Delaware. The reservoir, stocked
with a variety of game fish, is surrounded by 2,000 acres of forest and fields
with hiking trails, a 290-acre wildlife preserve along the shores of the
reservoir, a wildlife observation blind and a visitors center that includes
classroom and auditorium facilities and history and nature exhibits.
908-454-1213
Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge
1547 County Road 565, Sussex
The nine mile stretch of Sussex County river wetlands north of Hamburg has given
rise to the Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge, which has been haven for
more than 225 species of birds, a wide variety of fish and wildlife and those
who love to watch them. A major watershed, wedged between the Appalachian Valley
and Ridge to the west and the Highland Ridge System to the east, the Refuge
includes the Wood Duck Nature Trail and the Liberty Loop. The adventurous can
hike further along the Appalachian trail. The best way to see the Wallkill is by
canoe. The first three access points, near the Wood Duck trailhead on Route 565,
provides drop-off and pick-up only. The Bassets Bridge Canoe and Fishing Access
provides a better place to start with ample parking and an easy walk to the
river. A third put-in lies just east of where Oil City Road crosses the river in
New York State.
973-702-7266
Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education
Center
605 Pequest Road, Oxford
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/pequest
Fishing, outdoor and wildlife enthusiasts will all enjoy this state-of-the-art
trout hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center. The Center offers visitors
a look at how 600,000 brook, brown and rainbow trout are raised annually for
stocking New Jersey's public waters. The exhibit hall contains live fish, a display
on New Jersey wildlife specimens, interactive educational displays and more.
Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the hiking trails and self-guided
interpretive Natural Resources Trail. The Center offers a year-round schedule of
programs that can include an actual fishing experience at the Fishing Education
Pond.
908-637-4125
Ringwood State Park/State Botanical Gardens at Skylands
1304 Sloatsburg Road, Ringwood
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/forestry
In addition to more than 5,000 acres of scenic landscape, Ringwood State Park is
home to two impressive historic sites: Ringwood Manor and Skylands Manor. Ringwood
Manor played and important role in the American Revolution and was home for a
succession of well-known ironmasters for nearly 200 years. The historic house
museum displays collections of art, furniture, firearms and memorabilia.
Skylands Manor was built in the 1920's in English Jacobean style and features 44
rooms. The State Botanical Gardens, adjacent to Skylands Manor, contains an
extensive variety of plants from miniature flowering plants, wildflowers and
shrubs to some of New Jersey's largest and rarest trees.
973-962-7031
Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
Pleasant Plains Road, Basking Ridge
More than 222 species of birds have been identified at the 7,500 acre refuge,
along with an extensive list of fish, reptiles and amphibians, including the
endangered bog turtle and the blue-spotted salamander. Mammals found within the
refuge include the white-tailed deer, river otter, muskrat, mink, beaver, raccoon,
skunk, red fox, coyote, woodchuck, gray squirrel, possum and cottontail rabbit.
to minimize disturbance to wildlife, migration, nesting and feeding habits,
access is limited to Pleasant Plains Road and trails at the Wildlife Observation
Center.
973-425-1222
Raptor Trust
White Bridge Road, Millington
http://www.theraptortrust.org
The leading raptor rehabilitation facility this side of the Mississippi cares
for thousands of injured and orphaned raptors and other wild birds each year.
the facility abuts the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. The Education
Center hosts programs for families, schools and individuals, including The
Raptor Trust Story, Owls of New Jersey and Hawks of New Jersey. A small donation
is requested.
908-647-2353
Morristown National Historical Park
30 Washington Place, Morristown
http://www.nps.gov/morr
Morristown, surrounded by rich farmlands and protected by the Watchung
Mountains, was a critical location for Continental forces through much of the
American Revolution. American troops camped here in January 1777 after the
victories at Trenton and Princeton. During the "hard winter' of 1779-80,
the entire American Army under George Washington was camped in Jockey Hollow
about five miles from town. Today, the National Park Service preserves both
Washington's Headquarters and an excellent museum located in Morristown, as well
as Jockey Hollow with its vistas, majestic forests, 25 miles of hiking trails
and the colonial Wick Farmhouse.
973-539-2085
Waterloo Village/Stanhope
525 Waterloo Road, Stanhope
http://www.waterloovillage.org
The restored village, located on the banks of the Morris Canal, is well-known
for its historical buildings and diverse cultural programs including a summer
schedule of classical and popular music, dance and opera. Waterloo village takes
the visitor through time from a recreated 400-year-old Lenape (Delaware) Indian
Village to the bustling port along the once prosperous Morris Canal. This early
19th-century restored village contains a working mill complex with gristmills
and sawmills, a general store, a blacksmith shop and several historic houses.
The village is open from mid-April through December.
973-347-0900
Lakota Wolf Preserve
89 Mount Pleasant Road, Columbia
http://www.lakotawolf.com
The Lakota Wolf Preserve campground adjoins the Delaware Water Gap National
Recreation Area. Visitors can observe wolves here in the East in a natural
surrounding for the first time in over a century. Home to adult wolves, pups,
bobcats and foxes, visitors can enjoy a scenic walk to the Preserve or ride at
scheduled intervals. The observation area lies in the center of four compounds
where wolves play and interact. There visitors will see and learn about the
social structure of wolf packs, their interaction with man and many other
interesting facts. The admission fee, which includes all-day use of campground
facilities, is used to offset the cost of operating the preserve.
908-496-9244
Lambertville
North Union Street, Lambertville
http://www.lambertville.org
One of the region's most picturesque towns, Lambertville is a cultural mecca,
renowned for its flourishing art community. This former mill town is nestled on
the east bank of the Delaware River, and is connected by bridge to New Hope, PA.
Its tree-lined streets include Victorian houses and Federal row houses built in
the 1800's and the town's canal is now a popular part of the Delaware and
Raritan Canal Park. Lambertville is also known for it's annual Shad Festival,
held the last full weekend in April, celebration the town's historic ties with
its once-thriving shad fishing industry.
609-397-0055