Northern Jersey

Other Things to Do

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

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

Copyright © 2001- , Terry Muse 
Revised: October 23, 2001
URL: http://coastalheritagetrail.tripod.com
Contact: Terry Muse