Things to do in New Jersey, United States: The Best Gardens

Located in downtown Morristown, N.J., Macculloch Hall has been part of the local community for over 200 years, first as the home to community-minded residents, George and Louisa Macculloch (1775-1858, 1785-1863), and since 1950, as a not-for-profit museum and garden. Founder W. Parsons Todd (1877-1976) endowed MHHM as a resource for all Morristown and Morris County residents. A Federal brick mansion, Macculloch Hall was built in 1810 by George Perrott Macculloch (1775-1858), the "Father of the Morris Canal." Today this historic house and decorative arts museum comprises nine period rooms, two exhibition galleries, a dedicated classroom, and an expansive formal garden, which is open to the public free of charge.

This 127-acre preserve, which surrounds a historic Colonial-Revival mansion and its formal gardens, offers self-guided nature trails with all trees and shrubs labeled as reference.

Welcome to Liberty Hall Museum at Kean University, home of New Jersey's first elected governor and signer of the Constitution, William Livingston. Built in 1772, on the eve of the American Revolution, Liberty Hall has been a silent witness to more than 200 years of American history. Over the last two centuries, the originally 14-room Georgian manor has grown into a 50-room Victorian-Italianate Mansion! The site houses extensive collections of antique furniture, ceramics, textiles, toys and tools owned by seven generations of the Livingston and Kean families. Liberty Hall has been home to Governors, U.S. Congressmen and Senators, entrepreneurs, and pioneering women with vision and strength. The stories of their lives, passed down from generation to generation, tell how this family met the challenges of a changing nation. Visit Liberty Hall Museum to discover the living past during house and garden tours, educational programs, special events, and lectures!

Rutgers Gardens is a 180-acre botanic garden, consisting of designed gardens, plant collections, a student farm, farmers market, and natural habitats. As part of Rutgers University, Rutgers Gardens serves as a living laboratory for faculty and staff, while providing experiential and service learning opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. We have a vibrant volunteer program and host many special events and activities for families throughout the year.