Location: Basking Ridge
Top Things to do in Basking Ridge
- 1. The Raptor Trust Center
- 2. Environmental Education Center at Lord Stirling Park
- 3. Leonard J. Buck Garden
- 4. Cross Estate Gardens
- 5. Natirar Park
- 6. Morristown National Historical Park, Washington Headquarters and Museum
- 7. Holmes Creek Canoe Livery
- 8. Schiff Nature Preserve
- 9. Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey
- 10. Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary
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What to do and see in Basking Ridge, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Basking Ridge is an unincorporated community located within Bernards Township in the Somerset Hills region of Somerset County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 Census, the population for the ZIP Code Tabulation Area (ZCTA) 07920 was 26,747.
Restaurants in Basking Ridge
1. The Raptor Trust Center
Overall Ratings
5 based on 68 reviews
The Raptor Trust center is known nationally for rehabilitating wild birds and the conservation of birds of prey. The center is located near the Great Swamp National Wildlife refuge. The Raptor Trust not only provides avian rehabilitation, but also offers educational programs about wildlife. The center is open 365 days a year to receive injured birds. Visitors are welcome to view hawks, eagles, falcons, and owls housed in aviaries on the property. The Phone# is 908-647-2353.
Reviewed By John N - New York
They only ask for a $2 donation as admission so how can you go wrong? They take in injured raptors and nurse them back to health and many then become residents. An easy walk among the enclosures and you can learn so much about these amazing creatures. Easy to find not far off Rte 287 - I came in off of Maple Ave and just be warned 99% of the road coming in is paved but there is a very small section of dirt but it is in good shape
2. Environmental Education Center at Lord Stirling Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By TheExplorerFamily - Somerset, New Jersey
This 950-acre Park is named after William Alexander Stirling – a General of the American Revolution, and is operated by the Somerset County Parks Commission.
We have come here several times before, and this time came during the President’s Day Weekend with some family members for whom it was the first time. Unfortunately, the Education Center was closed, so we could not go inside. But it was quite a lot of fun walking on the boardwalk all around.
Our hike was an easy one. We passed a few Gazebos, some Pergolas, swampland, marshes, gardens and a man-made Pond in which there were lots of Canadian Geese floating around. The place is an excellent wildlife habitat, and we were able to capture quite a few beautiful photographs.
We will certainly return, since it is not far from home.
3. Leonard J. Buck Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By TheExplorerFamily - Somerset, New Jersey
This 33 acre lush green public garden operated by the Somerset County Park Commission is awesome. It is a very nicely maintained space with well - watered expanses of lush green grass, bridges, ponds, little waterfalls, clean hiking paths, and tons and tons of flowers everywhere – from wildflowers to cultivated ones in planters and beds. We saw Azaleas, Magnolias, Rhododendrons, Dogwoods, Hydrangeas, Irises, Geraniums, and a variety of Wildflowers and Ferns all over the place. There were some healthy tall Beech Trees on the hiking path. There is even a Gazebo and lots of benches everywhere if you feel the need to rest.
Its premier Rock Garden is nationally known. Glaciers sculpted the Garden, and the Geologist Owner of the property Mr. Leonard J. Buck created the stunning garden around the natural landscape. After his death, his wife donated the garden to Somerset County. They have left behind such an idyllic place for families to explore, hike and be amazed as they all come to unwind.
A funny tidbit we read was that Mrs. Buck was tired of her husband spending an inordinate amount of time in creating his Rock Garden. She threatened to go to Reno to apply for a divorce if he spent any more time there. Stubbornly, he continued to clear the rocks, and, even named a large rock “Reno Rock”.
The place is vast and varied, and consists of many individual areas. It provides many opportunities for learning about flowers, trees, birds and habitats. The crooked trees and the hand-made Birdhouses add wonderful backdrops to the enigmatic scenery. Our favorite was the meandering body of water that was filled to the brim with gorgeous Water Lilies. It really was so surreal!
The Visitor Center was once a Carriage House. There are some very nice informative displays inside. The Heath and Heather Garden just outside is lovely. The lady inside was very pleasant and helpful and gave us a list of plants and flowers that was extremely helpful to us in the identification of several flowers, plants, bushes and trees.
Entrance is free, so why not go and spend some quality time with Nature? We absolutely recommend it.
4. Cross Estate Gardens
Overall Ratings
4 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By TheExplorerFamily - Somerset, New Jersey
We visited this beautiful English Country-type Garden with a few friends, and found it to be soothing and relaxing. Everywhere we looked, we found well maintained pathways bordered by colorful blooms, woodland ephemerals, and ornamental grasses. In addition, there are healthy ferns, flowering shrubs, creepers, bushes, benches, and a variety of flowers all over the place. The assortment of many unusual plants and flowers, perfectly placed, had a very calming effect on us. There was plenty to admire in spite of the fact that most of the Spring blossoms were already past their peak. Not familiar with a lot of the plants and flowers, we wished there were larger labels identifying some pretty ones.
It is obvious that a lot of effort has gone into the careful designing, planning and placement of the plants and flowers. It is also very impressive that everything is taken care of by volunteers from the New Jersey Historical Garden Foundation.
There is a large expanse of grass beyond the Stone 19-column Pergola and the walled garden where there are large trees, but we did not venture there due to the lack of shade on a reasonably hot day.
The five story stone Water Tower was the most unusual one we had ever come across. It almost looks like a little lighthouse.
This Garden is adjacent to the NJ Brigade Revolutionary War Encampment, and we were informed by a volunteer that the entire 162 acres is now part of the Morristown National Historical Park. There are also signs and bulletin boards attesting to this fact.
The natural beauty, no entrance fees, and free parking made our trip very worthwhile.
5. Natirar Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By Wenovo - Morris County, New Jersey
The Natirar Park is beautiful. Close to 500 acres of rolling hills, green meadows and trails. And the Raritan river. Yes, you guessed it. Natirar is Raritan spelled backwards.
This huge property last belonged to the Moroccan king and his family. After his death it was all sold back to the Somerset county ( in 2000) for a bargain price of 22 million.Including his mansion.
It sits majestically all the way up the winding road on the top of the hill. It was transformed into a restaurant and a culinary institute. Named Ninety Acres. Somewhere along the way Richard Branson was involved in the transition process.
The Natirar Park is one of the many beautiful parks in the state. If you live nearby it's a great place to go for a walk, run, bike..
On a beautiful late afternoon we very much enjoyed the scenic ride up to the Ninety Acres restaurant ....A great way to start a delightful evening ....
6. Morristown National Historical Park, Washington Headquarters and Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 148 reviews
Reviewed By Beverly D - Morris Plains, New Jersey
A brand new museum was unveiled at Washington's Headquarters over Presidents Day Weekend. In addition to the Ford Mansion, just a few steps away, there is now a museum which has a film and War Gallery. along with another room containing artifacts, the new Discovery Center focuses on what life was like during the Revolution for people living in NJ. Exhibits cover musket firing, desertions, food scarcity, loyalty oaths, to name a few. Many of the exhibits are interactive, which appeal to kids and adults alike, there are costumes to try on and there is even an authentic door from an 18th century Morristown jail. Add a visit to Jockey Hollow (approximately 3 miles south), site of the winter encampment of 1779-1780, and you can experience the Revolutionary War as never before. Good for school-age children & adults and it's free.
7. Holmes Creek Canoe Livery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By Neika S
This was a very unique experience. The river itself is extremely peaceful (at least when I was out of earshot of my 3 bigger kids-9, 11, and 13 yr-canoe. Ha!) it took them the entire way upstream to the springs (half mile), and a bit coming down before the found their canoe cadence. To be honest there were not a lot of friendly words flying around- but they got it!! The springs themselves are AMAZING. It is so bizarre to find water that blue in a river. It is a bit cold, but very exhilarating!! If you are brave you can swing into the springs from a rope. My 5 yr old even did it, but mostly loved swimming around the more shallow areas. Pack a lunch!! Everyone is snacking at the springs. And make sure you have lots of water. On a hot day you would really need it. My 2 yr old had fun too, mostly putting his feet in the water and playing by the canoe. He even enjoyed a canoe nap on the way back. At the end there's a place to change and bathrooms (where you park).
8. Schiff Nature Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By Janis S
A former Boy Scout national training center, Schiff is now a Natural Land Trust supported by membership and donations. Over 6.5 miles of trails through various habitats are open to the public. Some buildings are still standing from the Boy Scout days making their discovery an extra fun part of the hikes. Guided hikes and classes are offered too.
9. Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey
Overall Ratings
5 based on 44 reviews
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (formerly called "New Jersey Shakespeare Festival") is one of 25 professional theatres in the state. One of the leading Shakespeare theatres in the nation — serving 100,000 adults and children annually — it is New Jersey's largest professional theatre company dedicated to Shakespeare's canon and other classic masterworks. Through its productions and education programs, the company strives to illuminate the universal and lasting relevance of the classics for contemporary audiences.
Reviewed By travelontheroad - Morristown, New Jersey
There are no bad seats in this small theater. Plays range from Shakespeare to other classics. Enjoyable with friends! They do an excellent job!
10. Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By Kit W - Newbury Park, California
Great walks on wooden walkways through wetlands area. Great opportunities for photography and viewing birds. We understand they have turtles but we didn't see any.
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