What to do and see in New Jersey, United States: The Best Historic Sites

October 4, 2021 Tynisha Seiler

Whether you are looking for sun-drenched beaches or outdoor activities in beautiful countryside, New Jersey has plenty to offer. Those who love the great outdoors should head for the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, which runs along the Delaware River for forty miles. Here you can go rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking or fishing, or simply admire the stunning waterfalls. There is a huge range of hiking trails to choose from as well as historic sites to visit. In winter, you can enjoy cross-country skiing near Blue Mountain Lakes, and birdwatchers might be lucky enough to catch sight of bald eagles. If you are looking for a change, visit one of New Jersey's eleven lighthouses that are open to public, such as the one in Cape May. For art and history enthusiasts, New Jersey State Museum in Trenton has historic artifacts and American fine art from the nineteenth century to the present day as well as a Planetarium.
Restaurants in New Jersey

1. Princeton University Chapel

Princeton, NJ 08540 +1 609-258-3047 http://religiouslife.princeton.edu/chapel
Excellent
78%
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5.0 based on 161 reviews

Princeton University Chapel

Reviewed By rccaia - Princeton, United States

Princeton University's Chapel is amazing! The word 'chapel' conjures up the image of a small space for quiet reflection and prayer. While it is quiet, as it should be, it is anything but small. The chapel is beautiful and very large. Built around 1920 I believe and in the collegiate gothic style as many of Princeton's building are it is a wonderful place to visit if you are in Princeton. Just a short walk, maybe 100 yards into the campus from Nassau Street, you will come to the front entrance. When inside turn around to see the huge pipe organ in the balcony above the entrance. Christmas concerts there are amazing! Very cool place that is worth the visit especially if you like gothic architecture.

2. Ringwood Manor

1304 Sloatsburg Rd, Ringwood, NJ 07456-1706 +1 973-962-2240 [email protected] http://www.ringwoodmanor.org/
Excellent
77%
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5.0 based on 30 reviews

Ringwood Manor

Reviewed By R4960NKjustinw - Hasbrouck Heights, United States

I love coming to Ringwood Manor at Christmas Time. It really is a special place when you see it all decorated for the holidays. The whole house is in full Christmas decor. Each room has a different theme to it and is decorated to the hilt. The Friends organization does a nice job showcasing the house at the holidays. I am sure that the family did not decorate that much. My favorite room was the formal dining room that was set for Christmas lunch with all the tableware and fake foods on the side board. The house is beautifully decorated but not overdone. Remember to visit the barn on the property to see all the arts and crafts for sale. In the smaller gift shop in the house, take time to see all the handmade ornaments. One of the crafters is really creative. There is also a small coffee shop in the next building to have a snack. It is really a nice afternoon at the Ringwood Manor.

3. Covenhoven House

150 W Main St Intersection of Route 9 and West Main Street, Freehold, NJ 07728-2067 +1 732-462-1466 http://monmouthhistory.org
Excellent
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

Covenhoven House

4. Ford Mansion and Museum

30 Washington Pl, Morristown, NJ 07960-4259 +1 973-539-2016 http://www.nps.gov/morr
Excellent
50%
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4.5 based on 108 reviews

Ford Mansion and Museum

The grounds comprise a museum as well as the modest mansion where Washington established military headquarters for the winter of 1779-80.

Reviewed By theroters - Mendham, United States

What a beautiful job was done on the restoration of the building and the recreation of the War for Independence.

5. Old Barracks Museum

101 Barrack St, Trenton, NJ 08608-2007 +1 609-396-1776 [email protected] http://www.barracks.org
Excellent
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4.5 based on 234 reviews

Old Barracks Museum

In 1758, the Old Barracks was constructed to house British troops during the French and Indian War. During the Revolutionary War, the barracks was one of Washington's military hospitals. Today, the building is home to an interpretive museum, galleries, gift shop, and meeting space. Guided tours start on the hour from 10 AM - 4 PM, Monday - Saturday.

Reviewed By dontru

My son and I visited on a wintry day and were entirely pleased that we did! The young guide was friendly and extremely knowledgeable and patient with all of our comments and questions. He is a reenactor and I was as interested in his clothing as anything else! I didn't realize that the Barracks' original use was during the French and Indian War. The exhibits told the stories of what it was like to be a soldier or officer, and in the apothecary's room, our guide gave a fascinating presentation about the different strain of smallpox and how innoculation of the Continental Army occurred at the site. The receptionist is the gift shop was also helpful and informed! I'll take my grandkids!

6. Walt Whitman House

328 Mickle Blvd, Camden, NJ 08103-1126 +1 609-964-5383
Excellent
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4.5 based on 18 reviews

Walt Whitman House

Whitman lived in this row house during the last eight years of his life, and died there in 1892.

7. Batsto Village

Rd # 9, Batsto, NJ +1 609-561-3262 http://www.batstovillage.org/
Excellent
64%
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4.5 based on 99 reviews

Batsto Village

Once an industrial center for iron and glass, this village now contains over 30 historic buildings.

Reviewed By kylesE8563QS

Enjoy a December trip to this historical Village in the New Jersey Pinelands during the December Winterfest, Very nice family outing with carriage rides, and carolers in historic customs. The docent informed us that there was evidence of prehistoric life there thousands of years ago. The current village dates back to the iron works of Charles Read in1766 followed by John Cox ownership when supplies were made for the Revolutionary Army.. In 1779 John Ball became the owner followed by his uncle William Richards.followed by his son Jesse then his sonThomas .Under Thomas in the late 1800s the iron production was changed to glass works .This endeavor failed and in 1876 Joseph Wharton, Quaker from Philadelphia for whom the Wharton School of business of the University of Pennsylvania is named, purchased the property from receivership sale. He developed agricultural concerns, improved he village ,residencies, and the mansion where is family summered. he tried to develop transfer of clean water from the property to Philadelphia but the NJ legislature passed law , still in existence, that water from NJ could not be transferred out of state. After his death the property was managed by the Girard Trust until the state purchased it in 1954.

8. Newark Museum

49 Washington St, Newark, NJ 07102-3176 +1 973-596-6550 http://www.newarkmuseum.org/
Excellent
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4.5 based on 285 reviews

Newark Museum

The Newark Museum, New Jersey's largest museum, invites you to enjoy unforgettable experiences in the arts and natural sciences. Take an inspirational journey through 80 galleries of world-class collections, travel to the stars in our popular Planetarium, and stroll through our beautiful sculpture garden.

Reviewed By Herstory_62 - Philadelphia, United States

At the center of the historic & once grand Newark downtown the first class museum with striking exhibit space offers insights into both the old & resurgent city. Adjacent to the elegant Ballantine mansion, overflowing with silver & handsome furnishings, the eclectic collection contains masterpieces from the 19th century & Hudson River School, Corning & Steuben glass, jewelry & modern crafts as well. Although we ran out of time, on our next visit - with discounts for seniors - we look forward to exploring the 20th century art.

9. The Colonial House

Washington and Franklin Streets, Cape May, NJ 08204 +1 609-884-9100 [email protected] http://www.capemayhistory.org/
Excellent
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4.5 based on 20 reviews

The Colonial House

10. Allaire State Park

4265 Atlantic Ave, Farmingdale, NJ 07727-3715 +1 732-938-2371 http://www.allairevillage.org
Excellent
49%
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4.5 based on 176 reviews

Allaire State Park

Spanning more than 3,000 acres, this state park is best known for its 19th-century iron-making town, Allaire Village, and antique steam trains.

Reviewed By LuvTravel2011KD - Neptune, United States

A trip to see the train for our first visit. We will go back to do some more exploring in the Fall and hopefully everything will be open. Not crowded at all plenty of room to social distance and not wear a mask. Some people were riding their bikes and a few people at the picnic tables. A local park that you can enjoy without the crowds.

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