North Jersey
The Deserted Village of Feltville | Berkeley Heights
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this little-known piece of NJ history has, over the course of three centuries, been a thriving sawmill, a farming community, a deserted village and a summer resort. Now it’s a place for history lovers to get an up-close view of the original structures. The grounds are open every day, dawn to dusk. Check out the self-guided walking tour too!
Fast Fact: During its time as a summer resort, the historic village was named Glenside Park.
Sterling Hill Mining Museum | Ogdensburg
Take a ¼ mile walking adventure into this National Historic Site, the fourth oldest mine in the country and the last working underground mine in New Jersey. See for yourself the amazing fluorescent Rainbow Tunnel, Museum of Fluorescence and collect minerals including fluorescence too!
Fast fact: The mine was in operation until 1986.
Waterloo Village Historic Site | Stanhope
This restored 19th-century living history village overflowing with wildflowers is set along the banks of the Musconetcong River. View historic buildings, a blacksmith shop, a grist and sawmill, a re-created Lenape Indian Village and more. Just a mile away are the Fields at Waterloo, a large concert and event complex and Quarry Lake.
Fast fact: Waterloo Village is also a very popular wedding venue.
Ringwood Manor at Ringwood State Park | Ringwood
Don’t miss the chance to tour this National Historic Landmark District with a 51-room country manor house surrounded by the stunning Ramapo Mountains. View the extensive collection of original historical structures, gardens, and landscapes on 582 acres, as well as paintings and period furniture.
Fast fact: the Manor once served as the summer estate of the Hewitts, one of the wealthiest and most influential families of 19th century America.
Thomas Edison National Historical Park | West Orange
Step back in time to the buildings where Thomas Edison worked and lived from 1886 until his death in 1931. Highlights include: the Laboratory Complex in which Edison developed the phonograph, storage battery and motion picture camera as well as his library, stockroom, machine shops and music room. Also explore Glenmont, the estate Thomas Edison purchased for his new bride in 1886.
Fast fact: the original Yankee Stadium in NY was built in 1922 with concrete from Edison’s cement company.
Central Jersey
Howell Living History Farm | Hopewell Township
Visitors to this circa 1890-1910 horse-powered farm can see real farming operations up close, speak with farmers and sometimes even lend a hand. It’s also an educational look at many of the realities faced by farmers then and now. Check out the 2024 calendar of events and hands-on learning opportunities.
Fast fact: Nearby Lambertville is the “Antiques Capital of New Jersey” and home to the famed Golden Nugget Antique & Flea Market.
Morven Museum & Garden | Princeton
As the nation nears the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration, it’s the perfect time to visit the Morven Museum & Garden. The once home of Richard Stockton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and former New Jersey Governor’s Mansion, this National Historic Landmark is a showcase of rich Garden State culture and independence.
Fast fact: while in this time-honored town, you can view the Gothic-style architecture at Princeton University too.
Red Mill Museum Village | Clinton
This 10-acre scenic site located along the Raritan River houses 12 historic buildings including the 4-story 1810 Red Mill, a schoolhouse, a log cabin, a blacksmith shop and a barn. Exhibits showcase a variety of must-see agricultural, industrial and domestic artifacts.
Fast fact: in 1960, concerned citizens known as the “Red Mill Five” purchased the property to save it from neglect and deterioration.
Washington Crossing State Park | Titusville
New Jersey is known as the “Crossroads of the American Revolution,” so if you haven’t been to this revolutionary gem yet, it’s high time you did. Explore more than 500 acres of American history where George Washington crossed the icy Delaware through a blinding snowstorm and gave new life to the American Revolution.
Fast fact: the three-dimensional limestone statue of Washington crossing the Delaware weighs 30 tons and is 17.5 feet long and 11.6 feet high.
United States Golf Association Museum | Far Hills
If you’re fascinated by fairways and all things golf, this New Jersey treasure is sure to be a big hit with you. Built in 1936, this museum is the foremost center for the study and celebration of golf history, boasting more than 70,000 artifacts documenting the greatest games and players.
Fast fact: NJ is home to many golf courses including Pine Valley Golf Club, consistently ranked the #1 course in the world.
South Jersey
The Painted Ladies | Cape May
The entire city of Cape May is a National Historic District with over 600 beautifully preserved Victorian buildings ready to admire, known as The Painted Ladies. In technical terms, a “painted lady” is a house of the Victorian or Edwardian era painted in three or more colors that highlight the building’s ornate architectural features. These vibrantly painted “ladies” will catch your eye and steal your heart.
Fast fact: while in this world-class beach town, scope Sunset Beach for Cape May diamonds.
Madam Marie’s Temple of Knowledge | Asbury Park
On the boardwalk, there’s a very small, very iconic booth named Madam Marie’s Temple of Knowledge. The late Marie told fortunes to many, including a young Bruce Springsteen, who went on to immortalize the fortune teller in his lyrics. Judy Garland, Ray Charles and Frank Sinatra also reportedly visited the booth. Today, it is run by Marie’s granddaughter but still bears her name.
Fast fact: catch the mention of Madam Marie in Springsteen’s 1973 song, 4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy.)
Red Bank Battlefield Park | National Park
Nestled on 44 acres along the Delaware River, this historic site commemorates a major victory in the American Revolution: The 1777 Battle of Red Bank. Tour Fort Mercer and the Whitall House, built in 1748, which served as a hospital during the battle. Stop back in the fall when the Annual Jonas Cattell Run traces the nine miles Cattell ran here from Haddonfield to alert troops the redcoats were coming.
Fast fact: an archeological dig by Rowan University in 2022 revealed some interesting discoveries at the park, some 245 years after the battle.
Batsto Village | Hammonton
Explore nearly two and half centuries of American history at this beautiful scenic village located in the Pinelands. Enjoy walking tours of the village to see the post office, cottages, sawmill, ice house, general store, farm and more. Guided tours are available for the Batsto and Atsion mansions. Be sure to visit the Museum Shop and Exhibit Gallery.
Fast fact: Hammonton is regarded as the “Blueberry Capital of the World.”
Peter Mott House Underground Railroad Museum | Lawnside
Built around 1845, this is the oldest residence in this southern Jersey town and a pivotal site in New Jersey history. Get an up-close look into the home of mid-19th century freedom fighter Peter Mott, which was used as a respite for the Enslaved fleeing North to freedom along the Underground Railroad.
Fast fact: more historic sites that honor Black history throughout the state can be found in our 3-day Black Heritage Itineraries.
Looking for more exciting destinations to add to your historic-places-I’ve-been resume? Start with the time-honored sites, memorials and monuments found in our American Revolution Itineraries. Check out great Jersey museums, sign up for our e-newsletter and access your free NJ travel guide too.
