Princeton Battlefield State Park

500 Mercer Rd.
Princeton, NJ 08540
 609-921-0074
  • Overview

    National Historic Landmark on 85 acres. On Jan. 3, 1777, the peaceful winter fields and woods of Princeton Battlefield were transformed into the site of what is considered to be the fiercest fight of its size during the American Revolution. During this desperate battle, American troops under Gen. George Washington surprised and defeated a force of British Regulars. Coming at the end of 'The Ten Crucial Days,' which saw the well-known night crossing of the Delaware River and two battles in Trenton, the Battle of Princeton gave Washington his first victory against the British Regulars on the field. The battle extended more than a mile away to the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University). The famous Mercer Oak, once stood in the middle of the battlefield, not far from the spot where Gen. Hugh Mercer fell during the Battle of Princeton. The Clarke House, built by Thomas Clarke in 1772, witnessed the fierce fighting and served as sanctuary for Gen. Mercer, who died there nine days later. The house contains period furniture and Revolutionary War exhibits. Park facilities and activities include trails, birding, open lawns, cross-country skiing and hiking trails lead to the Delaware and Raritan Canal and the Institute For Advanced Study Woods.

  • Amenities

    • Free Admission
  • Nearby:

    •  Dining

      • Tre Piani
        3.8 MI
        609-452-1515
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      • Salt Creek Grille
        3.8 MI
        609-419-4200
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      • De Lorenzo's Pizza
        5.7 MI
        609-393-2952
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      • De Lorenzo's Tomato Pies
        8.5 MI
        609-341-8480
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      • Mill Hill Saloon
        9.1 MI
        609-394-7222
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      • Trenton Social
        9.3 MI
        609-989-7777
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      • Old York Cellars Winery
        11.9 MI
        908-284-9463
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      • Hamilton's Grill Room
        14.4 MI
        609-397-4343
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    •  Lodging

      • Marriott Residence Inn Princeton
        1.3 MI
        609-799-0550
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      • Hyatt Place Princeton
        1.4 MI
        609-720-0200
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      • Peacock Inn, Ascend Hotel Collection
        1.4 MI
        609-924-1707
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      • Palmer House
        1.4 MI
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      • Nassau Inn
        1.5 MI
        609-921-7500
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      • Nassau Inn
        1.5 MI
        609-921-7500
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      • Clarion Hotel, Palmer Inn
        1.7 MI
        609-452-2500
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      • Hyatt Regency Princeton
        1.8 MI
        609-987-1234
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    •  Activities

      • Clarke House
        0.0 MI
        609-921-0074
        View >
      • Institute for Advanced Study (Woods)
        0.4 MI
        609-734-8000
        View >
      • Drumthwacket
        0.6 MI
        973-204-2860
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      • Historical Society of Princeton
        0.8 MI
        609-921-6748
        View >
      • D&R Greenway Land Trust
        1.1 MI
        609-578-7470
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      • Morven Museum & Garden
        1.3 MI
        609-924-8144
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      • Princeton Canoe & Kayak Rental
        1.3 MI
        609-452-2403
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      • McCarter Theatre Center for the Performing Arts
        1.3 MI
        609-258-6500
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    •  Events

      • New Jersey Symphony: Schumann's Cello Concerto
        Oct. 20, 2023
        1.5 MI
        800-255-3476
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      • New Jersey Symphony: Handel's Messiah
        Dec. 15, 2023
        1.5 MI
        800-255-3476
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      • Read & Pick: Pumpkins
        Oct. 3, 2023
        2.6 MI
        609-924-2310
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      • Roald Dahl’s MATILDA The Musical
        Oct. 2-15, 2023
        5.6 MI
        609-570-3333
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      • THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW
        Oct. 7, 2023
        5.6 MI
        609-570-3333
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      • 3rd Annual Wheels for Meals
        Oct. 15, 2023
        5.6 MI
        609-987-8100
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      • ROEBLING – The Story of The Brooklyn Bridge
        Oct. 20-29, 2023
        5.6 MI
        609-570-3333
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      • Hopewell Community Oktoberfest
        Oct. 14, 2023
        6.1 MI
        609-529-1686
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      •   Activities

        Clarke House
        0.0 MI
        609-921-0074
        View >
      •   Activities

        Institute for Advanced Study (Woods)
        0.4 MI
        609-734-8000
        View >
      •   Activities

        Drumthwacket
        0.6 MI
        973-204-2860
        View >
      •   Activities

        Historical Society of Princeton
        0.8 MI
        609-921-6748
        View >
      •   Activities

        D&R Greenway Land Trust
        1.1 MI
        609-578-7470
        View >
      •   Activities

        McCarter Theatre Center for the Performing Arts
        1.3 MI
        609-258-6500
        View >
      •   Activities

        Princeton Canoe & Kayak Rental
        1.3 MI
        609-452-2403
        View >
      •   Activities

        Morven Museum & Garden
        1.3 MI
        609-924-8144
        View >
      View More +