New Jersey Field Trips

Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum
Offers museums and attractions in multiple countries focusing on odd and amazing things. Provides videos, details about exhibits, and their history.

Medieval Times
Exciting, family friendly dinner theater featuring an authentic medieval tournament and feast with jousting knights, and live horses.

Appalachian National Scenic Trail
The People's Path and America's First National Scenic Trail. The Appalachian Trail (A.T.) is more than 2,175-mile long footpath stretching through 14 eastern states from Maine to Georgia. Conceived in 1921 and first completed in 1937, it traverses the wild, scenic, wooded, pastoral, and culturally significant lands of the Appalachian Mountains.

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
A River and its Valley - For 40 miles the Middle Delaware River passes between low forested mountains with barely a house in sight. Then the river cuts through the mountain ridge to form the famed "Water Gap." Exiting the park, the river will run 200 miles more to Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean at Wilmington, Delaware.

Statue of Liberty National Monument & Ellis Island
Opened on January 1, 1892, Ellis Island became the nation's premier federal immigration station. In operation until 1954, the station processed over 12 million immigrant steamship passengers. The main building was restored after 30 years of abandonment and opened as a museum on September 10, 1990. Today, over 40 percent of America's population can trace their ancestry through Ellis Island.
Virtual field trip online

Gateway National Recreation Area
A Special Place - Gateway provides abundant recreational and learning opportunities, from swimming, boating and fishing to team sports, bicycling and nature study. The nation’s oldest operating lighthouse, forts that defended America, and sites that trace aviation’s early days tell significant stories. The living world can be explored in a wildlife refuge, holly forest, ocean dunes and coastal uplands.

Great Egg Harbor National Wild & Scenic & Recreational River
Starting as a trickle near Berlin, NJ, the River gradually widens as it picks up the waters of 17 tributaries on its way to Great Egg Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean. Established by Congress in 1992, nearly all of this 129-mile river system rests within the Pinelands National Reserve. This National Park Service unit is unusual in that local jurisdictions continue to administer the lands.

New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trade Route
Take the time, explore this Trail of discovery. - The Trail will show you roads less traveled where you can find historic villages, migrating eagles, and boardwalks on miles of sandy beaches. This auto-trail stretches nearly 300 miles along ’s shore and bays. Explore the Trail’s five regions and you’ll find the nation’s oldest operating lighthouse; the town where revolutionaries burned British tea; and the state’s official tall ship.

National Society of The Colonial Dames of America (NSCDA)
An organization devoted to furthering an appreciation of our national heritage through historic preservation, patriotic service and educational projects. Committed to the stewardship of its museum properties, Peachfield and the Old Schoolhouse. The Colonial Dames desire to preserve the building, lands and collections to enrich and enlighten a diverse public. The story of change at these properties will be told to encourage the understanding of architectural, agricultural and educational values through time.

Kittatinny Valley State Park - Andover
Glacial lakes, limestone outcroppings, former railroads, and a small airport are features of Kittatinny Valley State Park. Lake Aeroflex and Gardner’s Pond form part of the headwaters of the Pequest River and are excellent for fishing and boating. This scenic property is home to a variety of wildlife such as whitetail deer, wild turkey, a variety of songbirds, beaver, muskrats, and squirrels.
Virtual field trip online

Barnegat Lighthouse State Park - Barnegat Light
The site of Barnegat Lighthouse on the northern tip of Long Beach Island in Ocean County was regarded as one of the most crucial "change of course" points for coastal vessels. Vessels bound to and from New York along the New Jersey coastline depended on Barnegat Lighthouse to avoid the shoals extending from the shoreline. The swift currents, shifting sandbars, and the offshore shoals challenged the skills of even the most experienced sailor. The park is included as a maritime site on the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail.

Double Trouble State Park - Bayville
Double Trouble State Park offers an outstanding example of the Pine Barrens ecosystem and a window into the Pine Barrens history. The park provides the protection and interpretation of over 8000 acres of significant natural, cultural, and recreational resources representative of the Pinelands National Reserve.

Corson's Inlet State Park - Cape May County
Corson’s Inlet State Park was established in 1969 to help protect and preserve one of the last undeveloped tracts of land along the state’s oceanfront. The area’s natural habitats are rich in the diversity of its wildlife with primary and secondary sand dune systems, shoreline overwash, marine estuaries and upland areas in which hundreds of wildlife species live and breed. The park offers outstanding scenic beauty and endless opportunities for observing a multitude of migratory and residential wildlife species. Corson’s Inlet is extremely popular for hiking, fishing, crabbing, boating and sunbathing.

Cape May Point State Park - Cape May Point
Although Cape May Lighthouse is a major attraction for many visitors to the area, the park’s constantly changing shoreline, dunes, freshwater coastal marsh and ponds, forested islands and varied uplands make it a well-known location for viewing the fall bird migration. Located on the southern tip of New Jersey, Cape May Point State Park is a key site on the NJ Coastal Heritage Trail, with an environmental center that houses a classroom for interpretive programs and a museum on the area's natural and historic features.

Allaire State Park - Farmingdale
Allaire State Park is probably best known for its historic 19th-century ironmaking town, Allaire Village, and its antique steam trains on the Pine Creek Railroad. The Manasquan River, which winds through the park, attracts canoeists and fishermen. The river’s floodplain provides habitat for over 200 species of wildflowers, trees and plants as well as habitat for birds and other wildlife. Hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders enjoy the many trails in the park.

Voorhees State Park - Glen Gardner
Voorhees, like Parvin State Park, served as a camp for the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) - Franklin Roosevelt’s program to get people back to work during the Depression. The CCC planted trees and constructed shelters, picnic sites and trails throughout the park. Two overlooks provide scenic views of Round Valley Reservoir and Spruce Run Reservoir.

Washington Rock State Park - Green Brook Township
The strategic location of Washington Rock made it a valuable lookout point during the American Revolution for General George Washington in June of 1777 when the British army under General William Howe was moving toward Westfield. From the vantage point of this natural rock outcropping, General Washington had a thirty-mile panoramic view of the valley and was able to instruct his troops to circle behind Howe’s troops and cut off their retreat.

Allamuchy Mountain State Park - Hackettstown
The Musconetcong River, with some of the best trout fishing in the state, winds through Allamuchy Mountain State Park. Several miles of trails crisscross through the forests and marshlands of the park. Waterloo Village, which is located on the banks of the Morris Canal, is well known for its historic buildings and diverse cultural programs of classical and popular music as well as dance and opera.

Stephens State Park - Hackettstown
The Musconetcong River, an excellent freshwater fishing spot, flows over and around boulders through Stephens State Park. An easy walking, but rocky path follows the river with places for picnicking in shaded areas.

Wawayanda State Park - Hewitt

Liberty State Park - Jersey City
Historic Gateway to America - Liberty State Park is a green oasis in the middle of Metropolitan northern New Jersey. With the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island as a spectacular backdrop, Liberty State Park is one of the state's most dramatic parks.
Virtual field trip online

Hopatcong State Park - Landing
Nine miles in length and covered by 2,500 acres of freshwater, Lake Hopatcong is the focal point of the park. Hopatcong State Park is at the southwest end of the lake and is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and swimming.

Hacklebarney State Park - Long Valley
The freshwater Black River briskly cuts its way through rocky Hacklebarney State Park, cascading around boulders in the hemlock-lined ravine. Two tributaries, Rinehart and Trout Brooks, also course their way through this glacial valley, feeding the Black River. Even in the heat of midsummer, the temperature of Black River gorge is cool and refreshing.
Virtual field trip online

Monmouth Battlefield State Park - Manalapan
One of the largest battles of the American Revolution took place in the fields and forests that now make up Monmouth Battlefield State Park. The park preserves a splendid rural 18th-century landscape of hilly farmland and hedgerows that encompasses miles of hiking and horseback riding trails, picnic areas, a restored Revolutionary War farmhouse and a visitors center.
Virtual field trip online

Cheesequake State Park - Matawan
Cheesequake State Park’s uniqueness lies in its geographical location. Not only is it situated in the middle of the urban north and the suburban south, it lies in a transitional zone between two different ecosystems. Open fields, saltwater and freshwater marshes, a white cedar swamp, Pine Barrens, and a northeastern hardwood forest are the main characteristics of the park.

Morristown National Historical Park - Morristown
"The monster hunger still attended us. Here was the army starved and naked and there their country sitting still and expecting the army to do notable things." Such was the winter encampment at Morristown, New Jersey as seen by Private Joseph Plumb Martin. The village served as quarters for the Continental Army on two occasions; the winter of 1777 and again during the Hard Winter of 1779-1780.
Virtual field trip online

Pinelands National Reserve - New Lisbon
This is truly a special place. It's classified as a United States Biosphere Reserve and in 1978 was established by Congress as the country’s first National Reserve. It includes portions of seven southern New Jersey counties, and encompasses over one-million acres of farms, forests and wetlands. It contains 56 communities, from hamlets to suburbs, with over 700,000 permanent residents.

Fort Mott State Park - Pennsville
Fort Mott was part of a coastal defense system designed for the Delaware River in the late 1800s. The fortifications seen today at Fort Mott were erected in 1896 in anticipation of the Spanish-American War. Today, visitors can wander through the old batteries following interpretive signs with detailed descriptions of the fort. Just beyond the fortifications is the Delaware River. The shoreline offers good spots for walking and picnicking. The NJ Coastal Heritage Trail Welcome Center accommodates displays defining Fort Mott’s place in history and the environment.
Virtual field trip online

Parvin State Park - Pittsgrove
Hidden in the southwestern part of the state is Parvin State Park, a park whose history is as varied as its wildlife. Situated on the edge of the Pine Barrens, the park not only has pine forests typical to the area but also a swamp hardwood forest. Spring bursts out in bright colors and rich fragrances with blossoming dogwood, laurel, holly, magnolia, wild azalea and over 200 kinds of flowering plants. Thundergust Lake, Parvin Lake and Muddy Run are popular for fishing and boating. Swimming is allowed in Parvin Lake only.

Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park - Princeton
The Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park is one of central New Jersey’s most popular recreational corridors for canoeing, jogging, hiking, bicycling, fishing and horseback riding. The canal and towpath are part of the National Recreational Trail System. The 70-mile linear park is a valuable wildlife corridor connecting fields and forests.

Princeton Battlefield State Park - Princeton
On January 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 General 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 over a mile away to the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University).
Virtual field trip online

New Lisbon - Rancocas State Park
The Rancocas Creek is the idyllic setting for hiking and nature observation in this rustic park. The Audubon Society operates a nature center within the park and sponsors wildlife programs. A portion of the park is leased to the Powhatan Indians. A replica of the Indian village of the 1600s has been constructed on this site. The annual Powhatan Indian event is a festival of music, performances and crafts.

Farny State Park - Ringwood
This forested wilderness connects watershed lands and is crossed by an old logging road. Streams, mixed oak-hardwood forest and swamps comprise the park. Trail entry is through the Farny Natural Area. Split Rock Reservoir is adjacent to the park

Long Pond Ironworks State Park - Ringwood
The old stone walls, furnaces and other remnants of the once industrious ironworking community now sit tranquilly next to the swiftly flowing Wanaque River. The village is undergoing research and restoration and one waterwheel has been reconstructed. Future plans call for additional restoration work.
Virtual field trip online

Ringwood State Park - Ringwood
Facilities & Activities:Visitors center, Formal gardens, Ringwood Manor, Skylands Manor, Shepherd Lake Rec. Area, Trails, Fishing, Hunting, Picnicking, Boating/canoeing, electric motors, trailer launch, cartop launch, boat rentals, canoe rentals, Swimming, Winter sports: cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, sledding St. Luke's Chapel, Skeet Range, Trails: Hiking, Nature trails, Horseback riding, Biking, and Mountain biking.
Virtual field trip online

Skylands, the New Jersey Botanical Garden - Ringwood
You're about to discover the Garden State's hidden jewel. From the delicate shades of a tiny wildflower to the vibrant colors of massed annual plantings, Skylands is a place of beauty in any season. Here you can wander amid the elegance of formal gardens, or along gentle paths winding through the woods. Skylands is also a safe haven for unusual plant species from around the world. The garden protects and preserves these plants as their natural habitats are changed forever by progress.

Island Beach State Park - Seaside Park
Shaped by storm and tides, Island Beach State Park is a narrow barrier island stretching for 10 miles between the restless Atlantic Ocean and the historic Barnegat Bay. Island Beach is one of New Jersey's last significant remnants of a barrier island ecosystem that once existed along much of the coast and is also one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier beaches on the north Atlantic coast. Over 3,000 acres and 10 miles of coastal dunes remain almost untouched since Henry Hudson first described New Jersey's coast from the ship, the Half Moon, in 1609.

High Point State Park - Sussex
The view from High Point Monument, at 1,803 feet above sea level, is a spectacular panorama of rich farmland and forest, soft hills and lush valleys in three states. The blue line of the Delaware River divides the verdant ridges of New Jersey from those of Pennsylvania. High Point offers superb trails for hikers and skiers and quiet spots for campers and anglers.
Virtual field trip online

Swartswood State Park - Swartswood
Established in 1914 as New Jersey's first state park, Swartswood is well known for its great fishing and tranquil surroundings. Little Swartswood and Swartswood Lake were formed by glaciers thousands of years ago and are now home to a variety of fish. Both lakes have been the focus of water quality improvement efforts including invasive aquatic weed control and watershed protection.

Washington Crossing State Park - Titusville
On December 25, 1776, the icy waters of the Delaware River provided the setting for one of the pivotal events of the American Revolution. The Continental Army had little to celebrate that Christmas and seemed beat by hunger and cold. After crossing the rough winter river at night, General George Washington and the Continental Army landed at Johnson’s Ferry, at the site now known as Washington Crossing State Park. At 4 am, they began their march to Trenton where they defeated the Hessian troops in an unexpected attack. This battle was quickly followed by the Second Battle of Trenton on January 2, 1777, and the Battle of Princeton on January 3, 1777.
Virtual field trip online

Edison National Historic Site - West Orange
Imagine your day ending at sunset. Life without music, motion pictures, radio. Life without light itself. Our modern lives began at the turn of the century in West Orange, New Jersey. The Laboratory and home of Thomas Edison, stopped in time, continue to teach a new generation.