Discovering New Jersey’s Rich History and Iconic Landmarks

Embark on a three-day exploration of New Jersey’s vibrant history and iconic landmarks. Begin at Liberty State Park, where the Manhattan skyline unfolds before boarding a ferry to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, delving into the immigrant experience. Enjoy lunch with panoramic views at Liberty House before exploring the restored Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal and the poignant Empty Sky Memorial. In Hoboken, dine at the historic Elysian Cafe. Day two brings a journey through Thomas Edison National Historical Park in West Orange and Morristown’s Revolutionary War sites, including Washington’s Headquarters and Fosterfields Living Historical Farm. Conclude with day three’s visits to the United States Golf Association Museum and Library, Washington Crossing State Park, and Trenton’s State House and museums, highlighting the state’s rich cultural and historical tapestry.

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New Jersey Historic Attractions at a glance:

  • Explore the Ellis Island National Immigration Museum
  • Visit the newly renovated Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal Building
  • Learn about America’s most famous inventor at Thomas Edison National Historical Park
  • Learn about historic Morristown National Historical Park
  • See the cultural treasures in the New Jersey State Museum

Day-to-Day New Jersey Itinerary

Day 1 of Things to Do in New Jersey

From Liberty State Park in Jersey City, view the New York City skyline along the harborside promenade and then board a Statue Cruises ferry for the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island National Immigration Museum. Exhibits at Ellis Island tell the stories of newcomers who passed through its halls, the main point of entry for millions of immigrants from 1892-1954.

After returning from the Statue of Liberty to the state park, have lunch at the group-friendly Liberty House, where the food matches the incredible views. Then visit the newly renovated Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal Building, restored to its 1889 architectural beauty.

Two-thirds of Ellis Island arrivals started their new lives via the CRRNJ Terminal, settling in New Jersey or traveling on to other states. Stop at the Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial adjacent to the CRRNJ building. The memorial is dedicated to the 749 New Jerseyans killed at the World Trade Center in the September 11, 2001, attacks.

Return to your hotel for rest and relaxation before heading to Hoboken’s Castle Point area along the Hudson River with stunning views of Manhattan’s skyscrapers. Dine at the Elysian Cafe, a French-style bistro and the oldest continually operated bar/restaurant in Hoboken.

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Day 2 of Historic Attractions in New Jersey

On Main Street in West Orange, groups learn about America’s most famous inventor at Thomas Edison National Historical Park. See Edison’s library/office, a stock room, machine shop, music room and various inventions in the Laboratory Complex, where the first incandescent light bulb, phonograph and commercially viable motion picture camera were developed. Glenmont, the family’s 29-room, Queen Anne-style mansion, has original furnishings. Its landscaped grounds include the stables, barn, greenhouse and graves of Edison and wife Mina.

After lunch, head to Morristown, home of Morristown National Historical Park, which preserves the site of the 1779-1780 winter encampment of Gen. George Washington’s army during the Revolutionary War. Groups can see the mansion where he lived with his wife (closed for renovation at press time), view exhibits in Washington’s Headquarters Museum and Library, visit the site of Fort Nonsense and tour the Wick House, a farmhouse where the Wick family hosted several Patriot officers.

Another possibility is a visit to Morristown, where groups can stop at Fosterfields Living Historical Farm. Visit with the cows, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, horses, ducks and turkeys that live on the farm. Visitors can help with tasks like butter churning, corn cracking, collecting eggs and feeding chickens. They also can tour The Willows, the 1854 Gothic Revival home built by Gen. Joseph Warren Revere, a grandson of Paul Revere.

Day 3 for Final New Jersey Activities

Start your day driving to Titusville (about 60 miles from East Rutherford) and pay a visit to the visitor center museum at Washington Crossing State Park. Featuring over 500 artifacts from the American Revolution, the park tells the story of Gen. George Washington’s ambitious Christmas night crossing of the icy Delaware River on the march to Trenton. Galleries focus on New Jersey’s role in the Revolution and “The Ten Crucial Days” surrounding Washington’s Crossing and the Battles of Trenton and Princeton.  In the auditorium, view the film “The Ten Crucial Days: The Road to Liberty.” (Plans for a new visitor center, set for completion in time for the nation’s semi-quincentennial in 2026, are in the works.)

Have lunch at Erini Restaurant in Ewing Township. Erini’s contemporary, Mediterranean-infused menu is served in an upscale yet casual atmosphere by the Delaware River.

This afternoon in Trenton at the state capital, tour the gold-domed New Jersey State House and marvel at the art and architectural beauty of the rotunda and legislative chambers. Then visit the New Jersey State Museum, a treasure house of fine arts, cultural history, natural science (including planetarium shows) and archaeological finds. Exhibits showcase everything from Native American artifacts and Civil War-era flags to mastodon skeletons and prehistoric fossils.

Another option is to visit the Old Barracks Museum. Constructed in 1758, the restored officers’ quarters, soldiers’ barrack rooms and hospital room were first occupied by British troops in the French and Indian War, then by Hessian and Continental Army soldiers during the Revolutionary War. Historical interpreters portray doctors, nurses and soldiers who describe the Battles of Trenton and medical techniques of the day. Admire the many elaborate Victorian homes on a drive through some of Trenton’s seven historic districts.

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