15 Best Historical Places in New Jersey
Even though New Jersey doesn’t have as many historical places or landmarks as New York, this state is known as the Crossroads of the Revolution with over 100 battles taking place here.
Before stepping foot in the Garden State, I had a preconceived notion that New Jersey didn’t have much to showcase other than providing easy access to New York City if you didn’t want to drive.
However, New Jersey has plenty of things to offer including history, a unique food culture, music scene, and charming beach towns.
History has a strong base here, yet no one talks about it. But if you’re looking to get your history lesson in while you’re in New Jersey, these unique spots may be worth checking out.
Don’t let this state fly under your radar when planning weekend getaways or road trips.
Here are some of the best historical places in New Jersey.
Historical Places with Their Own Charm in NJ
1. Batsto Village
In the South Central Pinelands of New Jersey, Batsto Village is rooted in the past with 19th century buildings and a scenic backdrop.
Although the historic site provides you the opportunity to learn about years of American history, two and half centuries in fact, it is also a great place to walk with your dog.
Take the time to stop by the visitor center and learn about how this cute village began. There are several shops you can visit including the gift shop where you can pick up locally made products like honey.
To have access to all of Batsto Village, the spring and the summer is the best time to explore.
Address: 31 Batsto Rd, Hammonton, NJ 08037
2. Boxwood Hall State Historic Site
If the bright red color of this colonial building didn’t immediately catch your eye, the condition of the house will with a newly renovated exterior. You probably won’t know that this house was built in the 18th century until joining a tour inside.
Every part of the Boxwood Hall screams Williamsburg with the antique furniture, worn out portraits of people, and wooden floors that squeak when you walk on them.
The reason why this house became one of the top historical places in New Jersey is for its connection with the Founding Father, Elias Boudinot, who was not only a lawyer but the president of the Continental Congress from 1782 to 1783.
If you love the Hamilton musical on Broadway, this site might be of interest to you since Alexander Hamilton briefly stayed here while attending Elizabethtown Academy.
Address: 1073 E Jersey St, Elizabeth, NJ 07201
3. Waterloo Village Historic Site
If you ever wanted to explore a place that looks like it came straight out of a fairytale, the Waterloo Village gives that exact vibe with quaint 19th century buildings on Morris Canal.
You will also find an abundance of wildflowers and wildlife that just seem to compliment this historic site well. This historically significant place became a central hub for commerce, education, and even worship.
It even underwent a name change from Andover Forge Farm to the tourist destination that it is today. While there is so much more history on this place, you may be wondering what exactly is there to do here besides look at historic buildings?
The Waterloo Village holds special events like concerts and even has the perfect aesthetic for a memorable wedding day. Look into visiting the Winakung, a native woodland forest that gives you the opportunity to learn about how the Lenape, a tribe of indigenous people lived.
Address: Waterloo Rd, Stanhope, NJ 07874
4. Hancock House Historic Site
If you manage to make it to this historical site around a holiday or special event, you will have more of an opportunity to gain more insight into the history of this house, whether through ghost tours or specialized tours.
The Hancock House may be older than most of the houses in New Jersey, but this one seems to hold up quite well with the streamline of tours.
This house was built by William and Sarah, a well-known Quaker family.
While the house is interesting on its own with a Quaker-style pattern and brickwork, the history seems to overtake the house as it was the location where a British-led massacre took place during the American Revolution.
Group tours are available by reservation.
Address: 3 Front St, Hancocks Bridge, NJ 08038
5. Princeton Battlefield State Park
Step into one of the most important eras of history for America at the Princeton Battlefield State Park. It’s at this park where you can experience a historical reenactment of a battle that took place during the American Revolutionary War.
You can easily spend all day here listening to guides provide insights into the historic war or hike a number of trails. It is ultimately a quiet rest place for people who just want a little escape from central New Jersey.
Don’t forget to check out the cool suspension bridge!
There is limited parking, so make sure to come early on in the day.
Address: 500 Mercer Rd, Princeton, NJ 08540
6. Twin Lights State Historic Site
One of the most unique places in New Jersey with historical significance, Twin Lights is a beautiful lighthouse with two towers, both of which can be climbed.
Once you climb the lighthouse and reach the top, there is a stunning view of New York City and the Jersey Shore.
But if you show up for more than the panoramic views, you can schedule a tour and check out the interactive exhibits that will keep your kids entertained.
What really jumpstarted optics in the US was the installation of the Fresnel lenses at the original Twin Lights, and it greatly helped with harbor safety.
Depending on what time of year you decide to climb the lighthouse that looks like a castle, the cost will vary.
Don’t forget to visit their museum!
Address: 2 Light House Rd, Highlands, NJ 07732
7. East Jersey Old Town Village
This open-air museum forces you to take a step back in time to the colonial period with restored and replica buildings from the 1700’s and the 1800’s.
This historic site is free to the public with eye-catching exhibits that authentically portray how people lived back then.
There is the option to take a guided walking tour if you want to know more about this site beyond the plaques dotted throughout.
Did you know that Middlesex County is the oldest county in New Jersey?
The East Jersey Old Town Village perfectly captures the extensive history of this area with historical architecture, a reenactment of the American Revolution, and even old printing presses.
Address: 1050 River Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854
8. Historic Walnford
Historic Walnford may be the best restored family farm in the Garden state with cute houses and barns that depict the evolution of the Waln family over two centuries.
You can easily tell as you walk on the grounds that the village was once industrial but eventually turned into a lavish country estate.
The best time to visit the historic Walnford site is during the weekends when they do demonstrations of how the mill worked.
While most people come for the fascinating history, don’t shy away from enjoying nature by having a picnic outside. Visit their website for exclusive events that are free.
Address: 62 Walnford Rd, Allentown, NJ 08501
9. 1719 William Trent House Museum
This Georgian architecture-style home was not only the residence to William Trent, the founder of the town, Trenton, but was also the home of several Governors.
Since this museum also has a garden, the best times to visit are during the spring and summer when the flowers and other plant species come alive.
This is one of the historical places in New Jersey where you will have to take a guided tour if you want to explore the house. But you don’t need to make a reservation in advance.
I personally wouldn’t go out of your way to visit this historic site as there are other places in New Jersey that will give you more things to do for less money.
However, if you happen to be in the area, the William Trent House may be worth stopping at.
Address: 15 Market St, Trenton, NJ 08611
10. Dey Mansion Washington’s Headquarters
Possibly the coolest historic place on this list, this Georgian mansion served as a base for George Washington during the Revolutionary War.
It is also one of the few headquarters of George Washington that are still standing today.
From the layout of the mansion and gardens to the beautiful display of furniture in each room, you could easily spend all day here in complete awe.
If the charm isn’t enough to pull you in, they have plenty of unique historic artifacts and exhibits that help you wrap your head around the captivating history of this site.
I would recommend taking a tour as you may miss out on interesting information about the mansion.
Address: 199 Totowa Rd, Wayne, NJ 07470
11. Morris County Historical Society
With a strong connection to the Suffrage Movement, this stunning home also known as the Acorn Hall is not only dripping with history but also antique furniture with a manicured garden.
They also recently renovated the exterior of the home to further capture the historical period.
When visiting, you receive a glimpse into the lifestyle of the early to late 90s through a helpful tour guide that tells you more about the families who lived there.
This historic site doesn’t usually have a wait time and entry into the house is around $6-10.
Address: 68 Morris Ave, Morristown, NJ 07960
12. Historic Cold Spring Village
Want to know how the first few years of American Independence felt like?
The Cold Spring Village in Cape May might just be the place to visit with their number of colorful houses and workers that engage in activities that people did back then.
This village kind of reminded me of Williamsburg with a number of buildings as well as food and drink options that could easily make you spend all day here.
One of the hidden gems of Cold Spring Village that you might not want to skip is their brewery, which has the best selection of beers in the area.
Depending on when you visit, the entry fee may change, so I would check their website for the latest price.
Address: 735 Seashore Rd, Cape May, NJ 08204
13. Easton Tower
What used to be housing for a water pump, this unique tower is one of the best historical places in New Jersey to explore if you want to blend a little bit of history with the beautiful nature backdrop.
Right next to the Saddle River, the land where this tower stands used to be the estate owned by Edward D. Easton, a legendary figure in the technological field.
This park is also a good place to take photos for important events like engagement or for future mothers where you might want to spice up your photoshoots.
Address: Easton Tower, Red Mill Rd, Paramus, NJ 07652
14. Ringwood Manor
Located inside the Ringwood State Park, this truly captivating manor is a great place to dabble in a bit of history and attend special events.
This historic site once served as the home of prestigious ironmasters that spans over many centuries.
One of the best tours to attend at the manor is the Halloween tour at night where they take you through the cemetery with lanterns to evoke an extra spooky vibe.
They do close the manor to tours during the winter but make sure to visit their website in the spring for when they start doing tours again.
However, if you don’t have time to take a tour of the Ringwood Manor, you can still freely walk around and go at your own pace.
Address: 1304 Sloatsburg Rd, Ringwood, NJ 07456
15. Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park
If you’re looking to visit a historical place that retains its beauty in all seasons, this waterfall park is the perfect place to go.
With a 77-foot waterfall that sent the water-power development in motion, there’s no doubt that this park carries a lot of importance for New Jersey.
This scenic and dog-friendly park is right in the middle of the Garden state, but it doesn’t feel like it with an overwhelming number of sounds from nature that reside here.
They do not have an entry fee for the Great Falls of the Passaic River, but it is encouraged to donate to help them keep the park in pristine condition.
Here are the directions to the Paterson Great Falls.
Address: 72 McBride Ave Ext, Paterson, NJ 07501
Final Thoughts: Historical Places in New Jersey
New Jersey served as an important place for the American Revolution and the historic sites still standing today reflect that on a bigger scale than I could ever imagine.
When people think of New Jersey, they probably assume that Atlantic City is the only place that offers a range of things to do, whether you’re a history buff or not.
However, New Jersey is full of cities, cute towns, and significant historical sites that paved the way for America’s history.
Discover even more beautiful places to explore below: