Caldwell New JerseyATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Caldwell, New Jersey.
1. The Grover Cleveland Birthplace
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORICAL SITE
The Grover Cleveland Birthplace is the historic site where President Grover Cleveland, the 22nd and 24th President of the United States, spent the first four years of his life. This preserved birthplace offers visitors a glimpse into 19th century life and the early years of one of America's presidents. The site has historical significance, having been visited by Herbert Hoover and his wife during the 1928 Presidential campaign.
2. Parkside Gardens
PEACEFUL URBAN GREENSPACE
Parkside Gardens is a beautiful green space in Caldwell that offers residents and visitors a tranquil escape from urban life. The gardens feature well-maintained landscaping and seasonal plantings that change throughout the year. This community space provides a perfect setting for quiet contemplation, outdoor reading, or enjoying a pleasant afternoon.
3. Kiwanis Oval
COMMUNITY SPORTS VENUE
Kiwanis Oval is a popular sports and recreation venue in Caldwell that hosts various community athletic events throughout the year. The oval features facilities for multiple sports and serves as a gathering place for local tournaments and casual play. This venue has become an integral part of Caldwell's recreational infrastructure, bringing together residents of all ages.
4. Lisa Palombo Studios
FINE ART GALLERY
Lisa Palombo Studios is a renowned art gallery showcasing the works of talented artists from the region and beyond. The studio offers a diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, and mixed media pieces in various styles and themes. Visitors can appreciate the rotating exhibitions and even participate in art workshops and events hosted at the venue.
5. Chabad of The Caldwells
JEWISH CULTURAL CENTER
Chabad of The Caldwells serves as an important cultural and religious center for the Jewish community in the area. The center offers educational programs, religious services, and community events throughout the year. Visitors of all backgrounds are welcome to learn about Jewish traditions and participate in cultural celebrations.
6. Caldwell Public Library
HISTORIC CARNEGIE LIBRARY
The Caldwell Public Library is a historic Carnegie library that opened in 1908 and remains one of only 20 Carnegie libraries still standing in New Jersey. The library combines historical architecture with modern amenities, offering a wide range of books, digital resources, and community programs. In 2022, it was listed as one of New Jersey's ten most endangered historic properties by Preservation New Jersey.
7. Hemlock Falls
SCENIC NATURAL WATERFALL
Hemlock Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the South Mountain Reservation near Caldwell. The falls can be accessed via several hiking trails that wind through the beautiful natural surroundings of the reservation. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful sounds of running water and the surrounding forest ecosystem that changes with the seasons.
8. Eagle Rock Viewpoint
PANORAMIC SKYLINE VIEWS
Eagle Rock Viewpoint offers an unparalleled vista of the New York City skyline from its elevated position near Caldwell. This scenic overlook has become a popular spot for photographers, particularly at sunset when the city lights begin to twinkle in the distance. The viewpoint also serves as a place of reflection, having become a spontaneous gathering place after the September 11, 2001 attacks.
9. September 11 Memorial
SOLEMN COMMUNITY TRIBUTE
The September 11 Memorial near Caldwell stands as an evocative tribute to those lost in the 2001 terrorist attacks. The memorial was erected at Eagle Rock, a site where people naturally gathered to watch and grieve the events unfolding across the Hudson River. Visitors can reflect on the historical significance of the events while taking in views of the Manhattan skyline.
10. Rahway River at South Mountain Reservation
SCENIC RIVERSIDE TRAILS
The Rahway River flowing through South Mountain Reservation offers picturesque views and recreational opportunities near Caldwell. Trails in the reservation cross back and forth over the river, creating diverse hiking experiences that change with the seasons and water levels. Visitors can enjoy fishing, photography, or simply the peaceful ambiance of water flowing through the natural landscape.
11. Crane Tavern Historic Site
REVOLUTIONARY ERA LANDMARK
The Crane Tavern Historic Site marks the location of a Revolutionary War-era establishment that hosted Marquis de Lafayette during his 1824 visit. This historic landmark represents Caldwell's connection to America's early history and the Revolutionary period. The tavern was once a center of community life where notable celebrations and gatherings took place.
12. The Hasler Building
HISTORIC BRICK ARCHITECTURE
The Hasler Building stands as Caldwell's first brick structure, built after a devastating fire swept through Bloomfield Avenue in October 1897. Located opposite the Presbyterian Church, this historic building represents the town's resilience and architectural evolution. The building remains a notable landmark on Bloomfield Avenue, connecting modern visitors to Caldwell's past.
13. Caldwell Green
HISTORIC TOWN CENTER
Caldwell Green serves as the historic center of the borough where a replica cannon now stands in place of an original bronze dolphin handle cannon given by Marquis de Lafayette. The green has been a gathering place for community events and celebrations throughout the town's history. This public space connects residents to Caldwell's past while continuing to function as a central meeting point.
14. Brookside Avenue Historical Area
REVOLUTIONARY WAR ROUTE
The Brookside Avenue area is historically significant as the location where George Washington and his staff stopped during the Revolutionary War. They reportedly lunched at the old stone house of Saunders Sanders, one of the original settlers of Caldwell. Today, visitors can walk the same route taken by Washington and his men, connecting with an important piece of American revolutionary history.
15. South Mountain Reservation
VAST NATURAL PRESERVE
South Mountain Reservation is a sprawling 2,110-acre nature reserve located near Caldwell that offers extensive hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and outdoor recreation. The reservation features diverse ecosystems including woodlands, meadows, and the Rahway River watershed. Visitors can enjoy activities ranging from casual walks to challenging hikes, photography, picnicking, and seasonal nature programs.