Morristown New JerseyATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Morristown, New Jersey.
1. The Frelinghuysen Arboretum
NATURAL OASIS AND GARDENS
The Frelinghuysen Arboretum is a stunning botanical garden featuring diverse plant collections and seasonal displays throughout the year. Visitors can explore the meticulously maintained grounds, which include both formal gardens and natural woodland areas. The arboretum also offers educational programs and special events for garden enthusiasts and families.
2. Jockey Hollow Visitor Center
REVOLUTIONARY WAR HISTORY
Jockey Hollow Visitor Center serves as the information hub for the historic area where Washington's Continental Army camped during the harsh winter of 1779-1780. The center features exhibits about soldier life, military strategy, and the challenges faced during this critical period of the Revolutionary War. Visitors can also access hiking trails that lead to reconstructed soldier huts and other historic sites in the park.
3. Loantaka Brook Reservation
SCENIC OUTDOOR TRAILS
Loantaka Brook Reservation offers miles of scenic trails perfect for walking, jogging, cycling, and horseback riding through beautiful natural settings. The park features well-maintained paths that wind through meadows, woodlands, and alongside the picturesque Loantaka Brook. Visitors particularly enjoy the vibrant fall foliage displays and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the seasons.
4. Morris Museum
ART AND AUTOMATION COLLECTION
The Morris Museum houses an impressive collection spanning art, science, history, and the renowned Guinness Collection of mechanical musical instruments and automata. As the second-largest museum in New Jersey, it offers engaging exhibits that appeal to visitors of all ages. The museum's mechanical musical instruments and automaton demonstrations are particularly popular attractions that bring historical technology to life.
5. Morristown National Historical Park
REVOLUTIONARY WAR LANDMARK
Morristown National Historical Park preserves sites associated with George Washington and the Continental Army during the American Revolution, including the headquarters where Washington spent two crucial winters. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing troop formations, movements, and military strategy that shaped America's fight for independence. The park encompasses multiple historic sites including Ford Mansion, Jockey Hollow, and the Washington Headquarters Museum.
6. Ford Mansion and Museum
WASHINGTON'S WINTER HEADQUARTERS
Ford Mansion served as General George Washington's headquarters during the winter of 1779-1780, representing a crucial period in Revolutionary War history. The carefully preserved Georgian-style mansion offers guided tours that showcase period furnishings and the living conditions of Washington and his staff. Connected to the Washington Headquarters Museum, the site provides comprehensive insight into military life and the strategic decisions made during this pivotal winter encampment.
7. Macculloch Hall Historical Museum & Gardens
HISTORIC HOME AND GARDENS
Macculloch Hall Historical Museum & Gardens has been a significant part of the local community for over 200 years, first as the home of George and Louisa Macculloch and now as a preserved historical site. The Federal-style mansion features period rooms, decorative arts, and an impressive collection of works by political cartoonist Thomas Nast. The surrounding gardens, among the oldest in the state, offer a peaceful retreat with beautiful plantings and historic landscape design.
8. Lewis Morris Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Lewis Morris Park offers extensive outdoor recreational opportunities across its 1,000+ acres of diverse landscapes. The park features numerous trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, as well as picnic facilities, athletic fields, and a lake for fishing. Visitors can enjoy seasonal activities including sledding in winter and vibrant foliage displays in autumn.
9. Historic Speedwell
BIRTHPLACE OF TELEGRAPH
Historic Speedwell preserves the restored estate of Stephen Vail, where the first successful demonstration of the telegraph took place in 1838. This National Historic Landmark offers a glimpse into life during the early years of the Industrial Revolution through its preserved buildings and demonstrations. Visitors can explore the factory building where Samuel F.B. Morse and Alfred Vail perfected the electromagnetic telegraph, revolutionizing global communications.
10. St. Peter's Church of Morristown
HISTORIC GOTHIC ARCHITECTURE
St. Peter's Church of Morristown is a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture dating back to the 19th century. The church features beautiful stained glass windows, intricate woodwork, and an impressive pipe organ that enhances its historical and cultural significance. As an active Episcopal parish, the church continues to serve the community while welcoming visitors interested in its architectural beauty and history.
11. The Morristown Green
HISTORIC TOWN CENTER
The Morristown Green is a historic 2.5-acre park that has served as the town's central gathering place since the early 18th century. During the Revolutionary War, the Green was used for military drills, and today it hosts community events, festivals, and a popular Christmas celebration. Surrounded by shops, restaurants, and historic buildings, the Green remains the heart of downtown Morristown's vibrant atmosphere.
12. Mayo Performing Arts Center
PREMIER ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
Mayo Performing Arts Center is housed in a beautifully restored 1937 theater that now serves as northern New Jersey's premier performing arts venue. The center hosts approximately 200 performances annually, including concerts, Broadway shows, dance performances, and comedy acts featuring world-class talent. With its intimate setting and excellent acoustics, the theater provides an exceptional cultural experience for residents and visitors alike.
13. Morristown Farmers Market
LOCAL PRODUCE AND CRAFTS
The Morristown Farmers Market brings together local farmers, artisans, and food vendors every Sunday during the growing season in the heart of downtown. Visitors can browse fresh, locally-grown produce, handmade crafts, baked goods, and specialty food items while enjoying the community atmosphere. The market emphasizes sustainable agriculture and supports the local economy while providing a vibrant shopping experience.
14. Wick Farm
COLONIAL AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE
Wick Farm is a restored 18th-century farmstead located within Jockey Hollow that offers visitors insight into colonial agricultural practices during the Revolutionary War period. The farm features a historic house, barn, and gardens that demonstrate the self-sufficient lifestyle of early American settlers. Interpretive exhibits explain how the farm supported Continental Army troops during the winter encampment of 1779-1780.
15. Olde Mill Inn
HISTORIC LODGING EXPERIENCE
The Olde Mill Inn is a charming historic hotel located just outside Morristown that combines colonial charm with modern amenities. Originally built around a 18th-century grain mill, the inn now offers elegant accommodations, fine dining at the Grain House Restaurant, and is a popular venue for weddings and events. Visitors appreciate its convenient location near Morristown's historical attractions while enjoying its picturesque setting and warm hospitality.