Pemberton Borough New JerseyATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Pemberton Borough, New Jersey.
1. North Pemberton Railroad Station Museum and Rail Trail
HISTORIC RAILWAY EXPERIENCE
The North Pemberton Railroad Station Museum and Rail Trail offers visitors a glimpse into the region's rich railroad history. The restored station serves as a museum displaying artifacts and exhibits that chronicle the development of rail transportation in Burlington County. Visitors can also enjoy the connected rail trail for walking and cycling through scenic landscapes.
2. Dancing Horse Farm Alpacas
FRIENDLY ALPACA ENCOUNTERS
Dancing Horse Farm Alpacas provides a unique opportunity to interact with these gentle, curious animals in a farm setting. Visitors can learn about alpaca care, fiber production, and sustainable farming practices through guided tours. The farm also features a shop where guests can purchase alpaca wool products and souvenirs.
3. Grist Mill Antiques Center
VINTAGE TREASURE HUNTING
Grist Mill Antiques Center houses an extensive collection of antiques, collectibles, and vintage items from numerous vendors. The center is located in a historic building that adds to the charm and atmosphere of the antiquing experience. Treasure hunters can spend hours browsing through furniture, jewelry, art, and unique memorabilia from various time periods.
4. Imagination Kingdom
FAMILY FUN PLAYGROUND
Imagination Kingdom is a beloved community playground designed for children of all ages and abilities. The playground features creative play structures, swings, slides, and climbing equipment in a safe, family-friendly environment. Parents can relax at nearby picnic areas while children expend energy and engage in imaginative play.
5. Pemberton Historic District
ARCHITECTURAL TIME CAPSULE
The Pemberton Historic District encompasses 94 acres with 180 contributing historic buildings that showcase the borough's rich architectural heritage. Visitors can walk through streets lined with Classical Revival, Late Victorian, and Federal-style structures that tell the story of the area's development. The district, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989, provides a well-preserved glimpse into New Jersey's past.
6. First Baptist Church
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS LANDMARK
The First Baptist Church of Pemberton, organized in 1752, stands as one of the oldest Baptist congregations in the region. The current Greek Revival building on Hanover Street was constructed in 1861 and features distinctive architectural elements of the period. Visitors appreciate both the historical significance and the serene atmosphere of this longstanding community landmark.
7. United Methodist Church
SPIRITUAL HERITAGE SITE
The United Methodist Church in Pemberton holds the distinction of being the third Methodist church founded in New Jersey, dating back to 1774. The current church building, constructed in 1895, showcases late 19th-century ecclesiastical architecture and craftsmanship. Visitors can appreciate the historical significance and beautiful design elements that have inspired the community for generations.
8. Morris Mansion and Mill
INDUSTRIAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Morris Mansion and Mill complex represents Pemberton's industrial heritage as a mill town along the Rancocas Creek. This individually listed historic property on the National Register showcases both the residential grandeur of the mansion and the functional architecture of early American industry. Visitors gain insight into the economic forces that shaped the development of Pemberton and Burlington County.
9. Pemberton Inn
HISTORIC DINING EXPERIENCE
The Pemberton Inn, built in 1839 at the southeast corner of Hanover and Elizabeth Streets, offers dining in a setting rich with local history. The inn replaced the frame Lower Tavern and has served as a gathering place for locals and visitors for nearly two centuries. Guests can enjoy meals surrounded by historical architecture and ambiance that connects them to Pemberton's past.
10. Historic Pemberton Jail
TINY PRISON LANDMARK
The tiny brick jail at the north end of Hough Street stands as a unique reminder of Pemberton's law enforcement history. This small but significant structure provides insight into 19th-century criminal justice and detention practices in small American towns. Visitors are often surprised by the compact size and simple design of this historical correctional facility.
11. Whitesbog Village
CRANBERRY HERITAGE SITE
Whitesbog Village, located near Pemberton in Browns Mills, is a historic agricultural community that played a pivotal role in cranberry cultivation and blueberry development. The preserved village includes the Whitesbog General Store, worker cottages, cranberry sorting and packing houses, and extensive cranberry bogs and blueberry fields. Visitors can explore the site through guided tours, nature walks, and special events that celebrate the agricultural innovation that occurred here.
12. Historic Smithville Park
VICTORIAN INDUSTRIAL VILLAGE
Historic Smithville Park, located near Pemberton in Eastampton, preserves the 19th-century industrial village built around H.B. Smith's woodworking mill. The 312-acre park features restored historic buildings, a working smithy demonstration, and the mansion of industrialist Hezekiah Smith. Visitors can enjoy museum exhibits, walking trails around Smithville Lake, and special events that bring the Victorian-era industrial community to life.
13. Brendan T. Byrne State Forest
PINELANDS NATURE ESCAPE
Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, formerly Lebanon State Forest, encompasses over 37,000 acres of pristine Pine Barrens ecosystem near Pemberton. The forest offers extensive trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and seasonal hunting, as well as places for camping, picnicking, and wildlife observation. Visitors can explore the unique ecology of the Pine Barrens, including rare plants, diverse wildlife, and the tea-colored waters of the region's streams and wetlands.
14. Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Outdoor Recreation
MILITARY HISTORY TOURS
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, adjacent to Pemberton, offers recreational opportunities and historical tours through its Outdoor Recreation program. Visitors can learn about military aviation history, see historic aircraft displays, and understand the base's significant role in America's defense history. The base hosts special events, including air shows and heritage celebrations that are open to the public.
15. Rancocas Creek Farm Market
LOCAL HARVEST SHOPPING
Rancocas Creek Farm Market in nearby Mount Holly showcases the agricultural bounty of Burlington County and the fertile Rancocas Creek watershed. The market features fresh produce from local farms, artisanal food products, handcrafted goods, and seasonal specialties throughout the year. Visitors enjoy the friendly atmosphere, opportunities to meet local producers, and access to fresh, sustainably grown foods from the region.