Woodland Township New JerseyATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Woodland Township, New Jersey.
1. Woodland Township Walking Tour
HISTORIC COMMUNITY EXPLORATION
The Woodland Township Walking Tour offers visitors a journey through the rich history of this charming New Jersey community. Organized by the Woodland Township Historical Society, this walking tour showcases significant historical landmarks and buildings that tell the story of the area's development. Visitors can experience the local heritage firsthand while enjoying the scenic beauty of this Pine Barrens community.
2. Paterson Great Falls
HISTORIC INDUSTRIAL LANDMARK
Paterson Great Falls is a National Natural Landmark and significant historical site featuring impressive waterfalls and historic mill structures. The site was originally developed by the Society of Useful Manufacture in the late 1700s and has been recognized as a Civil Engineering Landmark. Visitors can explore the falls, learn about early American industry, and appreciate both natural beauty and industrial heritage in one location.
3. Ellis Island
GATEWAY TO AMERICA
Ellis Island served as America's primary immigration processing depot from 1892 to 1954, welcoming millions of newcomers to the United States. Part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument, this historic site offers visitors an immersive look at the immigrant experience through preserved buildings and informative exhibits. The island holds profound significance in American history as the first stop for those seeking a new life in the United States.
4. Thomas Edison National Historical Park
INVENTOR'S LABORATORY COMPLEX
Thomas Edison National Historical Park preserves the laboratory complex and residence of America's most prolific inventor, Thomas Alva Edison. Visitors can tour both the extensive laboratory facilities where Edison and his team developed countless innovations and his elegant home, Glenmont. The park offers a fascinating glimpse into the workspaces and private life of the man who gave the world the phonograph, improved light bulbs, and countless other inventions that shaped modern life.
5. Morristown National Historical Park
REVOLUTIONARY WAR HERITAGE
Morristown National Historical Park encompasses several key American Revolutionary War sites including the Ford Mansion, Jockey Hollow, Fort Nonsense, and the New Jersey Brigade Encampment Site. The park preserves locations where General Washington and the Continental Army endured harsh winter encampments during the fight for independence. Visitors can explore historic buildings, walking trails, and exhibitions that bring this pivotal period in American history to life.
6. Pequest Trout Hatchery & Natural Resource Education Center
FISH CONSERVATION SHOWCASE
The Pequest Trout Hatchery & Natural Resource Education Center gives visitors the opportunity to witness the state's Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife raise an impressive 600,000 trout annually. Located just 8 miles west of Hackettstown on Route 46, this educational facility welcomes visitors daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The center combines hands-on learning with conservation education, making it perfect for families and nature enthusiasts alike.
7. Frelinghuysen Arboretum
BOTANICAL DIVERSITY DISPLAY
Frelinghuysen Arboretum offers visitors a chance to explore an extensive collection of trees and plants in a beautifully maintained setting. Located on East Hanover Avenue in Morris Township, this horticultural gem showcases seasonal plantings, themed gardens, and educational programs throughout the year. The arboretum combines natural beauty with botanical knowledge, creating an enriching experience for garden enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
8. Willowwood Arboretum
EXPANSIVE PLANT PARADISE
Willowwood Arboretum spans 130 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds operated by the Morris County Parks Commission. Visitors can wander through diverse plant collections, woodland trails, and formal gardens that showcase botanical specimens from around the world. The arboretum provides a peaceful retreat where nature lovers can experience seasonal blooms, historic trees, and meticulously designed landscapes throughout the year.
9. Leonard J. Buck Gardens
ALPINE LANDSCAPE MASTERPIECE
Leonard J. Buck Gardens features a series of landscaped alpine and woodland gardens situated within a picturesque 33-acre valley. Located at the intersection of Liberty Corner and Layton Roads in Far Hills, this horticultural treasure is open to visitors throughout the week, with specific hours for public enjoyment. The gardens offer a unique combination of naturalistic design and rare plant specimens, making it a destination for serious gardeners and casual nature enthusiasts alike.
10. Colonial Park Arboretum
DIVERSE GARDEN EXPERIENCE
Colonial Park Arboretum encompasses 144 acres of botanical displays including the renowned Rudolf W. van der Goot Rose Garden and a dedicated fragrance and sensory garden. Operated by the Somerset County Park Commission, this horticultural destination offers visitors access to diverse plant collections and specialized garden spaces. The arboretum also features a bridal garden located near parking lot H, making it a popular venue for both casual visits and special occasions.
11. Long Hill's Big Trees Tour
CHAMPION TREE SHOWCASE
Long Hill's Big Trees Tour offers visitors the opportunity to explore the largest trees in the township, with 39 distinct species cataloged throughout the area. This self-guided experience takes nature enthusiasts to remarkable specimens that showcase the natural heritage of the region. The tour combines outdoor recreation with botanical education, highlighting the importance of preserving these majestic living monuments.
12. The Great Swamp
PROTECTED WILDLIFE HAVEN
The Great Swamp is a vast protected wetland area that serves as a critical habitat for diverse wildlife species in northern New Jersey. Visitors can explore designated trails that wind through varied ecosystems including marshes, woodlands, and meadows teeming with birds and other wildlife. This nationally recognized natural treasure offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching, nature photography, and peaceful immersion in a preserved natural environment.
13. Batsto Village
HISTORIC INDUSTRIAL COMMUNITY
Batsto Village is a well-preserved historic site showcasing an 18th and 19th-century industrial community centered around iron and glass production in the Pine Barrens. Visitors can explore more than 40 historic structures including the Batsto Mansion, gristmill, sawmill, general store, workers' homes, and various craft shops. The village offers a fascinating glimpse into early American industrial life and the unique cultural heritage of the New Jersey Pinelands.
14. Wharton State Forest
PINE BARRENS WILDERNESS
Wharton State Forest spans over 122,000 acres of protected Pine Barrens ecosystem, making it the largest single tract of land in New Jersey's state park system. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities including hiking, camping, boating, fishing, horseback riding, and wildlife observation throughout this diverse natural area. The forest features distinctive Pine Barrens ecology with its characteristic pitch pine forests, cedar swamps, tea-colored streams, and rare plant and animal species.
15. Whitesbog Village
HISTORIC AGRICULTURAL COMMUNITY
Whitesbog Village is a historic agricultural community that played a pivotal role in the development of the cultivated blueberry and cranberry industries in the United States. Visitors can explore preserved buildings including workers' cottages, the general store, schoolhouse, and agricultural structures that tell the story of this innovative farming community. The village hosts educational programs, seasonal festivals, and guided tours that highlight both the cultural heritage and natural environment of this unique Pine Barrens settlement.