New Jersey Travel Guide - New Jersey 2026 Official Travel Guide
Commemorating America’s 250th
2026-01-28 11:08:57
As the country celebrates its Semiquincentennial, New Jersey is taking its rightful place as the most important state in the Revolutionary story through programs and celebrations across the state.
New Jersey is known as “The Crossroads of the American Revolution.” Strategically located between New York and Philadelphia, New Jersey saw more battles, skirmishes and conflicts between 1776 and 1783 than any other colony. From the Crossing of the Delaware on Christmas night to final victory with the signing of the Treaty of Paris, no other state contributed more to the birth of the United States. Today, discover dozens of historic sites and landmarks and a 2026 calendar jam-packed with reenactments, fireworks and festivals. As America kicks off its 250th anniversary, New Jersey is once again leading the way.
10 Must-See Historical Sites
FORT LEE HISTORIC PARK, Fort Lee In the autumn of 1776, British soldiers attacked these heights along Hudson River Palisades, forcing the Continental Army to desperately retreat south. Today, this cliff-top park offers incredible views, a reconstructed Revolutionary encampment and an artifact-filled Visitor Center.
WASHINGTON CROSSING STATE PARK, Titusville On Christmas night 1776, General Washington dared to cross the ice-choked Delaware River into New Jersey and went on to win “Ten Crucial Days” of surprise victories. Explore a new state-of-the-art Visitor Center (opening this spring). Enjoy commanding views of the Delaware, exhibits, films, community events and a museum shop.
OLD BARRACKS MUSEUM, Trenton As a witness to the two Battles of Trenton, the Old Barracks housed Hessian troops defeated in Washington’s surprise attack. It later served as a military hospital for American troops. Today, it’s a National Historic Landmark offering tours and events on a regular basis.
PRINCETON BATTLEFIELD STATE PARK, Princeton Immediately following the Battle of Trenton, George Washington won his first victory over British regulars here. Tour the historic Clarke House, used as a field hospital, follow trails with new interpretive signage, and pay your respects at the grand Colonnade memorial and nearby soldiers’ gravesite.
RED BANK BATTLEFIELD PARK, National Park In 1777, American forces successfully defeated Hessian forces who crossed the river from Philadelphia and attacked this fort. Walk riverfront trails with dedicated monuments, and explore the home and gardens of Quaker colonists.
MONMOUTH BATTLEFIELD STATE PARK, Manalapan In the summer of 1778, Americans and British clashed here in the longest, largest and hottest battle of the war. Tour an award-winning visitor center to learn more about this epic struggle and walk in the footsteps of patriots through farmlands and forests.
WALLACE HOUSE & OLD DUTCH PARSONAGE, Somerville This stately country home served as Washington’s winter 1778 headquarters during the Middlebrook Encampment. Tour the historic grounds and house for a glimpse into life during the 18th century.
MORRISTOWN NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK, Morristown The “Hard Winter” of 1779-80 was the coldest winter of the century. Tour Headquarters Museum at The Ford Mansion, then visit Jockey Hollow encampment to see reconstructed log huts that thousands of soldiers built to survive and persevere.
LIBERTY HALL MUSEUM, Union The home of the state’s first elected governor and a signer of the U.S. Constitution. See where revolutionaries, statesmen and other luminaries gathered by touring the now 50-room Victorian mansion surrounded by English parterre gardens.
INDIAN KING TAVERN MUSEUM, Haddonfield This public house and tavern was a meeting place for the patriot government and the first officially designated New Jersey Historic Site. Explore where many laws and procedures were made, and catch special events and lectures that recreate Colonial-era times.
Revolutionary Lives: Living the American Experiment Then & Now Various Locations – Through April 2027
The Power of Change: Revolutionary Stories New Jersey State Museum, Trenton – April 25, 2026–January 3, 2027
Retreat from Fort Lee Weekend Historic New Bridge Landing Park, River Edge – November 21-22, 2026
The British Invasion of NJ & American Retreat Fort Lee Historic Park, Fort Lee – November 21-22, 2026
The Christmas Day Crossing Reenactments Washington Crossing State Park, Hopewell Township – December 25, 2026 (Or the rehearsal on December 13!)
Patriots Week Various Locations, Downtown Trenton – December 26-31, 2026
Battle of Princeton Reenactment Princeton Battlefield State Park, Princeton – December 27, 2026
Set your path with The Liberty Trail New Jersey
Your free handheld guide to New Jersey’s role in the Revolution. Virtual tours and GPS-enabled maps let road trippers and history buffs explore key sites on their own schedule.