PET-FRIENDLY JOURNEYS June 30, 2023
Take a walk-through New Jersey history with your four-legged friend. Pack your walking shoes and explore these pet-friendly attractions throughout the Garden State.
North Jersey
Branch Brook Park is the largest park in the city of Newark and the first county park to be opened for public use in the United States. The original Romantic design was altered in 1900 when renowned architect Frederick Law Olmsted Sr. was commissioned, resulting in the park’s current landscape. Noted for the largest collection of cherry blossom trees in the United States, the park's 360 acres include vast lawns, playing fields, winding paths, and miles of streams, pools, and lakes. Dogs are welcome on the trails and throughout the park, but not in the buildings.
Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal, Liberty State Park
The Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal located along the waterfront of Liberty State Park was chartered in 1860 and saw upwards of 10.5 million immigrants pass through the halls as they started their new lives in New Jersey or as they traveled on to other states. Liberty State Park offers a sweeping view of the Hudson River along with wide open fields, miles of pathways, and an outdoor performance area. Dogs must always be kept on a leash during your visit.
Morristown National Historical Park
Home to America's first national historic landmark, Morristown National Historical Park, part of the National Park Service, preserves, maintains, and interprets the landscapes, archeological resources, and collections of the Continental Army winter encampments, the headquarters of General George Washington, and related Revolutionary War sites at Morristown. Dogs are welcome on the trails and throughout the park, but not in the buildings.
Paterson Great Falls National Historic Park
The park was established in 2009 to protect and interpret the innovative waterpower system and natural features of the Paterson Great Falls on the Passaic River, which powered America’s first planned industrial city. The centerpiece of this 89-acre natural historic area is the 77-feet waterfall that gushes over the rocks. Dogs are welcome on the trails and throughout the park, but not in the buildings.
Central Jersey
Battery Lewis and Navesink Military Reservation
Situated in Hartshorne Woods Park, Battery Lewis and the Navesink Military Reservation are among several different land and air-based military installations intended to defend New York Harbor and the surrounding areas. Visitors are welcome to tour Battery Lewis, the only 16-inch gun battery in New Jersey, view a WWII naval gun from the Battleship New Jersey, and explore 14 miles of extensive trails. Leashed dogs are welcome on the grounds, but not in the buildings.
Monmouth Battlefield State Park
Monmouth Battlefield State Park preserves and interprets a rural 18th-century landscape of hilly farmland and hedgerows on which the battle was waged. Fought on June 28, 1778, it was the largest single-day battle of the war with nearly 25,000 men involved. The Battle of Monmouth was the first pitched battle success of Washington's army in the war and the last major battle of the Revolution in the north. Leashed dogs are welcome on the grounds, but not in the buildings.
Coming at the end of "The Ten Crucial Days" which saw the well-known crossing of the Delaware River and two battles in Trenton, the Battle of Princeton gave Washington his first victory against the British Regulars on the field. The battle is considered the fiercest fight of its size during the American Revolution. Visitors and leashed dogs are welcome to hike the trails throughout the park and learn more about the battle.
Established in 1968, Thompson Park serves as the headquarters for the Monmouth County Park System. Thompson Park is a pivotal site in the history and development of Monmouth County, representing the evolution from eighteenth century farm to nineteenth century horse estate to twentieth century public park. The site currently stands as the most complete remaining nineteenth century horse estate in Monmouth County, an area known for the raising and racing of horses. Leashed dogs are welcome on the paved walking trails, picnic area, and in the off-leash dog park.
South Jersey
Batsto Village is a former bog iron and glassmaking industrial center dating back to the mid-1700s that reflects both agricultural and commercial enterprises that existed there during the late nineteenth century. Nestled in Wharton State Forest, the historic site offers several hiking trails and is surrounded by rivers, streams, and numerous lakes and ponds for canoeing. Leashed dogs are welcome on the grounds, but not in the buildings.
Fort Mott State Park, the southern anchor for the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail, was constructed in 1896 in readiness for the Spanish-American War. Visitors, along with leashed dogs, can explore Fort Mott to see its emplacements and magazines along an interactive trail that allows for impressive views of the Delaware River.
Historic Cold Spring Village is New Jersey’s largest open-air museum, with 27 buildings recreating life in the 1800s. Take a stroll along 30 acres of shaded lanes, enjoy the gardens, and learn from historically clothed interpreters. Leashed dogs are welcome on the grounds, but not in the buildings.
Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum
The Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum is in restored Hangar No. 1 at Cape May Airport. From 1943 to 1945, NASW served as an active dive-bomber squadron training facility for Naval aviators during World War II. The hangar has been transformed into an Aviation Museum that houses several aircraft, special exhibits, and educational interactive displays. Leashed dogs are welcome to explore the hangar with you.
Please note, this list consists of sites that are open year-round. There are more places to explore with your furry friends! As you plan, please check with the site itself before planning a visit.