Road Trip from Belleville to Morristown: Museums, Parks, and Landmarks to Visit
Are you planning a road trip in New Jersey? If so, don't forget to add Belleville and Morristown to your list. These two cities are full of historical landmarks, beautiful parks, and world-class museums. In this blog post, we will guide you through the top attractions you can explore while driving from Belleville to Morristown.
Interesting Fact
The trip from Belleville to Morristown is approximately 28 miles long. It should take you around 40 minutes to drive, but it can take longer depending on traffic. However, we recommend that you plan to spend a full day in this area so that you can soak up all that it has to offer.
Livingston
As you make your way from Belleville to Morristown, you will pass through Livingston, NJ, which is about halfway between the two cities. Livingston is a quaint township that provides a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city. It has numerous notable public and private institutions, including the Essex County Courthouse and the Livingston Mall.
Length of the Trip
The total length of the trip from Belleville to Morristown is approximately 28 miles, which should take you around 40 minutes to drive. However, if you plan to stop and explore the places we recommend in this post fully, we suggest planning for a full day of adventure.
Top Five Places to Visit
- Montclair Art Museum - One of the best places to visit in the area is the Montclair Art Museum, home to a wide range of American and Native American art. Founded in 1914, the museum features more than 12,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs. You can spend hours here, admiring the diverse collection that tells the story of the American art scene.
Recommended point of interest: The museum is set in a beautiful park with walking trails, fountains, and benches, making it the perfect place to unwind after your visit to the museum.
- Frelinghuysen Arboretum - If you are a nature lover, you should visit the Frelinghuysen Arboretum, a 127 acres nature reserve located in Morris Township. The park serves as a natural recreational oasis and provides a window into the past by showcasing the natural beauty of New Jersey. It features over 10 distinct gardens, walking trails, sitting areas, and a gorgeous lake.
Recommended point of interest: Don't miss the Japanesque garden, a Zen-inspired garden showcasing Japanese aesthetics and design principles, including tranquility, harmony, and balance.
- Thomas Edison National Historical Park - Located in West Orange, the Thomas Edison National Historical Park is a must-visit. The park preserves the home and laboratory of the famous inventor and offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the groundbreaking work of this brilliant man. Exhibits include an array of tools, inventions, and memorabilia associated with Edison, including early phonographs, electric lights, and batteries.
Recommended point of interest: Take a guided tour of the laboratory and learn about Edison's innovations in electricity, communications, and sound recording.
- Jockey Hollow - If you are looking for outdoor activities in Morristown, be sure to check out Jockey Hollow. The park is a National Historic Park that preserves an entirely preserved revolutionary war encampment. A designated national Dark Sky Park, Jockey Hollow is an oasis of peace from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
Recommended point of interest: The park offers several miles of hiking trails and interpretation centers where you can learn about the American Revolution and life in the valley during the winter of 1779-80.
- Ford Mansion - The Ford Mansion, also known as Washington's Headquarters, is one of the most historically significant meeting places of the American Revolution. The mansion was home to George Washington and served as his headquarters during the winter months of 1779-1780 as the revolutionary army camped in Jockey Hollow. Today, it serves as a museum dedicated to the legacy of George Washington and the birth of the United States.
Recommended point of interest: Don't miss the Revolutionary, the new America's interactive exhibit, which provides an in-depth look at the events that led up to the American Revolution and the perseverance of the Continental Army.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are planning a road trip from Belleville to Morristown, there is no shortage of amazing places to explore along the way. You can immerse yourself in history, art, and nature by visiting the Montclair Art Museum, Frelinghuysen Arboretum, Thomas Edison National Historical Park, Jockey Hollow, and the Ford Mansion. We hope that this blog post has inspired you to embark on your journey, make a day of it, and uncover the stories that make New Jersey's history so unique and compelling.