The Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Boonton, New Jersey and Ridgefield, New Jersey
Many travelers love road trips for the freedom and adventure they offer. If you're planning a road trip from Boonton, NJ, to Ridgefield, NJ, there are several exciting activities, destinations, and sights worth seeing along the way. From nature parks and hiking trails to art galleries and museums, there's something for everyone. The halfway point between these two towns is Totowa, NJ, a small town known for its historical sites, parks, and gardens.
1. Visit Thomas Edison National Historical Park
If you're a history buff or appreciate science and technology, a visit to the Thomas Edison National Historical Park in West Orange, NJ, is a must. This park is home to the laboratory and the estate of Thomas Edison, one of the most famous inventors in American history. Visitors can tour the preserved laboratory and see the equipment used by Edison himself to invent the phonograph, the motion picture camera, and the electric light bulb. There is also a museum that showcases Edison's life and legacy.
Interesting Fact: Thomas Edison created more than 1,000 patents.
2. Hike and Explore at South Mountain Reservation
South Mountain Reservation is a perfect nature getaway for those who want to escape city life and breathe some fresh air. This reservation is a 2,112-acre nature reserve located in the heart of Essex County, NJ, and is home to several hiking trails, picnic areas, horseback riding trails, and a scenic waterfall. Visitors can enjoy bird watching, deer spotting, fishing, and exploring the many ecological and historical features of this reservation.
Interesting Fact: The South Mountain Reservation is home to several species of rare birds, including the Eastern Screech Owl.
3. Admire Art at the Montclair Art Museum
The Montclair Art Museum is one of the most prominent art museums in New Jersey and is located in Montclair, NJ, just a few miles away from the Thomas Edison National Historical Park. This museum is home to a vast collection of American and Native American art, ranging from paintings, sculptures, photographs, and decorative objects. Visitors can attend various art exhibits and events that feature local and international artists.
Interesting Fact: The Montclair Art Museum has one of the largest collections of Native American art in the country.
4. Explore Liberty State Park
Liberty State Park is a beautiful waterfront park located in Jersey City, NJ, overlooking the New York Harbor and the famous Statue of Liberty. This park offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and is a perfect place for outdoor activities such as biking, jogging, picnicking, and fishing. Visitors can take a ferry tour of the statue of liberty and see the historic Ellis Island immigration museum.
Interesting Fact: Liberty State Park was a former industrial site that was converted into a recreational park in 1976.
5. Discover the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park
The Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park is a little-known natural wonder located in Paterson, NJ, a city with an industrial history. This park is home to the Great Falls, a 77-foot-high waterfall that flows into a massive crevasse, and the reason why the city was named the "Silk City." Visitors can see the restored mill buildings, the raceway, and the canal system that was once used to power the factories in the area.
Interesting Fact: Alexander Hamilton chose the site of the Paterson Great Falls to be the first planned industrial city in America.
Conclusion
Overall, a road trip from Boonton, NJ, to Ridgefield, NJ, can be a fun and informative experience, packed with exciting destinations and activities. You can choose to visit one of the locations listed above or make a whole day out of exploring all of them. This trip takes approximately an hour and a half to complete, covering a distance of around 42 miles. So, don't miss out on your chance to embark on an adventurous journey through some of the most notable landmarks of New Jersey.