If you’re looking for things to do in northern New Jersey, consider a trip to Liberty State Park in Jersey City. This spectacular park offers breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline and is a dramatic setting in which to enjoy a number of outdoor recreational activities.

Liberty State Park is a 1,212-acre green oasis in the midst of metropolitan Hudson County, New Jersey. This Jersey City park offers a vast array of fun things to do for visitors of all ages. Miles of walkways offer an excellent setting for walking, biking (you can rent them at the park), jogging, or rollerblading. Get some exercise in at the parkour course along Freedom Way. Enjoy a guided Segway tour! Let the kids burn off some energy at one of several playgrounds located in the park. Due to its close proximity to the water, there is nearly always a breeze at Liberty State Park which makes it a fantastic location for flying a kite. Pack a picnic lunch and dine al fresco (or purchase your lunch at one of the numerous food concessions or restaurants located throughout Liberty State Park)!

Despite the fact that Liberty State Park is located in one of the most densely populated areas of New Jersey, the park is a stunning place to enjoy the natural beauty of the Hudson River Estuary. The south side of the park features a canoe and kayak launch and canoe/kayak tours highlighting the local wildlife and habitats of Caven Point embark regularly from this location. Liberty State Park is an excellent venue for bird watching as well. The natural area of the park features hiking trails and guided nature walks are offered on a frequent basis. Of course, the waterfront location of Liberty State Park makes it a great place for fishing and crabbing.

The Interpretive Center at Liberty State Park is an environmental and historical education facility located on Freedom Way. Open throughout the year, the center features exhibits focusing on the natural history and ecology of the Hudson River Estuary and offers programs for the general public that are suitable for all ages, as well as for for school and community groups.

Of course, one of the things that Liberty State Park is most famous for is its close proximity to the Statue of Liberty. In fact, Liberty State Park is the only location in New Jersey with ferry service to the Statue of Liberty and neighboring Ellis Island, making it an excellent New Jersey destination for those who wish to learn more about our nation’s history.

Another historic site located within Liberty State Park is the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal. From 1892 through 1954, this Jersey City railroad terminal was the setting for one of America’s most dramatic stories: the immigration European immigrants into the United States. After being processed at Ellis Island, these immigrants boarded trains at the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal that took them to new homes throughout the United States.

Liberty Science Center is located on the west side of the park and is an exciting place to explore the world of science for visitors of all ages. The center offers numerous exhibits encompassing all areas of science, including Our Hudson Home which explores the relationship that humans have with the diverse ecosystem in which Liberty State Park is located. Here visitors can come face to face with the fish, turtles, and other creatures that call the Hudson River home. Liberty Science Center is also home to the nation’s largest IMAX theater, as well as the Joseph D. Williams Digital Theater. A variety of shows are scheduled on a daily basis. The Science Center is a great place to spend an entire day or can be a shorter side trip within Liberty State Park in the event of unexpected inclement weather or excessive heat.

Liberty State Park is home to the “Empty Sky” 9/11 Memorial, the official State of New Jersey’s Memorial that honors the memory of the 749 people that lived or worked in New Jersey who lost their lives at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Each individual’s name is engraved on the brushed stainless steel twin walls. The Empty Sky memorial invites visitors to literally and figuratively look toward the empty sky in memory of those lost on that tragic day and to look forward as a community.

Liberty State Park is conveniently located off of Exit 14B of the New Jersey Turnpike in Jersey City, New Jersey. The park office is located at 200 Morris Pesin Drive. The park is also easily accessible via New Jersey Transit’s Hudson-Bergen Light Rail Line. For more information about things to do at Liberty State Park, visit the park online (or call 201-915-3403).

Other things to do near Jersey City, New Jersey:

• Liberty Science Center
• Hoboken Historical Museum
• Field Station: Dinosaurs!

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