Explore History and Nature at Washington Crossing State Park!

Located on the banks of the Delaware River in Titusville NJ, the historic ground that is now Washington Crossing State Park was the starting point for one of the most pivotal moments in American history. After crossing the icy Delaware into New Jersey on Christmas night in 1776, General George Washington and the Continental Army landed here and began their march to Trenton where the battle that turned the tide of the American Revolution occurred.

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Today, this historic site is permanently preserved by the state of New Jersey. Washington Crossing State Park offers tons of things to do that will appeal to history buffs and nature enthusiasts alike. Here’s a sampling…

1. Visit the Johnson Ferry House (where Washington and his officers gathered to discuss strategy on the night of the crossing) and the Visitor Center Museum, which spotlights “The Ten Crucial Days” in American history (including Washington’s crossing of the Delaware and the Battles at Trenton and Princeton). Also of historic interest is the Nelson House, the surviving structure of a 19th century hotel located along the banks of the Delaware.

2. The Nature Center features interactive exhibits spotlighting the various species of flora and fauna found in and around the park, as well as live animals and even a working beehive (glass enclosed so no worries about bee stings!).

3. Hike, bike, jog, or go horseback riding on the 15 miles of trails that can be found throughout the park.

4. Take in a live performance at the Open Air Theatre which features plays and musicals for children and adults, as well as live concerts.

5. Participate in one of the many educational and recreational events offered by New Jersey state park staff and volunteers, including such events as raft-building, recreational kayaking, guided night hikes, geocaching, colonial cooking demonstrations, military reenactments, and more!

Washington Crossing State Park is located at 355 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road in Titusville NJ. The park is open daily from 8am to 8pm, although hours for the historic buildings and nature center vary. Check the park website for more details. Check out the park’s newsletter, Nature’s Grapevine, for a full listing of seasonal events and things to do at Washington Crossing State Park.

Other things to do in the area include:

• Princeton University Art Museum
• New Jersey State Museum
• The Old Barracks Museum
• Princeton Battlefield State Park
• Grounds for Sculpture
• Morven Museum and Garden
• Rockingham House

Featured Photo Credit: Mark Goebel via Flickr

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