Morristown is a charming New Jersey city that is filled to the brim with fantastic things to do and see. From shows at the Mayo Performing Arts Center to taking in nature at Loantaka Brook Reservation, you’ll never be bored. Perhaps best of all, this town is loaded with history. Enjoying all the historic sites could take days, but I’ve created an easy walking tour that lets you sample some of the best in a very doable day trip. For directions, you can view the interactive map here.
Google Maps
- Morris Museum
Facebook/Morris Museum This spectacular museum offers diverse collections including a gallery of mechanical musical instruments, a dinosaur den, and a wide variety of American Indian artifacts. While the permanent collections are incredible enough, the rotating exhibits are always interesting as well. For hours, admission, and additional information, click here.
- Frelinghuysen Arboretum
Flickr/Raela9 These gorgeous gardens truly shine in the spring and summer. On the grounds you will find over a dozen different gardens, a cottage, carriage house, learning center, and the historic Frelinghuysen Mansion - the current headquarters of the Morris County Parks Department. Enjoy events including an exploration of 18th century recipes and DIY garden projects. For hours and event info click here.
- Ford Mansion
Wikipedia/SlowKing4 This historic mansion served as one of Washington’s winter headquarters during the Revolutionary War. Managed by the National Park Service, visitors can tour the home and grounds. You’ll also find a museum on the property that features furniture, weapons, documents and other objects from the 18th century. For hours, click here.
- Macculloch Hall
Facebook/Macculloch Hall Historical Museum Your final stop on this walking tour is the Macculloch Historical Museum. This Federal-style mansion was built in 1810 and features 9 authentic period rooms along with the largest collection of original art by political cartoonist Thomas Nast in the United States. You may be familiar with Mr. Nast’s most famous work, the modern image of Santa Claus - jolly, bearded and decked out in red. For hours and exhibit information, click here.
DINING - Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen
Facebook/Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen When you’ve completed your walking tour, it will be just about time for dinner. Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen offers four distinct dining experiences housed in a historic mansion. A truly unique culinary concept with an amazing atmosphere, visit their website here.
ADDITIONAL ATTRACTIONS
Wikipedia/Liefern If you’d like to extend your trip or take it to the road instead of walking, there are several other attractions I highly recommend. Historic Speedwell is home to several restored structures that recreate life in New Jersey during the industrial revolution. It is also the site where Morse Code was invented. Fosterfields Living Historical Farm is a working farm that uses turn-of-the-century tools and techniques. An interactive experience, the farm is fun for all ages. Last, but not least, is Jockey Hollow. Completely separate from the dining option mentioned, it is located about 5 miles southwest of much of this walking tour. This top-rated attraction was a Revolutionary War encampment that now offers great hiking, historic structures, and a visitor center.
With spring coming, now is the perfect time to start planning your trip to Morristown. This is an ideal experience for families, though it also makes for a unique date or day with friends. If you absolutely can’t wait to explore Morristown, enjoy the video below for an aerial tour by YouTube user Keven Stratvert featuring several of the sites mentioned, among others.
Google Maps
Facebook/Morris Museum
This spectacular museum offers diverse collections including a gallery of mechanical musical instruments, a dinosaur den, and a wide variety of American Indian artifacts. While the permanent collections are incredible enough, the rotating exhibits are always interesting as well. For hours, admission, and additional information, click here.
Flickr/Raela9
These gorgeous gardens truly shine in the spring and summer. On the grounds you will find over a dozen different gardens, a cottage, carriage house, learning center, and the historic Frelinghuysen Mansion - the current headquarters of the Morris County Parks Department. Enjoy events including an exploration of 18th century recipes and DIY garden projects. For hours and event info click here.
Wikipedia/SlowKing4
This historic mansion served as one of Washington’s winter headquarters during the Revolutionary War. Managed by the National Park Service, visitors can tour the home and grounds. You’ll also find a museum on the property that features furniture, weapons, documents and other objects from the 18th century. For hours, click here.
Facebook/Macculloch Hall Historical Museum
Your final stop on this walking tour is the Macculloch Historical Museum. This Federal-style mansion was built in 1810 and features 9 authentic period rooms along with the largest collection of original art by political cartoonist Thomas Nast in the United States. You may be familiar with Mr. Nast’s most famous work, the modern image of Santa Claus - jolly, bearded and decked out in red. For hours and exhibit information, click here.
Facebook/Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen
When you’ve completed your walking tour, it will be just about time for dinner. Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen offers four distinct dining experiences housed in a historic mansion. A truly unique culinary concept with an amazing atmosphere, visit their website here.
Wikipedia/Liefern
If you’d like to extend your trip or take it to the road instead of walking, there are several other attractions I highly recommend. Historic Speedwell is home to several restored structures that recreate life in New Jersey during the industrial revolution. It is also the site where Morse Code was invented. Fosterfields Living Historical Farm is a working farm that uses turn-of-the-century tools and techniques. An interactive experience, the farm is fun for all ages. Last, but not least, is Jockey Hollow. Completely separate from the dining option mentioned, it is located about 5 miles southwest of much of this walking tour. This top-rated attraction was a Revolutionary War encampment that now offers great hiking, historic structures, and a visitor center.
Are you planning on taking this New Jersey walking tour steeped in history? Are there any other Morristown attractions you’d recommend?
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