New Jersey Sites
Bull’s Island, Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park
Near Stockton, NJ
This 24 -acre natural area comprises a portion of a small, forested island surrounded by the Delaware River and the Delaware and Raritan Canal. A trail along the towpath of the canal reveals a lowland floodplain forest dominated by sycamore, silver maple and tulip poplar. Several rare plant species are found in this natural area. Sixty-nine tent and trailer campsites are available with fire rings, picnic tables, flush toilets and showers.
Holcombe-Jimison Farmstead
Lambertville, NJ
The Holcombe-Jimison Farmstead Museum is dedicated to the preservation of Hunterdon County’s rich and diverse agricultural heritage from the 18th into the 20th centuries. The Museum property also includes outbuildings for the Post Office, Blacksmith Shop, Carriage Shed, and Print Shop.
The Museum is housed in the restored three-story bank barn that was built into the hillside to make both floors accessible from ground level. Livestock were kept on the lower level, crops above. Some of the exhibits arranged in the barn illustrate the tools and equipment used by the farmer to raise and harvest the crops that provided fodder for livestock and commodities to sell. Other displays depict the domestic chores of the farmer’s wife in the preparation and preservation of food and the making of clothing. Early examples of now common implements and appliances give the visitor a sense of passing time.
Marshall House
Lambertville, NJ
The Marshall House, on the National and New Jersey Registers of Historic Places, was the boyhood home of James Wilson Marshall, who discovered gold in California in 1848. It is now the headquarters of the Lambertville Historical Society. The Federal brick structure was built in 1816 by James’ father, Philip Marshall, a cabinet, coach and wagon maker and a member of one of the oldest families in New Jersey.
Constructed of bricks made of clay dug and fired near town, it retains many outstanding original architectural features; in particular, the decorative Adams-style frieze under the eaves, the pegged front door; also the chimney cupboards in the parlor, windows, interior doors, hardware and staircase.
Prallsville Mill
Stockton, NJ
A mill was built by Daniel Howell at the juncture of the Wickeckeoke Creek and the Delaware River circa 1720. It prospered under a succession of owners through the 18th Century and was sold to John Prall, Jr. in 1794.
Prall launched a development program that included a new stone grist mill to replace the wooden one that Howell had built. He also built a saw mill, several stone houses and a stone structure that served various purposes (including an office and a store.) Prall opened a stone quarry in the area and operated two fisheries in the Delaware River, making the community of Prallsville a major commercial center for the rural countryside.
The present stone mill was built in 1877 on the foundation of Prall’s mill and continued to function commercially into the 1950’s.
Steamboat Floating Classroom
Lambertville, NJ
The steam whistle blows…and an authentic replica of an 1880 sternwheeler takes your group on a unique, two-mile voyage of adventure on the Delaware River. Your onboard docent will share with you the history of the New Hope-Lambertville area, including the vital role of the area canals in our nation’s industrial revolution. Get a personal tour of the engine area by your trip engineer, along with a bit about the colorful American characters involved with the invention of the steamboat.
Sails from Lambertville (just south of the Inn at Lambertville Station, in the D&R Canal State Park)
Please see website for onboard classes and other details.
Washington Crossing State Park
Washington Crossing, NJ
Originally preserved for its historical significance related to the Continental Army’s crossing of the Delaware, the park is also well known for its trails and wildlife habitat. A wide variety of migrating birds use the stream and ravine as a resting place and for nesting. Many bird species winter in the park, creating a perfect location for bird observation year round.
The park supports an interesting assortment of plants including mixed hardwoods, red cedar forests, plantings of Eastern white pine, Japanese larch, Norway spruce and red pine. A splendid variety of spring and summer wildflowers can be found throughout the park. Among the most notable species of wildlife are whitetail deer, fox, raccoon, great-horned owl, screech owl, red-tailed hawk, red-shouldered hawk and Eastern bluebird. The park also is popular for picnicking and, in the winter, for cross-country skiing on existing hiking trails.
An open-air theater also operates from June through August.
