Morristown National Historic Park
Wick House at Jockey Hollow, Morristown National Historical Park, New Jersey
As a lover of both National Parks and American History, I am ashamed to admit that besides one day of hiking during the pandemic, I have not visited Jockey Hollow since I camped there as a Girl Scout. This is an often overlooked and highly underrated park, located in the heart of New Jersey. It is easily accessible from Route 287. Given its proximity to the highway and the fact that it is free, this is a fantastic stop if you are traveling the Route 287 corridor.
My youngest and I stopped in on a day when we had some time to kill before a doctor’s appointment and I quickly regretted not carving out more time for this trip. We started at the Visitor’s Center where we were greeted by the nicest volunteer who was so knowledgeable about the park and the area's rich history. I highly recommend visiting when the Visitors Center is open (Thursday through Sunday 10 am-4 pm). Besides getting to speak with the volunteers, several displays in the Visitors Center are a must-see.
Interior of replica log hut on display at the Visitor’s Center at Jockey Hollow
There is a 15-minute video about the area's history that gives a great overview of the area's importance during the Revolutionary War. There is a full-size replica of one of the log huts the Continental Army built and inhabited in 1779. My son especially loved the display of period children’s toys. Just behind the volunteer desk, they have two baskets of period clothing for children to try on if they wish.
If time allows, I recommend a free tour of the Wick House, which departs from the Visitors Center Thursday through Sunday at 11 am, 1 pm, 2 pm, and 3 pm. This is a rare opportunity to go inside the historic farmhouse and learn more about the daily life of the residents of the camp in 1779. The site hosts a large encampment during the month of April. Check the NPS website for details. The volunteer said it is a must-see.
If you are crunched for time, you can quickly tour the loop road by car, but I recommend walking it if possible. While there are a few pull-offs along the loop, you will miss out on a lot of the informational signage posted throughout the loop road if you drive. If you prefer nature over history, the park has miles of hiking trails that take you through the park's wooded areas, over streams, and across fields. The visitor’s center had this very helpful guide posted.
Trail Guide for the Jockey Hollow section of the Morristown National Historical Park
Cell service is spotty to non-existent in the park, so if you are heading out, be sure to follow the trail markers and/or take a paper map with you to be safe.
As with many National Parks and Sites, there is a Junior Ranger program available. If you have children 5 and older, I highly suggest the Junior Ranger program anytime you visit a site or park that offers it. You receive a booklet with a number of activities. Based on the age of your child, you are required to complete a certain number of activities. Once complete, you come back to the Visitor’s Center and meet with a Ranger, who will review their work, talk with your child about the park, and swear them in as Junior Rangers. They receive a special badge as well. This is a great way to get your child actively involved in enjoying and appreciating our National Parks and it’s FREE!
And don’t forget to get your National Park Passport Book stamped. This is my favorite thing to do to commemorate all of my National Park visits. This park has three different stamps to choose from.
Part of the park, but located on the opposite side of Morristown, is Washington’s Headquarters. On the 4th of July, one of the rangers will dress in period clothing and does a reading of the Declaration of Independence. This reading was previously held on the Morristown Green, then was suspended during the pandemic, and was re-located in 2022 to the Ford Mansion. The volunteer I spoke with hoped it would return to the Ford Mansion in 2023, but advised me to check the website for more information in the coming weeks.
Washington’s Headquarters is home to both the Ford Mansion and The Museum Building. The museum is open Thursday-Sunday from 10 am-4 pm. The first floor is geared toward children and includes many hands-on exhibits, including the chance to hold a real musket. The second floor is geared toward adults. with more in-depth information about the role Morristown played in the Revolutionary War. The Ford Mansion is only accessible by tour. When you enter the museum, inquire at the front desk about being added to a tour that day. As with the Jockey Hollow section of the park, there is no fee for admission to the museum or the tour of Ford Mansion.
With the combination of nature trails and rich history, this is a park that has something for everyone. And of course, we always love a free activity! If you are looking for some other options in the area, you can always head to the nearby Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge for a hike, or The Raptor Trust to view the roughly 50 birds they are in the process of rehabilitating. If you’ve had your fill of hiking for the day, head to Morris County’s Central Park for some playground time before heading home.
