There are so many fun things to do in Hunterdon County!
Sitting just north of Trenton, Hunterdon County is positioned against the Delaware River. This means visitors have plenty of small river towns to choose from, like Frenchtown and Lambertville, and many outdoor activities involving the river or canal.
And don’t forget the many beautiful outdoor spaces within the county, like the Musconetgong Gorge and Hunterdon Arboretum! Of course, there are unique indoor attractions, too.
If you’re exploring Hunterdon County or are visiting the area, the guide below shares some of the best things to do. So, let’s start planning your next day out!
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Must Visit Small Towns in Hunterdon County
Lambertville
Probably one of the most well-known river towns in New Jersey, Lambertville is a very popular tourist destination thanks to its sister town, New Hope, across the Delaware River.
Lambertville is a lovely place to spend a day. It has plenty of shops, places to eat, and easy access to the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail. After you spend a day in time, take the time to hike up the Goat Hill Overlook (more info below).
Frenchtown
Another gorgeous town along the Delaware River, Frenchtown also offers unique architecture, fun and unique shops, and delicious restaurants and cafes.
Like Lambertville, visitors can easily access the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail, where you can walk or ride a bike and enjoy river views.
Clinton
One of the cutest small towns in New Jersey, Clinton has plenty of fun things to do. Located along the Raritan River, Clinton still holds remnants of milling life, with the Red Mill Museum Village and Hunterdon Art Museum (more info on both below) utilizing structures from the industry.
The views along the Main Street bridge draw people in, but the charming cafes and shops keep visitors coming back.
The Best Parks and Hiking Trails Hunterdon County
Hunterdon County Arboretum
Located between Clinton and Flemington, the Hunterdon County Arboretum is an outdoor oasis for both locals and visitors. The 73-acre park features several walking trails and a beautiful display garden. Its showpiece is the two-story gazebo, originally built in 1893.
Goat Hill Overlook
As noted above, the trail to Goat Hill Overlook is a fun activity to add to your visit to Lambertville.
This easy trail is only a half-mile to the overlook, and it is very popular. It offers incredible views of the New Hope-Lambertville Bridge and New Hope in the distance. When you look towards the south, you can even see Bowman’s Hill Tower.
It’s a popular trail, and the parking lot typically fills up on weekends and holidays. The trail is located within a neighborhood, so respect others’ properties and only park in designated areas.
Musconetcong Gorge Preserve
The Musconetcong Gorge Preserve is a beautiful and peaceful place to hike in Hunterdon County.
Encompassing 523 acres, several miles of trails feature rocky paths and varying grades of inclines. Depending on your chosen trail, you’ll cross the Scout Run or follow the Musconetgong River. No matter, it’s a lovely park and an excellent hiking place.
Good to know: The trails in Muconetcong Gorge aren’t always well-marked and can be confusing, so using an app like AllTrails or Strava is recommended.
Spruce Run Recreational Area
Probably one of the most popular parks in North Jersey, the Spruce Run Recreational Area is fun to visit year-round.
In the summer, it’s mostly known for its beaches and swimming in the reservoir. However, it also offers many biking trails, birdwatching, fishing, and boating.
In the winter, visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and sledding.
Visitors to Spruce Run Recreational Area must pay a fee from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day. Prices vary depending on the day of the week and the visitor’s state of residence.
Lake Solitude Waterfall
Located in High Bridge, NJ, the Lake Solitude Waterfall is a man-made dam originally constructed in 1858 to provide hydropower and hydroelectricity to the Taylor Iron and Steel Company. The dam was rebuilt in 1909 with the current structure, which is 175 feet wide and 40 feet tall.
Now, it’s a beautiful place to enjoy the sound of falling water, birdwatching, and the surrounding nature. A small parking area next to the lake holds about 5-6 cars.
Bulls Island Recreation Area
Bulls Island is a one-stop shop for outdoor fun. Located just north of Stockton, this 80-acre park has something for everyone.
There is a paved path perfect for biking, a nature trail that takes you by the river, and a cute pedestrian-only bridge that crosses the Delaware River (you’ll want to grab a snack or lunch at the Limberville General Store!).
Bulls Island also has a playground, picnic area, and boat launches for the Delaware River. You can also easily access the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail, giving you the opportunity to bike to Stockon or Frenchtown.
Fun Attractions in Hunterdon County
Northlandz
Model train lovers will go crazy at Northlandz, the world’s largest miniature wonderland.
Located in Flemington, this incredible model train display features over 100 trains, eight miles of track, 200 tunnels, and over 400 bridges. Plus, old toys, like a giant dollhouse, Legos, and Barbie dolls.
Guests also have the opportunity to take a ride on the 1890’s steam engine replica train outside, which runs on weekends.
Northlandz is open every day from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Black River and Western Railroad
Hunterdon County is a beautiful part of New Jersey, with rolling hills and farmland. Nothing better captures the region’s beauty than a scenic railroad ride on the Black River and Western Railroad.
The railroad offers scenic and themed rides throughout the year, like an Easter Bunny Train and the Hunterdon Wine Express. Of course, some of the most popular train rides are during the fall and around Christmas.
Rides on the Black River and Western Railroad must be booked online in advance, as they tend to sell out quickly.
Red Mill Museum Village
You can’t miss the Red Mill when visiting Clinton. The beautiful red building sits along the Raritan River and provides a beautiful backdrop for photos and paintings.
The Red Mill was originally built in 1810 to process wool, but the property and business changed hands several times over the next 100+ years. Now, it serves as a museum to educate visitors on mill workers’ operations and living conditions in the 19th century.
Red Mill Museum Village is open seasonally, with special events held throughout the year. You don’t want to miss the Festival of Trees, a fun holiday event featuring over a dozen decorated Christmas trees. Learn more about visiting the Red Mill Museum Village on their website.
Hunterdon Art Museum
Across the river from the Red Mill is another historic mill. However, this one was turned into the Hunterdon Art Museum.
This small art museum has ever-changing exhibits featuring artists worldwide. During your visit, you might find textiles, sculptures, paintings, or pottery. It is always worth visiting if you haven’t been in a while, as you’ll probably see something new!
The Hunterdon Art Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. It’s a perfect addition to your day exploring Clinton!
Wrapping Up Things to Do in Hunterdon County
New Jersey is beautiful, and this county really proves it. Hunterdon County offers many unique activities for outdoor lovers, especially with its gardens and parks. And even for those who like to spend time shopping, eating, and taking in the sights, there are plenty of things to do!
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