Thomas Edison National Historic Park

Things To Do Near Thomas Edison National Historic Park

When you visit Thomas Edison National Historic Park, you'll get to step back in time and explore the life of Thomas Edison and his innovations he contributed to technological advancement. The Laboratory Complex Grounds are filled with exhibits and objects from Edison's work in electricity and sound. You can also tour the grand estate of Glenmont, a beautiful Queen Anne-style home with 29 rooms. RVers will find the park easy to access as it is in the heart of urban West Orange, NJ.

Hiking Trails

• Eagle Rock Reservation

  This hiking trail, which is located just north of the national historical park, is a relatively short 3.4 miles through a forest. It offers a moderate hike that's appropriate for many people. Great views of the New York City skyline and the George Washington Bridge can be found along the trail.

  Location

  Eagle Rock Ave &, Prospect Ave, West Orange, NJ 07052

  Length

  3.4 miles

  Intensity

  Moderate

• Hemlock Falls Trail

  The Hemlock Falls Trail is a moderately difficult trail that features a beautiful waterfall amongst a natural setting. Hikers and bird watchers will find this trail enjoyable. The terrain is fairly easy to hike for most people.

  Location

  510 Rte 510, South Orange, NJ 07079

  Length

  5.8 miles

  Intensity

  Moderate

• White Shore and Long Path Loop Trail

  Those seeking a more difficult hike may find the White Shore trail a good stop. This 4.1-mile trail has a waterfall and beautiful views. A section called the Giant Stairs will give plenty of challenges to those seeking a workout. If you visit this trail be sure to take extra water.

  Location

  Alpine, NJ 07624

  Length

  4.1 miles

  Intensity

  Hard

Sightseeing

• Essex County Turtle Back Zoo

  This popular zoo features exotic animals, a small train, a carousel, and other attractions. If you have a family with children or enjoy learning about animals, this is a great destination. It's just 3 miles south of the Thomas Edison National Historic Park.

  Location

  560 Northfield Avenue West Orange, NJ 07052

• Weequahic Park

  The 311-acre Weequahic Park located in Newark, NJ, is home to a golf course as well as a running track. However, you can also enjoy a leisurely day here; families and adults will have plenty of space to explore this large park. Its centerpiece is an 80-acre lake, the largest in Essex County.

  Location

  658 Elizabeth Ave, Newark, NJ 07112

• Wildflower Sculpture Park

  This art installation set in a park is truly unique. Located in South Orange and part of the South Mountain Reservation, it’s within a short distance from the Thomas Edison National Historical Park. It features floral and other nature-inspired sculptures. There is a dog park also located here; a great place to run around with your pet and meet other dog owners.

  Location

  Bear Ln, South Orange, NJ 07079

Museums

• Newark Museum of Art

  Located just north of downtown Newark, this museum features American art, a planetarium, and an interactive nature exhibit. The Newark Museum of Art is especially known for its Tibetan art collection. You can get here easily from Thomas Edison Park. 

  Location

  49 Washington St, Newark, NJ 07102

• Montclair Art Museum

  Established in 1914, the Montclair Art Museum is a unique attraction with a rich history. This museum, which is located in the township of Montclair, has more than 12,000 American art items. Visitors will enjoy displays and exhibits that feature Native American art as well as other offerings.

  Location

  3 S Mountain Ave, Montclair, NJ 07042

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Guys Restaurant & Pizzeria

  Guys is a local pizzeria that features pizzas, pasta, salads, and other Italian fare. You can expect delicious offerings in a clean and atmospheric environment. It's reasonably priced and a popular spot with locals.

  Location

  333 Valley Rd, West Orange, NJ 07052

• Giftbar

  This elegant gift shop has a wide range of gifts for children, family, and friends. Unique candles, cards, and perfect selections to surprise your loved ones for that special occasion. Located in Montclair, NJ, Giftbar specializes in pop culture-related items.

  Location

  465 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair, NJ 07042

• CastAway

  CastAway is a vibrant gastropub that's open 24 hrs. This atmospheric bar and grill features Caribbean and Chinese eats. If you enjoy live music, check the schedule to see who is performing when you are in town. This is a fun restaurant to visit on weekends.

  Location

  284 Watchung Ave Ste A, Orange, NJ 07050

How To Get To Thomas Edison National Historic Park

Thomas Edison National Historic Park is located in an urban area that is easy to access from anywhere in New Jersey. To get to the park by car, take the Garden State Parkway and get off at exit 145. If you are traveling from the New Jersey Turnpike, take exit 15W to Route 280 West.

From Newark, head west on Hill Street toward Broad Street. Stay straight until you get onto Hill Street. Take a right onto Washington St. Then, take a left onto Market St / County Highway-510, where you’ll continue on Market Street. The road name here changes to W Market Street. Take this until you get to 1st Street, where you’ll turn right. Enter the ramp on the left to get on I-280 W until you reach Exit 10, then head right toward Montclair / S Orange / W Orange. Take a right onto Northfield Ave / County Highway-508 Spur. Take a left onto Main St / County Highway-659, travel about a half-mile until you get to Main St / County Highway-659. 

The park is open year-round and is easy to access.

Address

211 Main Street West Orange, NJ 07052

Fee: Entry fee (per person) $15.0

When you visit the Thomas Edison National Historic Park, you may be amazed by the breathtaking amount of inventions, artifacts, natural history, and archives to explore. The grouping of laboratory buildings as well as the Glenmont Estate in Llewellyn Park house some 300,000 items and millions of documents. RVers will find this park in a great location with a wealth of information and history. Amenities and park sites can be found in the surrounding area near West Orange.