Morristown National Historical Park

Morristown National Historical Park
Image credit: picture by Ken Lund licenced under Attribution-ShareAlike License.

Morristown National Historical Park is located in Morris County, New Jersey, and is a significant historical site with a rich past. It encompasses various locations that played crucial roles during the American Revolution, including the winter headquarters of General George Washington's Continental Army from 1779 to 1780.

The historical significance of Morristown National Historical Park cannot be understated. During the American Revolution, it served as a strategic location for General Washington and his troops. The park consists of four main sites: The Ford Mansion, Jockey Hollow, Fort Nonsense, and the New Jersey Brigade Area.

The Ford Mansion, which served as Washington's headquarters, is a beautifully preserved Georgian-style building where visitors can explore furnished period rooms and learn about the daily lives of those at the time. Jockey Hollow, a nearby area, was the site of the Continental Army's winter encampment. Visitors can follow the trails to visualize the challenging conditions soldiers faced during this time, including reconstructed soldier huts.

Fort Nonsense, situated on a hill, is a reminder of the strategic imperative of the location. Though it never served any military purpose, it offered a vantage point for surveillance and deterrence. The New Jersey Brigade Area was the site where several regiments of the Continental Army were stationed.

There are several activities and attractions to enjoy while visiting Morristown National Historical Park. Throughout the year, the park offers guided tours, living history demonstrations, and special events that provide visitors with an immersive experience into the American Revolution. Additionally, there are multiple hiking trails in Jockey Hollow, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Morristown, the surrounding town, also has various attractions for visitors. The Morristown National Historical Park Visitor Center offers informative exhibits and a bookstore. The Morris Museum, located nearby, showcases art, history, and science exhibits, along with a theater and educational programs. The town is also known for its vibrant downtown area, featuring restaurants, shops, and historical attractions.

Overall, Morristown National Historical Park in New Jersey serves as a captivating reminder of the pivotal role it played during the American Revolution. With its historical sites, trails, and nearby attractions, it offers a unique and educational experience for visitors interested in exploring this important era in American history.

Location

Morristown National Historical Park, located in the state of New Jersey, sprawls across the picturesque region of Morris County. Nestled in the northeastern part of the state, this historical park is characterized by rolling hills, verdant meadows, and lush forests. Situated approximately 30 miles west of New York City, Morristown National Historical Park is blessed with a prime geographical location. It is encompassed by the scenic beauty of the Appalachian Mountains, offering visitors stunning vistas and a tranquil environment. The location of the park, with its blend of natural and historical elements, provides a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in nature while exploring the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Address & Contact

30 Washington Place
Morristown, NJ 07960
Driving Directions
Phone: 973.539.2016
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Morristown National Historical Park would be in September. During this month, the average maximum temperature is 78.7°F, and the average minimum temperature is 57.6°F. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation is 3.8 inches. This time of year offers pleasant weather for outdoor activities while avoiding large crowds.

Things to do and learn in Morristown National Historical Park

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Morristown National Historical Park are: Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Gift Shop and Souvenirs Arts and Culture Biking Hiking Front-Country Hiking Horse Trekking Horseback Riding Living History Reenactments Historic Weapons Demonstration First Person Interpretation

Topics

Learn about these topics at Morristown National Historical Park: Presidents Architecture and Building Trails Military Watersheds American Revolution Wars and Conflicts American Revolutionary War Farming and Agriculture

Amenities

Visitor Centers

Washington's Headquarters Museum

Built by the National Park Service in the 1930s, the Washington's Headquarters Museum contains numerous artifacts about the American Revolution. There are three galleries, an auditorium, a theater, and the Discover History Center. The museum often hosts special exhibits and programs. Situated just behind the historic Ford Mansion that served as Washington's headquarters for six months, guided tours of the home begin in the museum as well.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Washington's Headquarters Museum.

Campsites within or near Morristown National Historical Park

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near Morristown National Historical Park

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OYO Hotel East Hanover NJ-10

With a stay at OYO Hotel East Hanover NJ-10 in East Hanover, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Whippany Railway Museum and Pinch Brook Golf Course. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 130 Route 10 W, East Hanover, New Jersey 07936
Web: Link

Hilton Garden Inn Springfield

Located in Springfield, Hilton Garden Inn Springfield is within a 15-minute drive of Mall at Short Hills and Seton Hall University. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, limo/town car service, and express check-out. Planning an event in Springfield? This hotel has facilities measuring 10000 square feet (929 square meters), including conference space. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 304 US Highway 22 West, Springfield, New Jersey 07081
Web: Link

Hilton Short Hills

Located in Short Hills, Hilton Short Hills is in a shopping district, a 3-minute walk from Mall at Short Hills and within a 5-minute drive of Reeves-Reed Arboretum. Featured amenities include wired Internet access (surcharge), a 24-hour business center, and limo/town car service. Planning an event in Short Hills? This hotel has facilities measuring 5150 square feet (478 square meters), including a conference center. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 41 Jfk Pkwy, Short Hills, New Jersey 07078
Web: Link

Comfort Inn Fairfield

Located in Fairfield, Comfort Inn Fairfield is within a 5-minute drive of Funtime Junction and Monster Mini Golf. Featured amenities include express check-in, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 286 Route 46 East, Fairfield, New Jersey 07004
Web: Link

Courtyard by Marriott West Orange

When you stay at Courtyard by Marriott West Orange in West Orange, you'll be near the airport, within a 5-minute drive of Eagle Rock Reservation and The Manor. Featured amenities include a computer station, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 8 Rooney Cir, West Orange, New Jersey 07052
Web: Link

Turkey Hill Inn

A stay at Turkey Hill Inn places you in the heart of Summit, within a 5-minute drive of Overlook Medical Center - Secondary Patient Discharge Exit and Reeves-Reed Arboretum. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, express check-in, and coffee/tea in a common area. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 73 Beechwood Road, Summit, New Jersey 07901
Web: Link

Best Western Plus Murray Hill Hotel and Suites

With a stay at Best Western Plus Murray Hill Hotel and Suites, you'll be centrally located in New Providence, within a 10-minute drive of Overlook Medical Center - Secondary Patient Discharge Exit and Overlook Medical Center. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. This hotel has 3 meeting rooms available for events. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 535 Central Avenue, New Providence, New Jersey 07974
Web: Link

Embassy Suites by Hilton Berkeley Heights

Located in Berkeley Heights, Embassy Suites by Hilton Berkeley Heights is in the business district, within a 10-minute drive of Bowcraft Amusement Park (Bowcraft Playland) and Overlook Medical Center - Secondary Patient Discharge Exit. Featured amenities include wired Internet access (surcharge), a 24-hour business center, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Planning an event in Berkeley Heights? This hotel has facilities measuring 10000 square feet (929 square meters), including conference space. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 250 Connell Drive, Berkeley Heights, New Jersey 07922
Web: Link

Olde Mill Inn

Located in Basking Ridge, Olde Mill Inn is a 2-minute drive from Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary and 5 minutes from Cross Estate Gardens. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Planning an event in Basking Ridge? This hotel features 0 square feet (0 square meters) of event facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 225 Route 202, Basking Ridge, New Jersey 07920
Web: Link

Home2 Suites by Hilton East Hanover

With a stay at Home2 Suites by Hilton East Hanover in East Hanover, you'll be a 3-minute walk from The Funplex and within a 5-minute drive of Whippany Railway Museum. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 170 Route 10 West, East Hanover, New Jersey 07936
Web: Link

News and Alerts

Date issued Details
2026-04-28Jockey Hollow Comfort Station Temporary Closure (May 5–8)
The Jockey Hollow Comfort Station will be temporarily closed from Tuesday, May 5 through Friday, May 8, 2026 while maintenance repairs are completed. We appreciate your patience as we work to improve park facilities. Please plan accordingly and consider using alternate restroom facilities at the Jockey Hollow Visitor Center during your visit.
2025-08-05Partial Reopening: Cross Estate Gardens
The Cross Estate gardens have reopened as of August 4. However, a portion of the trellis area remains closed due to storm damage and ongoing safety concerns. Please do not enter the roped-off section until repairs are complete.
2025-06-26July Fourth Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence
On Friday, July 4, Morristown National Historical Park will celebrate Independence Day with a variety of activities at Washington’s Headquarters. Visitors can enjoy Junior Ranger Programs, reenactor demonstrations, soldier songs, and a public reading of the Declaration of Independence. More
2025-04-16National Park Service Seeks Public Input on Morristown National Historical Park Proposed Hiking Trail
The National Park Service (NPS) seeks public input on a proposed interpretative hiking trail at the Jockey Hollow area of Morristown National Historical Park. NPS will accept comments from April 17, 2025, to May 17, 2025. More
2025-04-15Experience Revolutionary Life at Jockey Hollow Spring Encampment – May 3–4, 2025
On Saturday, May 3, and Sunday, May 4, Revolutionary War re-enactors from across the northeast will gather at Jockey Hollow for Morristown National Historical Park’s annual Spring Encampment. This immersive weekend event highlights the daily lives of Continental soldiers and camp followers during the Revolutionary War. More
2025-02-11Morristown National Historical Park Initiates Deer Management Program
Beginning Tuesday, February 18, Morristown National Historical Park will begin operations to manage the deer population at the Jockey Hollow and New Jersey Brigade areas of the park. This action addresses over-browsing of native vegetation and is a key strategy that supports long-term restoration and preservation of critical natural resources in the park, while maintaining a healthy deer population. More