Thomas Edison National Historical Park

Thomas Edison National Historical Park is located in West Orange, New Jersey, and is dedicated to preserving the legacy and works of the famous inventor, Thomas Edison. The park is situated on the site of Edison's historic laboratory, where many of his groundbreaking inventions were developed.

The historical background of the park dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries when Thomas Edison established his laboratory complex in West Orange. This was a pivotal time in history when Edison and his team of scientists and engineers were responsible for numerous inventions that revolutionized industry and technology. Some of his most notable inventions include the phonograph, the motion picture camera, and the practical electric light bulb.

Visitors to Thomas Edison National Historical Park have the opportunity to explore Edison's laboratory complex and immerse themselves in the fascinating world of this legendary inventor. The park offers guided tours, showcasing the laboratory buildings, where visitors can see the extensive collection of artifacts, exhibits, and original inventions.

One of the main highlights of the park is the laboratory itself, which has been meticulously restored to its original condition. Visitors can step into the world of Thomas Edison, walking through the rooms where he and his team conducted their groundbreaking experiments. The laboratory features original equipment, chemical storage areas, and a library filled with scientific literature from that era.

Additionally, the park includes Edison's Victorian-style Glenmont estate, which was his private residence. The estate offers a glimpse into the personal life of Thomas Edison, with guided tours showcasing the family's living spaces, gardens, and the inventor's personal library.

Besides exploring the historical buildings, visitors can participate in various educational programs and events offered by the park, such as science demonstrations and interactive exhibits. The park also hosts special events throughout the year, including musical performances and a Holiday Open House.

For those looking to extend their visit, there are several attractions nearby the Thomas Edison National Historical Park. The nearby Edison Museum features additional exhibits dedicated to the inventor and provides further insights into his life and achievements. Furthermore, New York City is just a short distance away, offering a wealth of attractions, including museums, theaters, and iconic landmarks to explore.

Overall, Thomas Edison National Historical Park is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in the life and works of Thomas Edison. The park provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to step back in time and gain a deeper appreciation for the incredible inventions that shaped our modern world.

Thomas Edison National Historical Park is located in the state of New Jersey, specifically in the town of West Orange. Situated just 14 miles west of New York City, the park is nestled in Essex County—the heart of the Garden State. The geographical location of the park offers visitors the opportunity to explore an area rich in both natural beauty and historical significance. Surrounded by picturesque landscapes, the park resides in close proximity to major transportation hubs, allowing easy access to the site for visitors from near and far. Its strategic placement near a bustling city and its serene surroundings create a unique setting for discovering the extraordinary life and inventions of one of America's greatest inventors, Thomas Edison.

Address & Contact

211 Main Street
West Orange, NJ 07052
Driving Directions
Phone: 973-736-0550
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Thomas Edison National Historical Park would be in the months of May, June, and July. During these months, the average maximum temperatures range from 72°F to 88°F, providing pleasant weather for outdoor activities. The average monthly precipitation remains around 5 inches, ensuring a moderate amount of rainfall. These months offer the most favorable conditions for visitors to enjoy the park and explore its attractions.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Thomas Edison National Historical Park are: Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Junior Ranger Program

Topics

Learn about these topics at Thomas Edison National Historical Park: Industry Tragic Events Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite Science, Technology and Innovation Wars and Conflicts Geothermal World War I Catastrophic Fires Music Factories

Visitor Centers

Laboratory Complex Visitor Center

Thomas Edison Laboratory Complex & Glenmont Grounds will be open to the public Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday. All visitors must begin at the Laboratory Complex. The park is closed to the public from January through mid-March.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Laboratory Complex Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near Thomas Edison National Historical Park

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

Hotels within or near Thomas Edison National Historical Park

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Clifton NJ

Located in Clifton, Howard Johnson by Wyndham Clifton NJ is in a shopping district, a 5-minute drive from Montclair State University and 8 minutes from Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Planning an event in Clifton? This hotel has 900 square feet (84 square meters) of space consisting of conference space and a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 680 Route 3 West, Clifton, New Jersey 07012
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

Residence Inn By Marriott West Orange

With a stay at Residence Inn By Marriott West Orange in West Orange, you'll be in the suburbs, just steps from The Manor and a 3-minute drive from Highlawn Pavilion. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-in, and express check-out.
Address: 107 Prospect Ave, West Orange, New Jersey 07052
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

Ramada by Wyndham East Orange

With a stay at Ramada by Wyndham East Orange in East Orange, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Seton Hall University and Rutgers University Newark. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-in, and express check-out. This hotel has 2 meeting rooms available for events. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 120 Evergreen Pl, East Orange, New Jersey 07018
Web: Link

Red Carpet Inn Newark/Irvington, NJ

When you stay at Red Carpet Inn Newark/Irvington, NJ in Irvington, you'll be near the airport, within a 5-minute drive of Seton Hall University and New Jersey Institute of Technology. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 100 Union Avenue, Irvington, New Jersey 07111
Web: Link

Motel 6 Elizabeth, NJ - Newark Liberty Intl Airport

When you stay at Motel 6 Elizabeth, NJ - Newark Liberty Intl Airport in Elizabeth, you'll be near the airport and 6 minutes by car from The Mills at Jersey Gardens. Featured amenities include express check-in, express check-out, and a 24-hour front desk. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary (available 24 hours).
Address: 819 Spring Street, Elizabeth, New Jersey 07201
Web: Link

Halsey Haven - 2 Br Apts

With a stay at this apartment in Newark (Downtown Newark), you'll be steps from Rutgers University Newark and 6 minutes by foot from New Jersey Performing Arts Center. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 55 Halsey Street, Central Business District, Newark, New Jersey 07102
Web: Link

Home2 Suites by Hilton Wayne, NJ

When you stay at Home2 Suites by Hilton Wayne, NJ in Wayne, you'll be near the airport, within a 5-minute drive of Funtime Junction and Dey Mansion. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-out, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 350 ROUTE 46, Wayne, New Jersey 07470
Web: Link