All open air museums to visit in New Jersey

Experience history come to life at open-air museums in New Jersey. These museums feature historical buildings, reenactments, and interactive exhibits in an outdoor setting.

Are you interested in experiencing history firsthand? These are the best open air museums in New Jersey:

  1. Historic Village at Allaire1

    Historic Village at Allaire

     Farmingdale, NJ
    Allaire Village is a historic district nestled within the Allaire State Park in Wall Township, New Jersey. Established in 1804 by James P. Allaire, the village was once a thriving ironworks community. Today, it offers visitors a unique glimpse into the past, with its preserved buildings and structures that tell the story of a bygone era.
  2. Waterloo Village Historic Site2

    Waterloo Village Historic Site

     Stanhope, NJ
    Waterloo Village, located in Byram Township, Sussex County in northwestern New Jersey, is a restored 19th-century canal town. This historic site offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the lifestyle and architecture of a typical canal town during the 19th century. Visitors can explore the various buildings and structures that have been carefully preserved and restored, providing a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience history firsthand.
  3. Red Mill Museum Village3

    Red Mill Museum Village

     Clinton, NJ
    The Red Mill Museum Village, previously known as the Clinton Historical Museum, is an open-air museum situated along the South Branch Raritan River at 56 Main Street in Clinton, New Jersey. This location offers a unique blend of history and nature, providing visitors with a rich cultural experience.
  4. Monmouth Battlefield State Park4

    Monmouth Battlefield State Park

     Manalapan Township, NJ
    Monmouth Battlefield State Park is a significant historical site located in New Jersey, United States. Spanning 1,818 acres, the park is situated on the border of Manalapan and Freehold Township in Monmouth County. This location is easily accessible and offers a vast area for exploration, making it an ideal destination for those interested in history and nature.
  5. East Jersey Olde Towne Village5

    East Jersey Olde Towne Village

     Piscataway, NJ
    The East Jersey Old Town Village is an open-air museum situated in the scenic Johnson Park in Piscataway, New Jersey. This unique museum offers visitors a chance to step back in time and experience the architecture and lifestyle of the 18th and 19th centuries in Central Jersey.
  6. Howell Living History Farm6

    Howell Living History Farm

     Hopewell Township, NJ
    The Howell Living History Farm, also known as the Joseph Phillips Farm, is a significant historical site located in the Pleasant Valley section of Hopewell Township, Mercer County, New Jersey. This 130-acre open-air museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the rich agricultural history of the region.
  7. Poricy Park Conservancy7

    Poricy Park Conservancy

     Middletown Township, NJ
    Poricy Park, located in Middletown Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey, is a nature preserve and park that spans 250 acres. This expansive area offers a variety of natural attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy.
  8. Historic Cold Spring Village8

    Historic Cold Spring Village

     Cape May, NJ
    Historic Cold Spring Village is a unique living history museum located in the Cold Spring section of Lower Township in Cape May County, New Jersey. As a non-profit organization, it aims to preserve and present the historical heritage of the region. Visitors can experience a step back in time and learn about the area's past through the various exhibits and structures within the village.
  9. The Wetlands Institute9

    The Wetlands Institute

     Middle, NJ
    Located in Stone Harbor, New Jersey, The Wetlands Institute covers an expansive area of 6,000 acres (24 km²) of protected wetlands. This vast expanse of nature offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore and learn about the diverse ecosystem of wetlands.
  10. Tuckerton Seaport10

    Tuckerton Seaport

     Tuckerton, NJ
    The Tuckerton Seaport is a unique maritime village and museum located in the borough of Tuckerton, on the Jersey Shore, within Ocean County, New Jersey. This working seaport offers visitors a glimpse into the maritime history and culture of the region.
  11. Fosterfields Living Historical Farm11

    Fosterfields Living Historical Farm

     Morris, NJ
    This farm is working since 1760s and has preserved its historical character to the present day. Pay a visit to see the traditional way of life.
  12. Historic Longstreet Farm12

    Historic Longstreet Farm

     Holmdel, NJ
    Holmdel Park offers a wide range of recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy fishing (with a permit), picnic areas for individuals and groups, tennis courts, playgrounds, and 10 miles of hiking trails. During the winter, when conditions are safe, ice skating and sledding are also permitted.
  13. Fosterfields Living Historical Farm13

    Fosterfields Living Historical Farm

     Morris Township, NJ
    Discover the presence of the past at Fosterfields Living Historical Farm. This 200 acre New Jersey and National Register Historic Site is complete with farm animals, crops, period furnishings, and the machinery from the turn of the 20th century. Daily activities include egg collecting, corn cracki