Parks / Morristown National Historical Park
Morristown National Historical Park
National Historical Park · NJ
Morristown National Historical Park commemorates the sites of General Washington and the Continental Army’s winter encampment from December 1779 to June 1780, where soldiers survived the coldest winter on record. The park also maintains a museum and library collection related to the encampments and to George Washington, as well as items from both pre- and post-Revolutionary America.
Official NPS page →Current Alerts (5)
Temporary Closure of the Llyod W. Smith Gallery in the Museum
The Llyod W. Smith Gallery will be closed temporarily due to construction. All other exhibits will remain open.
Jockey Hollow Outer Blue Loop and a Section of Primrose Trail Closed
Following storms on 7/3/2026, many park trails were closed due to blowdown of trees and hazardous conditions. As of 7/27/2026 most trails are passable. The Mount Kimble Trail (Outer Blue Loop) remains closed as well as a section of the Primrose Trail (Red Trail). Please check in at the Visitor Center for more information and take caution as summer storms continue to cause tree falls. Report any fallen trees to a Park Ranger.
Passaic River Bridge Trail (Teal Trail) Closed
The Passaic River Bridge Trail is closed between Tempe Wick Road and the Cross Estate in the New Jersey Brigade area due to construction of a new bridge.
New 2026 Summer Season Hours
Beginning May 23, 2026, Washington Headquarters Museum and the Jockey Hollow Visitor Center have new hours, as follows: Open Thursday - Monday, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
Passaic River Trail Bridge washed out
Tropical Storm Ida washed out the Passaic River bridge on the Patriot's Path Trail south of Tempe Wick Road. This area is a known habitat of the endangered wood turtle, so do not wade, walk, or let your dog run in the river at this location.
Entrance Fees
This park is fee-free.
Upcoming Events
Soldier at the Jockey Hollow Huts
Sep 5, 2026 · The huts at Jockey Hollow. Parking available off the park tour road.
Hands on History: Candle Dipping
Sep 13, 2026 · Wick House, Tempe Wick Road. Parking available off the main park tour road.
Children's Crafts at Jockey Hollow
Sep 26, 2026 · Outside the Jockey Hollow Visitor Center
Hands on History: Apple Butter
Sep 27, 2026 · Wick House, Tempe Wick Road. Parking available off the main park tour road.
Things to Do
Drop By Fort Nonsense in Morristown
Fort Nonsense, located in downtown Morristown, is often overlooked by park visitors, but since this small piece of the park boasts one of the best views in the area. It’s also the only officially designated picnic areas of the park. Drop by Fort Nonsense for a picnic and take in the views of the Morristown and the Watchung Mountains. If you look hard enough, on a clear day you just might see Freedom Tower (World Trade Center 1) in New York City peeking up from the horizon.
Experience Jockey Hollow
Come explore Jockey Hollow! Check out the Visitor Center, drive, walk, or bike the 3-mile tour road loop, or hike some of the over 27 miles of hiking trails.
Explore the Cross Estate Gardens and Hike to the NJ Brigade Encampment Site
You can go in any order once you arrive at the New Jersey Brigade Encampment Area and Cross Estate Gardens. The hike is approx. 1 mile to reach the encampment site (note: it is downhill going out, uphill coming back).
Go on a Guided Tour of the Ford Mansion
The Ford Mansion can be seen by guided tour only so take advantage of the opportunity when you can! Explore the home that George Washington made his headquarters during the winter encampment of 1779-1780. Discover how the Ford family adjusted to the changes to their household during what would become the coldest winter in recorded U.S. history.
Visit Washingtons Headquarters Museum in Morristown NJ
The museum is a free of charge, self guided tour.
Visitor Centers
- Jockey Hollow Visitor Center
- Washington's Headquarters Museum
Source: National Park Service.