Grand estates. Ethnic neighborhoods. Sites of historic Revolutionary War significance. Miles of beaches. Nostalgic Atlantic City. And of course, gardens. New Jersey abounds with images of cultural, historical and natural treasures. The farther you go from the New Jersey Turnpike, the closer you come to the essence of the place aptly nicknamed the Garden State.
Things to do in Fords
Historic Richmond Town
This living history village and museum complex interprets 3 centuries of daily life and culture on Staten Island. Restored houses, shops and public buildings from the 1690s to the 1900s feature furnished interiors and exhibits. Guides in period dress lead tours and conduct participatory programs. Call (718) 351-1611 for more information.
441 Clarke Ave., Staten Island, NY 10306
Jersey City Museum
More than 20,000 art and historical objects of regional significance as well as notable 20th-century works are displayed. A collection of works by local artist August Will from the mid-19th to early 20th centuries is featured. Works of new and established artists share museum space. Call (201) 413-0303 for more information.
350 Montgomery St., Jersey City, NJ 07302
Runaway Rapids Waterpark
The park features 19 water slides, a children's water play area, a hot tub, a lazy river and an interactive play area for toddlers. Volcanic Revenge is a water slide that runs uphill. A changing area, lockers and food are available Call (732) 495-1400 for more information.
275 Beachway, Keansburg, NJ 07734
Staten Island Zoo
Staten Island Zoo is an educational zoo with mammals, birds, reptiles and tropical fish. Exhibits include a representation of a tropical rain forest, a re-creation of an African savannah, an aquarium, a serpentarium and a children's center emphasizing domestic animals that help man. Call (718) 442-3100 for more information.
614 Broadway, Staten Island, NY 10310
Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island
Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island is in Upper New York Bay on Liberty Island. Measuring 151 feet high on a 154-foot-high pedestal, it is the tallest statue of modern times. Ellis Island is nearby. An exhibit in the statue's lobby provides details about its history and design. Visitors can take self-guiding or ranger-led tours of Liberty Island. Some 30 galleries and exhibits chronicle the history of immigration into the United States. Highlights include the baggage, registry and hearing rooms; the American Family Immigration History Center, a computerized genealogy center with the names of immigrants processed during the peak years, 1892-1924; and the American Immigrant Wall of Honor, containing the names of more than 400,000 immigrants. Ranger-led and audiotape tours are available. The 28-minute film, “Island of Hope, Island of Tears,” tells the story of immigrants traveling via steerage to the United States. An immigration-themed play is offered during spring and summer months. Ellis Island is only accessible by ferry service, available daily from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan and from Liberty State Park in Jersey City, N.J. A round-trip ticket includes stops at both Liberty and Ellis islands. Call (201) 435-9499 for more information.