With 2,700 acres in Hillsborough, New Jersey, Duke Farms is a place to introduce your kids to the beauty of nature and the importance of stewardship. Thanks to the undeveloped land, once owned by late heiress Doris Duke and now run by the Doris Duke Foundation, you can explore 900 acres of hiking and biking trails, attend events to admire beautiful orchids under the full moon, or cross the Guzei Bridge to visit the Meditation Garden. Keep reading to learn what to expect when you visit Duke Farms. (featured photo credit: Courtesy of Duke Farms, A Center of the Doris Duke Foundation)

A Day of Natural Beauty at Duke Farms

The history of Duke Farms

Duke Farms was initially constructed in 1893 by James Buchanan Duke, and the area operated as a home and farm until the early 1900s, when he added 10 lakes, allées, and the foundation for an 80,000-square-foot mansion. Unfortunately, Duke passed away in 1925, and he left the site to his only daughter, Doris Duke. Doris continued to expand on what her father had built, adding 500 acres of farmland devoted to organic practices until she passed away in 1993. She left everything she owned to charity, including Duke Farms, which she directed to be used to preserve endangered species – both flora and fauna – from becoming extinct.

Take in a nature experience

Duke Farms’ unique property spans 2,700 acres of restored habitats, trails, woodlands, and more for visitors to explore. The best way to explore it all? Hop on a bike at their bike rental tent (first-come, first-served) and enjoy a scenic ride with your family through the woods on over 12 miles of biking trails. On foot, spend time in the Research Woods, a 50-acre patch of woods that holds some of the best-preserved woods at the farm. As you slow down and take in the nature around you, consider field journaling by writing down details of what you see or use the prompts Duke Farms provides to discuss with your little ones. Make sure you also stop by The Birding Platform (built over the old well house in a restored meadow), where you can see threatened and endangered species and conservation up close. And for extra fun, download either the Merlin Bird ID app or iNaturalist to help identify species. The Merlin Bird ID will even listen to bird calls in the area, making it a game for kids to try to find the bird.

Enjoy The Orchid Range

Did you know that Duke Farms is home to 1,300 plants, most of which are orchids from a variety of subtropical and tropical environments? When you enter The Orchid Range, be prepared to be wowed—the spectacular varieties are growing all around the greenhouse, and walking through is like going through a forest made of colorful, bright, and beautiful orchids. Doris Duke, who lived on Duke Farms, loved horticulture, but orchids were among her favorites. In 1940, she originated Phalaenopsis Doris, which can be seen at this spot on the farm (it is also the ancestor of the most common orchids that are commercially available today). At night, the Orchid Range is lit up, and the whole structure glows from within.  

See nature at its best

Throughout the farm, some spots will bring you peace and help you step back from the busy world we live in today. One of these locations is The Great Falls. This is a historic, engineered waterfall dating back to the early 1900s, when James Buchanan Duke designed it as part of his vision to create a scenic and innovative landscape. The waterfall, located between the Duke Reservoir and Vista Lake, is not only gorgeous to view but is also part of the system that helps flush and circulate water through the Duke Farms artificial lake system. While you are there, make sure you keep a lookout for a Bald Eagle soaring overhead, and if you don’t see one on your visit, you can take a peek at the Eagle Cam. The Meditation Garden, built by Doris Duke, is also worth a visit. Cross over to it on The Guzei Bridge, a red bridge symbolizing a spiritual journey and transition from the ordinary to the divine (you will notice that the bridge is challenging to navigate for this reason). 

Attend an event with the family 

If you have a little one who is a nature enthusiast, then bringing them to an event at Duke Farms is a great way to keep them engaged and foster their love of the world around us. Throughout the year, you will find several different events, including Signs of Spring. Sometimes events sell out, so keep an eye on what is coming up and grab your spot. 

FAQs

When can I visit Duke Farms?

The farm is open year-round, and you can ski or snowshoe in the winter. The Farm Barn Orientation Center is the best place to stop first at Duke Farms, and it’s open from Thursday to Saturday from 9 AM to 4 PM to curate your experience and answer any questions. The trails are open from Tuesday to Saturday from 8:30 AM to 6 PM.

Where can I eat at Duke Farms?

Duke Farms is open to the public, and you can bring food to picnic on the grounds, so pack a cooler or grab some food from the cafe. The Farm Barn Cafe is also there, offering delicious food from local growers and producers that maintains the farm’s focus on sustainability.

Is it easy to get around with a stroller?

Duke Farms has 8 miles of paved trails that are accessible to bikes, strollers, and walkers. 

Are public bathrooms available?

There are public bathrooms at the Orientation Center or on the trails on Oak Way and West Way.

How much does it cost to visit Duke Farms?

Visiting the farm is free, but a parking pass is required on Saturdays from April through November. Hours of operation vary by day, so check the website before heading that way.

Is Duke Farms sustainable?

Duke Farms is powered by 100% clean electricity that’s generated onsite from a solar array and the battery storage system. There are four EV chargers available to visitors, and Duke Farms is home to the only fast-charging EV chargers powered by solar in the State of New Jersey. 

Learn more about Duke Farms on the website, Instagram, and Facebook.

Duke Farms 
1112 Dukes Parkway West
Hillsborough, NJ 08844

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