With 2,700 acres in Hillsborough, New Jersey, Duke Farms is a place where you can introduce your kids to the beauty of the environment and the importance of stewardship. Thanks to the undeveloped land, which was owned by heiress Doris Duke and is the largest private parcel of land in the state, you can explore 900 acres of hiking and biking trails, attend events to admire the beautiful orchids under the full moon, or cross the Guzei Bridge to visit the Meditation Garden. Keep reading to learn what you can 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 built, and she added 500 acres of farmland devoted to organic practices until she passed 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 across 2,700 acres of restored habitats, trails, woodlands, and more that visitors can 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 take a step back from the busy world that we live in today. One of these locations is The Great Falls. This is a historic and engineered waterfall that dates 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 Birding For Beginnings, The Wonders of Wetlands, a Late Summer Bird Walk, and a Native Seed Harvesting Workshop. Sometimes the events sell out, so make sure you keep an eye on what is coming up and grab your spot. 

What to know before you go

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 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 5 PM to curate your experience and answer any questions. The Farm Barn Cafe is also there, offering delicious food  from local growers and producers that maintains the focus on sustainability at the farm. Duke Farms has 8 miles of paved trails that are accessible to bikes, strollers, and walkers. Trails are open from Tuesday to Saturday from 8:30 AM to 6 PM. There are public bathrooms at the Orientation Center or on the trails on Oak Way and West Way. Visiting the farm is free, but a parking pass is required for Saturdays from April through November, and the hours of operation change depending on the day, so check the website before heading that way. The Farm Barn Cafe is open Thursday to Saturday from 9 AM to 2 PM. 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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