Did you know that the light bulb, saltwater taffy, and the boardwalk all started in New Jersey? New Jersey was the third state to ratify the US Constitution, and since then, it has made quite an impact with record-breaking facts, a colorful history, and one-of-a-kind attractions. Whether it’s being known as the diner capital of the world, having the oldest seaside resort in the US, or being the only place in the Western Hemisphere where you can ski indoors with real snow, New Jersey has diverse places, facts, and activities that will give you a new appreciation for our state. Scroll down for the most fascinating and add them to your bucket list of the best things to do in New Jersey. (featured photo credit: istock/arlutz73) 

19 Unique Places And Fun Facts About New Jersey

American Dream
Spend the day at a water park and then ski on real snow inside under the same roof? Yup, it’s here in East Rutherford, New Jersey, at the American Dream 3-million-square-foot entertainment complex, where everything is super-sized. Plan a snow day any time of the year at Big Snow (the only indoor ski resort in North America), get lost in the labyrinth of the Mirror Maze, or ride a roller coaster at the biggest indoor theme park in the Western Hemisphere at the Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park. You can also get wet any time of the year in their largest indoor water park in the US or step into the massive It’s Sugar, with over 10,000 types of candy to indulge in.

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
You don’t have to travel the world to find a hidden oasis of Hindu Art, culture, and architecture—it’s just down the turnpike in Robbinsville. The BAPS took over a decade to build and is the largest Hindu temple in the United States, boasting the biggest elliptical dome of traditional stone architecture ever constructed. Sign up for a guided tour or plan to visit during one of their many events and celebrations at this stunning, one-of-a-kind site in New Jersey.

Batsto Village
Incorporated in 1766 in Wharton Forest, Batsto Village is frozen in time, looking the same as it did back then. The post office (one of the four oldest operating in the United States), the mansion, the icehouse, the gristmill, and the general store are all authentic and transport you to colonial times in our state history. Plan to spend time at this interactive, well-preserved village to learn about the ironworks, glass blowing, and other industries that helped the area thrive during its heyday. 

Black Horse Tavern & Pub
For almost 300 years, The Black Horse Pub & Tavern has been a cozy, rustic setting serving colonial statemen and weary travelers who passed through Mendham. Today, the restaurant, which was founded in 1742, remains in its original building and serves classic American dishes, such as St. Louis Ribs or a crock of French Onion soup, making it a must-stop in Morris County for lunch or dinner.  The Cape May Zoo and Cape May are always a good idea to visit. Photo Credit: NJ MOM

Cape May
The oldest seaside resort in the United States, and declared a National Historic Landmark in 1976, Cape May was named after Dutch Sea Captain Cornelius Jacobsen Mey. Today, you can walk the streets in this Victorian-era town with charming homes, restaurants, and a pedestrian walkway that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a Hallmark movie (especially during the holidays). Opt to spend a few days at the iconic Congress Hall, which has been hosting families in the beachfront setting since 1816. Whether you watch for whales and dolphins, shop at Washington Street Mall, or see the Cape May Zoo, there are many iconic activities in town. 

Cowtown Rodeo
Did you know New Jersey has one of the oldest operating rodeos in the US? Cowtown Rodeo opened in Pilesgrove in 1929 in conjunction with the Salem County Fair. It’s the longest-running weekly professional rodeo in the USA and the only place to see a professional rodeo in the Garden State. Catch all the Old West-style ranching traditions, from bull riding to team roping, from Memorial Day weekend through the end of September. All events are rain or shine, so get ready to saddle up for a good time.

Diner Capital of the World
With over 500 diners in the state, New Jersey has rightfully earned the title of “The Diner Capital of the World.” Whether you’re craving meringue pie, a Greek salad, or a great cup of coffee, you can find a classic diner nearby to maintain this title. Among the oldest diners in the state are the Dumont Crystal Diner and The Summit Diner, both located in their original retro, train-car-style settings. Other popular options include The Colonial Diner in Lyndhurst and the Tick Tock Diner in Clifton, which features the notable “Eat Heavy” sign.

Fluorescent Rocks of Sterling Hill Mine
The most extensive collection of fluorescent minerals worldwide is (drumroll, please) in New Jersey. Today, you can enter the 1,300 ft. tunnel inside the mine where the miners would start and end their workday, and then head into the Warren Museum with more than 700 fluorescent minerals and objects on display. Kids and adults can even go mining for their own minerals at the Mine Run Dump and Sluicing (aka panning) stations.

The Nickname: The Garden State
Why is New Jersey called the Garden State? It ranks number five in blueberry production, third in cranberries, third in spinach, third in bell peppers, and third in peach production. And don’t miss the opportunity to pick your produce, and you can visit the organic farms, too. Fun fact—the family favorite, Welch’s Grape Juice, can trace its origins to Vineland, NJ, where it was first used as an alternative to wine for church communion services.  

Haddonfield
Set out to hunt for dinosaur bones at Pennypacker Park, a national historic landmark where the world’s first complete dinosaur skeleton — “Haddy” the Hadrosaurus—was discovered in 1858. Or take a free tour or sign up for an educational program at the 200-year-old facility at the Indian King Tavern Museum. If you want more to do, visit Haddon Lake, Camden Adventure Aquarium, or Battleship New Jersey, which are all nearby.

Howell Living History Farm
Ever wonder what life was like before the 20th century? Visit the Howell Living History Farm, where the farm’s calendar reflects the cycles of a fully functioning, working farm from 1890 to 1910. It’s a unique part of New Jersey history—you’ll get a hands-on look at actual farming operations up close, speak with farmers and interpreters, and sometimes even be asked to help out. Throughout the year, be a part of their events, such as the ice harvest, potato harvest, and maple sugaring.

Jen & Ric Edelman Fossil Park and Museum at Rowan University
This new museum, situated above a quarry containing 66-million-year-old marine and terrestrial fossils, will showcase a record of the final moments of the dinosaur era. The museum will feature exhibit galleries, full-scale reconstructions of extinct creatures, hands-on learning experiences, live animal attractions, virtual reality, connections to the natural world, and gathering spaces to build a community around the themes of exploration, discovery, and responsible stewardship of our planet.

Matchbox Road Museum
If you have a little collector who loves Matchbox cars, you may want to check out this museum in Newfield, New Jersey. The Matchbox Road Museum boasts more than 50,000 items collected over the past 40 years, and its extensive collection has set a world record. You can visit to see old and new by appointment only—even adults will get a kick out of reliving their childhood with these tiny cars. 

Lucy The Elephant 
The oldest roadside attraction in the world stands over 65 feet tall and is over a century old. With big eyes and a cartoonish stature, Lucy the Elephant in Margate is one of those NJ attractions you must visit at least once. After a multi-million-dollar renovation, Lucy is officially open again, featuring a new restaurant and a renovated climb that offers sweeping 360-degree views, providing a glimpse back in time to the shore’s earliest days. 

Northlandz
Known as the World’s Largest Miniature Wonderland, Northlandz is 52,000 square feet of fun. Built by hand over 35 years ago, it took over 300,000 hours to construct and uses 8 miles of railroad tracks, tunnels, and details to create a tiny world that’s a work of art and a mesmerizing display. Spend hours exploring, then head outside to ride on the 1890s steam engine replica train. There is also a music hall and a doll museum on the grounds.

Revolutionary War and New Jersey
New Jersey played a significant role in the Revolutionary War, where British and American troops fought intense battles and encamped in numerous areas throughout the state, many of which are now dedicated historical landmarks. From the Ford Mansion and Washington Headquarters Museum in Morris County to Washington Crossing State Park in Titusville, you can find numerous historical sites open to visitors. Other notable Revolutionary War sites include the Old Barracks Museum in Trenton, Princeton Battlefield State Park in Princeton, and Monmouth Battlefield State Park in Manalapan.

Sandy Hook Lighthouse
Head to Sandy Hook, NJ, where the oldest lighthouse in the state has guided sailors since 1764, surviving the American Revolution and weather-changing events. Today, the lighthouse, designated as a National Historic Landmark, continues to serve its original function and remains visible for nineteen miles on clear nights. The beacon remains lit 24 hours a day, and nearby is the Highlands, the highest elevation on the East Coast from Maine to Florida.

The Atlantic City Boardwalk
The first boardwalk kept sand out of railroad cars and hotels in the resort town of Atlantic City, and boardwalks became a unique NJ icon soon after that. The AC Boardwalk remains the oldest constructed and longest (5.5 miles) in the world. Take a walk down the boardwalk, where you can ride a tram to see the sights or take a rolling chair, the best mode of transportation for over 100 years. Along the way, sample the sweet and sticky saltwater taffy treat invented in AC and remains a family favorite today, or take a ride on the Steel Pier. Boardwalk Hall is another notable place to visit, where you can see the largest pipe organ in the world, based on the number of pipes. If you plan to spend more than a few hours, book a night at Ocean Casino Resort at the end of the boardwalk, with sweeping ocean and beach views. 

Thomas Edison
Known as The Wizard of Menlo Park, Thomas Edison did more than give us the lights to use in our homes—he invented the phonograph and motion picture camera, improved the telegraph and the telephone, and invented and marketed a design to use the incandescent lightbulb all over the world. And all these innovations emerged from his lab in Menlo Park, now a national museum. Tour the Glenmont Estate and Edison’s Historic Garage to learn more about the inventor and see the world’s largest light bulb, made of Corning Pyrex glass and measuring 13 feet and 8 inches tall at The Edison Memorial Tower, with a base that is lit 24/7 in honor of Thomas Edison.

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