Here’s a fun fact: New Jersey is the third-largest cranberry-producing state in the United States and one of the few places in the US where cranberries grow naturally. And fall is when you can check out the way they are harvested with bogs (a type of wetland where cranberries grow on vines low to the ground) when farmers flood the grounds every season, creating a sea of beautiful red berries. To catch the cranberry harvest in action, head to one of the places in the Pine Barrens where it’s happening, learn about our state’s harvest history, watch farmers cull and collect the berries, and taste fresh cranberry treats. Read on for more of where you can go to see cranberry bogs, one of our favorite unique fall activities in NJ. (featured photo credit: istock/nano)
Cranberries in NJ
Double Trouble State Forest
At Double Trouble Village State Historic Site, you can take guided tours of the Cranberry Packing House, the last commercial cranberry farm and company town in Ocean County. Learn how the hand-picking and wooden spoon method was the only way to harvest before wet harvesting became more common, and the building remains intact, complete with its original machinery. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for self-guided tours or cranberry educational events throughout the year.
Cost: Prices vary per event
581 Pinewald Keswick Road, Bayville, NJ 08721
At Double Trouble Village State Historic Site, you can take guided tours of the Cranberry Packing House, the last commercial cranberry farm and company town in Ocean County. Learn how the hand-picking and wooden spoon method was the only way to harvest before wet harvesting became more common, and the building remains intact, complete with its original machinery. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for self-guided tours or cranberry educational events throughout the year.
Cost: Prices vary per event
581 Pinewald Keswick Road, Bayville, NJ 08721
Pinelands Adventures
The Pinelands are home to the state’s cranberry farms, and through Pinelands Adventures, you can tour the Theodore H. Budd & Sons Cranberry Farm. On the tour, you get an overview of the farm and meet the farmers while watching them harvest berries in the bog. You also get to understand how and when bogs are flooded, while learning about wet harvesting, and being able to see the equipment and methods used on the farm.
Cost: $60 per person, and this tour is for kids ages 10+
Meeting Place: The Gift Shop at Pinelands Preservation Alliance’s Headquarters at 17 Pemberton Road, Southhampton Township, NJ 08088
Whitesbog Preservation Trust
You can learn all about New Jersey’s cranberry industry with a guided Historic Cranberry Tour at Whitesbog Village. The whole family can explore the preserved village, visit original cranberry bogs, and learn about how generations of workers shaped the land and legacy. As you walk along the sandy trail, you can hear all about past harvests, see vintage equipment in the museum, and gain a deeper appreciation for this unique Pine Barrens tradition. On weekends in October, the Cranberry Celebration features treats such as salsas and jams, all made with fresh cranberries from the bog.
Cost: $20 per person, large groups available by request
120 West Whites Bog Road #34, Browns Mills, NJ 08015
You can learn all about New Jersey’s cranberry industry with a guided Historic Cranberry Tour at Whitesbog Village. The whole family can explore the preserved village, visit original cranberry bogs, and learn about how generations of workers shaped the land and legacy. As you walk along the sandy trail, you can hear all about past harvests, see vintage equipment in the museum, and gain a deeper appreciation for this unique Pine Barrens tradition. On weekends in October, the Cranberry Celebration features treats such as salsas and jams, all made with fresh cranberries from the bog.
Cost: $20 per person, large groups available by request
120 West Whites Bog Road #34, Browns Mills, NJ 08015
Want the inside scoop? Sign up for the NJMOM bi-weekly newsletter to get the lowdown on everything for your family in NJ (think of it as the ultimate cheat sheet for NJ Moms). And don’t forget to tag your photos #NJMOM and @njmom for a chance to be featured.
