When springtime peaks, Branch Brook Park in Newark is the place to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom (and you thought you’d have to travel to D.C.). With over 5,300 cherry blossom trees that paint the park pink in April, the nation’s first county park has the largest collection of Japanese cherry blossom trees in the United States, rivaling the famous Washington DC blooms. To celebrate cherry blossom season, Branch Brook Park pulls out all the stops by hosting the Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival beginning in April, which includes races, activities, Japanese cultural demonstrations, and much more for the entire family. Read on for what to know about Branch Brook Park and the famous cherry blossom trees. (featured photo credit: istock/Jitalia17)
Branch Brook Park: The Best Place In NJ To See Cherry Blossoms
Enter a cherry blossom haven
The best time to visit Branch Brook Park? Spring, when the century-old cherry blossoms bloom and shed their pink petals into mounds of pink-tinged “snow.” Each year, at the end of March and into April, the park comes alive, boasting the largest collection of Japanese flowering trees planted in one location in the United States and attracting visitors all over the US (at its peak, the park hosts over 10,000 visitors a day). The blooms are showcased during the Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival, with events beginning on April 4. The event kicks off with a Challenge Bike Race on April 4, then the Cherry Blossom 10K Run on April 12, followed by the 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk on April 18, where everyone from the family can participate. On April 18, Essex County Family Day will be loaded with family fun—glide along the lake in the paddle boats, construct a craft, have the kids get their faces painted, jump in a bouncy house, climb a rock wall, or grab food from a food vendor, all among the flowering cherry blossom trees. The festivities culminate with Bloomfest on April 19, with Japanese cultural demonstrations, children’s activities, live music, a crafter’s marketplace, food, and, of course, gorgeous blooms. During the season, you can listen to guided Cherry Blossom Talks on Wednesdays and Saturdays in April up until the 25th. If you can’t make it, you can watch their Bloom Cam to view all the pretty flowers without having to take the trip.
Branch Brook Park is 4 miles long and covered with pink blooms in April. Photo Credit: NJ MOM
Beyond the cherry blossoms at Branch Brook Park
Besides the cherry blossoms, what makes Branch Brook Park notable is that it is the country’s oldest park and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was designed in the 19th century by the famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted (of Central Park fame). Branch Brook Park is also massive—it contains 36 miles of the Lenape Trail, is a whopping 360 acres, has a beautiful lake on one end and a river on the other, and is one of the country’s largest city parks. Today, visit any time of year to sit and enjoy this beautiful landscape with 19 unique bridges, buildings to picnic in, miles of pathways, a roller rink, a children’s garden, fields, and courts. For history and landscape buffs, a tour by the Branch Brook Park Alliance will give more insight into the historical design and the behind-the-scenes of how they planted the first cherry blossom trees. While you’re there, check out the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, one of the most significant Gothic-style buildings in the US, facing Branch Brook Park.
FAQs
When can I visit Branch Brook Park?
Branch Brook Park is open 365 days a year and welcomes visitors from dawn until 10 PM. Admission to the park is always free.
How can I get to the park and the festival?
The Newark Light Rail runs on the park’s west side, providing multiple access points to the park from Downtown Newark. You can also drive to Branch Brook Park, where parking lots and on-street parking are available. NJMOM tip: Parking can be difficult during the cherry blossom events, so going early or during off-hours should make it easier
When do the cherry blossom events begin?
The Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival has events starting on April 4 and runs through April 25, with racing events requiring pre-registration. Family Day and Bloomfest events are free and take place throughout the park and at the Prudential Concert Grove.
Check out the Branch Brook Park and Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival website, Facebook, and Instagram
Branch Brook Park
Park Avenue and Lake Street
Newark, NJ 07104
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