Just beyond the gates of the Van Vleck House & Gardens is a green oasis that transports you to a different world. It’s a soothing escape from the hectic vibe of downtown Montclair, and the historic 140-year-old Van Vleck House, which once served as a private estate spanning 12 acres, adds to its charm. My family and I found the gardens to be a serene refuge, and we appreciated the variety of activities available, like engaging classes, special events, and peaceful nature walks. Read on for what we did at Van Vleck House & Gardens. (featured photo credit: istock/Brian Logan)
Things To Do At Van Vleck House & Gardens
Watch the Butterfly Garden come to life
We began our adventure at the Smith Visitor Center, where we watched a video and viewed informative displays about the garden. Then we made our way back to the Landrum Butterfly Garden, where my kids were amazed at the cool layout—the entire garden resembled a large butterfly. The kids loved exploring the space, and we found benches with cascading trees, allowing us to take a break in the shade.
Exploring the gardens
After we finished exploring the Butterfly Garden, we made our way past the Edible Garden, which featured growing fruits and vegetables. We then climbed the stairs to the Woodlands Area, which was lush with greenery. As we passed through the pergola, we admired the Rhododendron Walk and Mother’s Garden, but what got our attention was the whimsical and interactive Fairy Garden Trail. The trail featured fairy houses, which the kids loved to explore, and they were thrilled to see that Van Vleck provided little pinecones, sticks, and acorns so that they could enjoy leaving a gentle mark on the fairy homes and path.
Finding nooks and crannies
Walking through the garden was a quiet and peaceful experience, with quite a few little areas to see something new, from the Wildflower Meadow to the perfectly pruned Tennis Court Garden. Along the way, we were able to identify everything from a Pink Flowering Dogwood to a Star Magnolia to a Scarlet Firethorn. We followed the path, which revealed the prettiest views, and since each bloom and plant was marked, we learned a lot about horticulture at each stop. The beehives were also a highlight for the kids, as they discovered parts of a beehive and their roles in the honey bee society.
Enter a wisteria haven
As we stepped onto the Bingham Formal Garden, the perfectly cut lawn under us was a favorite spot for our kids to walk through. Tall trees and blooming plants framed the area, and my daughter mentioned that the lawn looked like a huge green carpet. As we walked further down the path, we made our way up to the Van Vleck House, which gave villa vibes with its huge floor-to-ceiling windows, large columns, and a water feature right in the center. But the grand finale was seeing the purple wisteria dangling from the upper balcony of the Van Vleck House. It was the perfect place to take some family photos and let the kids explore the perfectly pruned area.
What to know before you go
The grounds are open to the public 365 days a year, from dawn to dusk, and admission is free. Shelf-stable food donations are always welcome, and there is a collection bin in the Visitor Center. While visiting the Visitor Center, be sure to stop by the Tiny Gallery to enjoy the work of local and guest artists. The parking lot is small, so street parking is available as an alternative. If the Van Vleck Street lot is full, the North Mountain Avenue lot is recommended. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, as there are many places to explore on foot. Benches are available if you need a break. The entire garden is fenced in, allowing children to explore, but they should be supervised and respectful of the grounds. Strollers are fine for some parts of the gardens, but using a carrier is easier due to the narrow and bumpy walkways. The garden is not picnic-friendly, so plan to eat before or after your visit. You can check what is blooming before your visit and find out about family classes and events throughout the year, including Mediation in the Garden, The Secret Tea Room events, and concerts.
For more information, visit the Van Vleck House & Gardens website, Instagram, and Facebook.
Van Vleck House & Gardens
21 Van Vleck Street
Montclair, NJ 07042
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