Celebrating their 250th (Yes… Another destination older than the United States!) Wharton State Forest is the largest single tract of land within the New Jersey State Park System. It is also the site of Batsto Village, a former bog iron and glassmaking industrial center from 1766 to 1867 that currently reflects the agricultural and commercial enterprises that existed here during the late 19th century. Wharton State Park
Listen to the Interview with Alicia Bjornson!
FAMILY FUN IDEA! VISIT THE BASTO VILLAGE
1st Stop the Visitors Center – make sure to get your Mansion tour tickets (there is usually a wait list) DON’T WORRY WHILE YOU ARE WAITING FOR YOUR TOUR… LOTS TO DO!
THE MANSION: The Richards Mansion Tour takes about 45 minutes and you will see some really cool rooms! A SITE TO SEE! The twisting stairway up to the tower allows you to see a 360-degree panorama view of the Village! (Best to make a Reservations it’s a pretty popular attraction – Each tour has limited space)
STROLL THROUGH VILLAGE: Visit the general store and get your postcard hand-stamped at the Post Office! (JUST LIKE THEY DID BACK THEN!)
MUSEUM: Walk through the FREE Museum that features local history, tools and artifacts.
GO BACK IN TIME – During Summer, Fall and Special events they have a working village so you can see how people lived in the 1700’s!
Checkout the working Sawmill – It’s pretty cool! (FYI – usually only opened on Sundays in the Summer)
Visit the working Blacksmith Shop
OUTDOOR FUN: Hiking Trails – Star Watch Nights – Fishing – Nature Center
SUPPORT NEW JERSEY HISTORY – BUZZ ON down to Batsto Village and be sure to check out their calendar of attractions for the 250th Celebration!
(609) 561-0024 – call for information and visit web-site www.Batstovillage.org to find hours of operations
ADMISSION: Mansion Tours and some special events (trust me it’s NOT expensive!)