The Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Cedar Grove and Summit, New Jersey

Overview

Embarking on a road trip can be a liberating experience with endless possibilities for adventure. This route takes you from Cedar Grove to Summit, two New Jersey towns rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. The halfway point of the journey in Newark presents a great opportunity to stop and explore before continuing on your journey.

Top Five Things to Do

1. Mindowaskin Park

If you love the outdoors, Mindowaskin Park in Westfield should be on your list of places to visit. This park is renowned for its scenic beauty, walking paths, and recreational opportunities. Visitors can relax on the lawns, play tennis, baseball, or picnic with your loved ones.

Interesting fact: The park's name is derived from the Lenape word "Minewaste," which means "Good Berry Place".

2. Liberty Science Center

Located in Jersey City, the Liberty Science Center is an experience like no other. This interactive science museum boasts exciting exhibits, including a fascinating planetarium and a hands-on animal exhibit. Spend hours learning and exploring the world around us.

Interesting fact: The museum's "Touch Tunnel" exhibit is completely dark to test your orientation and touch sense.

3. Thomas Edison National Historical Park

History buffs will appreciate a visit to the Thomas Edison National Historical Park in West Orange. Known as the "Wizard of Menlo Park," Edison was one of America's greatest inventors. You can tour his laboratory and home while learning about his incredible inventions and contributions to American society.

Interesting fact: Thomas Edison held over 1,000 patents, more than any other inventor in history.

4. Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

The Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Morris County boasts over 4,000 acres of wetlands, forests, and grasslands. Visitors can hike along miles of trails, observing diverse wildlife such as foxes, hawks, bobcats, and black bears. Nature lovers, bird watchers, and photographers will love this destination.

Interesting fact: The Great Swamp covers an area nearly equal in size to New York City's Central Park.

5. Summit Downtown

End your trip in Summit's charming downtown area, with its historic buildings, boutiques, and restaurants. The town takes pride in its diversity, with cultural influences from countries around the world. Grab a bite at one of the town's many culinary destinations before heading down to the train station.

Interesting fact: Summit's downtown area was once a stop on the Underground Railroad, with the town playing a crucial role in helping enslaved people escape to freedom.

Conclusion

This road trip is an ideal way to discover the treasures and gems of New Jersey. From the scenic Mindowaskin Park to the educational Liberty Science Center, there is something for everyone. Take time to stop and explore the Thomas Edison National Historical Park and take a stroll through the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. After a day of adventure, Summit's historic downtown provides a charming and relaxing end to an unforgettable journey that will take approximately three to four hours.