Discover the Best Things to Do in Elizabeth, New Jersey: A Local’s Guide
Elizabeth is located in Union County, New Jersey, with approximately 135,000 residents. It is the fourth largest city in the state and is situated just a few miles southwest of Newark, one of New Jersey’s largest cities.
Elizabeth has a rich history, dating back to the 17th century when European colonists first settled it. Today, the city is a bustling urban center home to a diverse population and a thriving business community.
One of the most notable features of Elizabeth is its transportation infrastructure. Newark Liberty International Airport is close to the city border. It’s one of the largest and busiest airports in the United States. Elizabeth is also situated at the intersection of several major highways, including the New Jersey Turnpike, making it a central transportation hub for people and goods.
Elizabeth is also home to a variety of cultural and recreational amenities. The city is home to several parks, including Warinanco Park and Mattano Park, which offer outdoor recreation and relaxation opportunities.
The city is also home to several museums and historic sites, including the Liberty Hall Museum and Boxwood Hall State Historic Site, which offer visitors a glimpse into the city’s rich history. With its combination of transportation access, cultural amenities, and diverse community, Elizabeth has a lot to offer both residents and visitors.
Mattano Park
Mattano Park is a 45-acre park in the Peterstown neighborhood of Elizabeth, New Jersey. The park is named after the Mattano family, who owned the land in the early 20th century and donated it to the city to be used as a public park.
The park features a variety of amenities, including playgrounds, basketball courts, and a spray park, making it a popular destination for families with children.
Mattano Park also hosts a variety of events and programs throughout the year. In the summer months, the park is home to the city’s “Summer Fun” program, which offers a variety of free activities for children, including arts and crafts, games, and music.
The park also hosts community events like outdoor movie screenings and festivals, bringing people together to enjoy the outdoors and celebrate the community spirit of Elizabeth. With its welcoming atmosphere and engaging programming, Mattano Park is a great place to spend time with family and friends in Elizabeth, New Jersey.
Liberty Hall Museum
Liberty Hall Museum is a historical museum in Union, New Jersey, chronicling over 240 years of American history through the lives of one family: the Livingstons. Built in 1773, the museum is a beautifully preserved Georgian-style mansion home to seven Livingston family generations.
Visitors to the museum can explore the 50 rooms of the mansion, which have been restored to reflect different periods of American history, from the colonial era to the early 20th century.
One of the highlights of Liberty Hall Museum is the vast collection of historical artifacts on display. The museum boasts an impressive collection of antique furniture, artwork, textiles, and other objects that give visitors a glimpse into life in America over the past two centuries.
Among the most notable items in the collection are a lock of George Washington’s hair, a chair used by Benjamin Franklin, and an original letter from Alexander Hamilton.
In addition to its historical exhibits, Liberty Hall Museum also hosts various events and programs throughout the year. Visitors can participate in interactive tours, lectures, workshops, or special events like the annual Gingerbread House Workshop.
With its rich history, fascinating exhibits, and engaging events, Liberty Hall Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in American history and culture.
Warinanco Park
Warinanco Park is a 204-acre park located near Elizabeth, New Jersey. This sprawling park boasts a wide array of recreational activities and attractions, making it a popular destination for locals and visitors.
So whether you’re looking to enjoy a picnic with friends and family, go for a jog, or participate in one of the many events in the park throughout the year, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at Warinanco Park.
One of the most popular attractions at Warinanco Park is the lake, which covers over 30 acres and provides a serene backdrop for fishing, boating, and other water activities. The park also features numerous sports fields and courts, including soccer fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, a fitness circuit, and a playground for children.
Additionally, several picnic areas are throughout the park, complete with tables and grills, making it the perfect spot for a summertime BBQ.
In addition to its recreational offerings, Warinanco Park is also home to several landmarks, including the Warinanco Sports Center and the Warinanco Lake. The Warinanco Sports Center has been a fixture in the park since 1961, offering public skating sessions and figure skating and ice hockey programs.
Goethals Bridge
Goethals Bridge is a bridge that spans the Arthur Kill, connecting Elizabeth, New Jersey, with Staten Island, New York. The bridge, which opened to traffic in 1928, was named after Major General George W. Goethals, the chief engineer of the Panama Canal and the first consulting engineer of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The bridge is a major transportation artery, serving over 14 million vehicles annually.
The bridge is a steel arch with a total length of 7,109 feet and is supported by two concrete towers that stand 272 feet tall. It features four lanes of traffic, as well as a pedestrian and bicycle path.
In 2017, construction began on a new bridge adjacent to the existing Goethals Bridge, which opened to traffic in 2018. The new bridge, designed to be more resilient to extreme weather events, features wider lanes and shoulders and a higher clearance for larger ships.
The Goethals Bridge is a critical transportation link and a symbol of the region’s industrial heritage. In addition, the surrounding bridge is home to several historic buildings and structures, including the grain elevator, a former grain storage facility now being repurposed as a commercial space.
The bridge is also a popular spot for photographers and sightseers, offering stunning views of the New York City skyline and the surrounding waterways.
Boxwood Hall State Historic Site
Boxwood Hall State Historic Site is a museum in Elizabeth, New Jersey, that tells the story of the city’s role in the American Revolution. The museum is housed in a beautifully preserved Georgian-style mansion built in 1750 and served as the home of Elias Boudinot, a prominent lawyer and statesman who played a vital role in the founding of the United States.
The mansion was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1971 and is now open to the public as a museum.
Visitors to Boxwood Hall can explore the 18th-century mansion and view a collection of historical artifacts related to the American Revolution. Among the most notable items in the collection is a letter from George Washington, a portrait of John Adams, and an original copy of the U.S. Constitution.
The museum also features exhibits highlighting Elizabeth residents’ contributions to the Revolutionary War effort and the city’s role in the early years of American democracy.
In addition to its historical exhibits, Boxwood Hall hosts various events and programs throughout the year. Visitors can participate in guided tours of the mansion, attend lectures and workshops, or participate in special events like the annual Independence Day celebration.
With its rich history and engaging exhibits, Boxwood Hall is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history of Elizabeth, New Jersey, and the American Revolution.