Washington Crossing State Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Washington Crossing State Park is located in the state of New Jersey and offers visitors a rich historical experience.


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Summary

One of the main reasons to visit the park is its historical significance as the site where General George Washington crossed the Delaware River during the American Revolutionary War in 1776.

The park features several points of interest that attract history enthusiasts. The most notable is the Johnson Ferry House, a restored 18th-century farmhouse that served as a ferry tavern during the time of the crossing. Visitors can explore the house and learn about its historical significance. Additionally, there are several trails and interpretive signage throughout the park that provide information about the crossing and the Revolutionary War.

The area surrounding Washington Crossing State Park is also known for its beautiful natural scenery. The park offers opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking. The Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park, which runs adjacent to the park, is a popular spot for biking and walking.

Interesting facts about the park include the fact that George Washington's crossing of the Delaware River is considered a turning point in the Revolutionary War. The crossing ultimately led to the successful surprise attack on Hessian troops in Trenton, New Jersey. The park also hosts an annual reenactment of the crossing, attracting visitors from around the region.

The best time of year to visit Washington Crossing State Park is during the spring and fall seasons when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its most vibrant. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters can be cold and snowy. Planning a visit during the annual Christmas Day reenactment is also a popular choice.

To ensure accuracy, it is recommended to verify the information provided here by consulting multiple independent sources, such as the official website of Washington Crossing State Park, historical records, and reputable travel guides.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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