Morristown National Historical Park

Morristown National Historical Park is a national historical park run by the National Park Service in New Jersey.

In the park service’s words

Morristown National Historical Park commemorates the sites of General Washington and the Continental Army’s winter encampment from December 1779 to June 1780, where soldiers survived the coldest winter on record. The park also maintains a museum and library collection related to the encampments and to George Washington, as well as items from both pre- and post-Revolutionary America.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

• Visit Washingtons Headquarters Museum in Morristown NJ: The museum is a free of charge, self guided tour.
• Go on a Guided Tour of the Ford Mansion (45 Minutes): The Ford Mansion can be seen by guided tour only so take advantage of the opportunity when you can! Explore the home that George Washington made his headquarters during the winter encampment of 1779-1780. Discover how the Ford family adjusted to the changes to their household during what would become the coldest winter
• Drop By Fort Nonsense in Morristown (15 to 30 Minutes): Fort Nonsense, located in downtown Morristown, is often overlooked by park visitors, but since this small piece of the park boasts one of the best views in the area. It’s also the only officially designated picnic areas of the park. Drop by Fort Nonsense for a picnic and take in the views of the Morristown and the Watc
• Explore the Cross Estate Gardens and Hike to the NJ Brigade Encampment Site: You can go in any order once you arrive at the New Jersey Brigade Encampment Area and Cross Estate Gardens. The hike is approx. 1 mile to reach the encampment site (note: it is downhill going out, uphill coming back).
• Experience Jockey Hollow: Come explore Jockey Hollow! Check out the Visitor Center, drive, walk, or bike the 3-mile tour road loop, or hike some of the over 27 miles of hiking trails.

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Hours: Mon 9:30AM - 4:30PM; Tue Closed; Wed Closed; Thu 9:30AM - 4:30PM; Fri 9:30AM - 4:30PM; Sat 9:30AM - 4:30PM; Sun 9:30AM - 4:30PM. Washington's Headquarters Museum: Open Thursday-Monday 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Jockey Hollow Visitor Center: Open Thursday-Monday 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Getting there

Morristown National Historical Park is easiest to see by car. There are four different sites throughout the greater Morristown area. Washington's Headquarters Museum / Ford Mansion and Fort Nonsense are located in Morristown. The Jockey Hollow unit with its visitor center and historic Wick House; and the New Jersey Brigade Area are both about 6 miles south of Morristown, Detailed directions can be found on the park website.

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

• Jockey Hollow Visitor Center: Mon 9:30AM - 4:30PM; Tue Closed; Wed Closed; Thu 9:30AM - 4:30PM; Fri 9:30AM - 4:30PM; Sat 9:30AM - 4:30PM; Sun 9:30AM - 4:30PM. Standard Hours: Open Thursday-Monday 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.
• [Washington's Headquarters Museum](): Mon 9:30AM - 4:30PM; Tue Closed; Wed Closed; Thu 9:30AM - 4:30PM; Fri 9:30AM - 4:30PM; Sat 9:30AM - 4:30PM; Sun 9:30AM - 4:30PM. Thursday through Monday 9:30am to 4:30 pm.

Weather

Weather in this part of New Jersey is typical of the mid-Atlantic region--a humid continental climate with hot, humid summers and moderately cold winters.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Shenandoah, about 255 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

• National Park Service Data API: Morristown National Historical Park (public domain)
• Official website

Last checked 1 November 2026.