Thomas Edison National Historical Park

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

In the park service’s words

Today, the brick buildings on Main Street in West Orange, NJ seem quiet, betraying little evidence of the research, development, and innovation of their heyday. Visitors can step back in time to Thomas Edison’s home and laboratory, when machines were run by belts and pulleys and music was played on phonographs. Discover where America’s greatest inventor changed our world forever.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: $15 per person. The America the Beautiful pass covers it.

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. All visitors must go to the Laboratory Complex first to obtain their entry pass and Glenmont Grounds pass. (Glenmont is currently only open on Saturday and Sunday)

Getting there

From the Garden State Parkway take exit 145 or from the New Jersey Turnpike take Exit 15W to Route 280 West. Take Route 280 West to Exit 10. Turn right onto Northfield Avenue. At second light turn left onto Main Street. Go about 0.75 mile to parking on left and Laboratory Complex on the right. From Route 280 East take exit 9. Turn left onto Mt. Pleasant Avenue. At second traffic light turn left onto Main Street. Go about 0.50 mile to parking on left and Laboratory Complex on the right.

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

• [Laboratory Complex Visitor Center](): Mon 9:30PM - 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. These hours generally apply to the Glenmont Grounds as well. All visitors must begin their visit at the Laboratory Complex Visitor Center. If the Lab Complex is closed, visitors will not be able to obtain a Glenmont Grounds pass, and will therefore not be admitted to Glenmont on those days.

Weather

Spring and Fall weather can be cool, while summer is usually warm and humid. Winter is frequently snowy and cold. It is recommended that visitors dress for the weather. Visitors may need jackets or rain gear as they will be walking between buildings as they tour the park during inclement weather. Please keep any rain gear/umbrellas with you during your visit.

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 269 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

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

Last checked 1 November 2026.