Things to do at Liberty State Park
Liberty State Park is dotted with several jewels, starting with a historic train terminal. In its heyday from the 1890s to the 1950s, the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal (CRRNJ) had an important role to play in the history of many American families. After passing the Statue of Liberty and going through inspection at Ellis Island, this train terminal transported many immigrants to their new home in the United States. It’s open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 or 5 p.m., depending on when you visit.
Another prominent tourist stop is the Empty Sky Memorial, which honors the 749 Jersey-connected citizens who lost their lives in the World Trade Center and other targeted sites on September 11, 2001. Here, visitors will find twin walls inscribed with the names of those who perished. Each wall is as long as the towers are tall, pointing toward Ground Zero. It’s free for visitors, as it’s an outdoor exhibit.
If you’re traveling with kids, consider a trip to the Liberty Science Center inside the park. It spans 300,000 square feet and features museum exhibits, aquariums, a live animal collection, wind simulators, a 3D theater, and a planetarium. Admission costs $31 for adults and $26 for children.
What to know before you go
Liberty State Park is open every day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. To get across the Hudson without hitting traffic, take the Liberty Landing Ferry. It costs $10 for adults and $5 for children, while kids under the age of six can get onboard for free. There are multiple ferry crossings every hour between New York and New Jersey from 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., giving you the entire day to enjoy all the park has to offer.
There are amenities aplenty, including picnic tables and restrooms. You’re welcome to barbecue food as long as you set up your own grill. You can also bring your rod and try your hand at fishing for bluefish, bass, and crabs. The park has a playground for kids and a 2-mile promenade for your fur kids, too, provided they stay on a leash. With so much to do in this point between worlds, Liberty State Park is the perfect place to enjoy a taste of the Garden State and the Big Apple all at once.
