Monmouth County

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Things to do in Monmouth County

 

 

Official Website

Arts & Entertainment

Monmouth County Towns

Education

Government

Historic Places

Parks

Sports & Recreation

Transportation

Visitor Center

 

Monmouth County Towns

Aberdeen

Allenhurst

Allentown

Asbury Park

Atlantic Highlands

Avon-by-the-Sea

Belmar

Bradley Beach

Brielle

Colts Neck

Deal

Eatontown

Englishtown

Fair Haven

Farmingdale

Freehold Borough

Freehold Twsp

Hazlet

Highlands

Holmdel

Howell

Interlaken

Keansburg

Keyport

Lake Como

Little Silver

Loch Arbour

Long Branch

Manalapan

Manasquan

Marlboro

Matawan

Middletown

Millstone

Monmouth Beach

Neptune City

Neptune Township

Ocean Grove

Ocean Twsp

Oceanport

Red Bank

Roosevelt

Rumson

Sea Bright

Sea Girt

Shrewsbury Borough

Spring Lake

Spring Lake Heights

Tinton Falls

Union Beach

Upper Freehold

Wall

West Long Branch

 

Education

College and Universities in Monmouth County

Brookdale Community College
765 Newman Springs Road
Lincroft, NJ 07738
732-224-2345

Monmouth University
400 Cedar Avenue
West Long Branch, NJ 07764
732-571-3400

 

Library

Monmouth County Library

 

Government

Monmouth County is governed by a five-member Board of Chosen Freeholders. The Freeholders are the center of the legislative and administrative resonsibility in Monmouth County.

These are the administrative offices:

Public Information
Hall of Records Building
1 East Main Street
Freehold, NJ 07728
732-431-7000

Serves as the public information center for county government departments and agencies.

County Administrator
Hall of Records Building
1 East Main Street
Freehold, NJ 07728
732-431-7384

Responsible for the day-to-day operation and supervision of the county departments and their divisions and projects.

Clerk of the Board
Hall of Records Building
1 East Main Street
Freehold, NJ 07728
732-431-7387

Responsible for the adminstrative and supervisory functions of the board of freeholders.

Prosecutor
132 Jerseyville Avenue
Freehold, NJ 07728
732-431-7160

The county's chief law enforcement officer.

County Counsel
Hall of Records, Room 236
One East Main Street
Freehold, NJ 07728
732-683-8640

Manages all legal matters for the county, and represents the county in litigation.

Monmouth County Sheriff's Office
50 East Main Street
Freehold, NJ 07728
732-431-7139

Responsible for providing highly technical and specialized services to local law enforcement agencies.


Parks

Monmouth County Park System
805 Newman Springs Road
Lincroft, NJ
732-842-4000

Bayshore Waterfront Park
719 Port Monmouth Road
Port Monmouth, NJ 07758

Bayshore Waterfront Park, located in Port Monmouth next to Monmouth Cove Marina, preserves a thriving coastal landscape on Sandy Hook Bay.  Enjoy the maritime shrublands, tidal creeks, salt marshes, dunes, mile of beach and scenic views across the water.  The park offers a fishing pier, access to Raritan Bay, and beautiful views of the NY skyline.  The Park System continues to add to this site's 227 acres in the Bayshore area.

Big Brook Park
30 Route 520
Marlboro, NJ 07746
732-842-4000

Named for Big Brook, which drains into the nearby Swimming River Reservoir, the park contains forest made up of young wetland and maturing American beech, White oak, tulip poplar and hickory trees. Perhaps the park is better known for its rolling fields; made up of grasses, goldenrod and other perennials that provide a rare contiguous field habitat for nesting birds such as the grasshopper sparrow, harrier, and bobolink.

In addition to providing very good birding opportunities, Big Brook Park is strategically located next to the Henry Hudson Trail (HHT). Visitors may now access a 5-mile section of the HHT leading to Freehold via a 0.9 mile paved connector from a parking area located just off the main entrance (that opened in June 2011).  The YMCA Camp Arrowhead still operates within a portion of this park.

Clayton Park
161 Emley's Hill Road
Upper Freehold, NJ 08526
(609) 259-5794 - Ranger Station

Park Brochure & Map

This rustic 422-acre site in rural Upper Freehold is located amidst the rolling farmland of western Monmouth County. One of the most beautiful parks in the county system, the property is known for stately stands of red and white oak, beech, ash and birch trees.

Visitors who drive via Imlaystown Road will pass through quaint Imlaystown with its historic landmark, Saltar's Mill and picturesque Imlaystown Lake.

Crosswicks Creek Greenway
County Route 537
Upper Freehold, NJ 08514
609-259-5794
Park Map 

Crosswicks Creek Greenway is a more than 1500-acre greenway in Upper Freehold Township. Most of the Crosswicks Creek Greenway forms a narrow corridor of land around Crosswicks Creek. Another 2,700 acres of surrounding farmland is preserved by the county and state Farmland Preservation Program.

Crosswicks Creek begins near Fort Dix in Burlington County, travels up the northeast corner of Ocean County, meanders 7 miles in Monmouth County, becomes the dividing line between Burlington and Mercer Counties and finally empties into the Delaware River.

 

Deep Cut Gardens
152 Red Hill Road
Middletown, NJ 07748
732-671-6050
Park Brochure & Map

The 54 acres of gardens and greenhouses are planned as a living catalog of cultivated and native plant materials to be observed through the seasons. The renovated Parterre features 52 varieties of roses with over 180 bushes.

 

Dorbrook Recreation Area
209 County Route 537 East
Colts Neck, NJ 07722
732-542-1642 - Visitor Center
Park Brochure & Map

This active recreation site features 535 acres which include a barrier-free playground, tennis courts, horseshoe courts, two swimming pools (for lessons only), a Sprayground, an inline rink, basketball courts, open fields, and 2.3 miles of paved trail for walking, biking, and in-line skating. There are also athletic fields available for use for games only, no practices. Please consult the Athletic Field Rentals link to the right under "Facilities" for further information.

 

East Freehold Showgrounds
1500 Kozloski Road
Freehold, NJ 07728
732-780-1021 - Seasonal Showgrounds Office

81 acre showgrounds for horse shows, dog shows, and special events each year. East Freehold Showgrounds is also the home of the annual Monmouth County Fair. Upwards of 100,000 people enjoy the 5-day late July event. Check the Monmouth County Fair page for more information regarding the Fair.

 

Fisherman's Cove Conservation Area
Parking Area: 391 Third Avenue, Manasquan, NJ 08736
Activity Center: 383 Third Avenue, Manasquan, NJ 08736
732-922-4080 or 3868 - Ranger Station

This 55-acre site, the last undeveloped tract on the Manasquan Inlet, is a great place to fish, walk on the beach, or go sunbathing. Dogs must be on leash at all times while at this park. The Park System provides an off-leash dog area at Thompson Park in Lincroft and at the Wolf Hill Recreation Area in Oceanport. The Activity Center hosts a variety of nature programs with limited street parking.

 

Hartshorne Woods Park
300 Navesink Avenue, Locust, NJ (Buttermilk Valley Entrance) 07716
1402 Portland Road, Highlands, NJ (Rocky Point Entrance) 07732
239 Locust Avenue, Locust, NJ (Claypit Creek) 07760
732-872-0336 - Ranger Station
Park Brochure & Map

A hilly, forested 787-acre site overlooking the Navesink River, this park is among the highest elevations along the Atlantic Coast and features prominently in area history as a former coastal defense site.  Known for its challenging trail system and scenic views, Hartshorne Woods is a popular park for area hikers, bicyclists and outdoor enthusiasts.

Park features: group cabin camping (by reservation), cross country ski trails, fishing in the Navesink River and trails for walking, hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

 

Henry Hudson Trail
Activity Center
945 Route 36
Leonardo, NJ 07737
732-495-2115 Ranger Station
Henry Hudson Trail Brochure & Map

This paved, 10-foot wide, 24-mile long trail is a former railroad right-of-way.  It is relatively flat, traveling through both man-made and natural environments.  Much of the trail is tree-lined, though some parts have views of surrounding wetlands, streams and fields.

 

Holmdel Park
44 Longstreet Road
Holmdel, NJ 07733
732-946-9562 - Ranger Station

Park Brochure & Map

Holmdel Park is one of Monmouth County's most popular locations for active recreation and nature appreciation. Acquired by the Park System in 1962, just shy of one million visitors enjoy this 565 acre site yearly. This park features Historic Longstreet Farm, the David C. Shaw Arboretum, fishing, picnic areas, 4 tennis courts, 2 playgrounds, ice skating, sledding and 10 miles of trails - including a 1/2 mile paved loop linking the Pond View and Forest Edge areas of the park with group picnic faciliites and playgrounds.

 

Huber Woods Park
25 Brown's Dock Road
Locust (Middletown Twp.) , NJ 07760
732-872-2670 - Environmental Center
732-872- 0336 - Ranger Station
Park Brochure & Map

Features over 8 miles of multi-use trails and an Environmental Center.  A visit to Huber Woods Park is the perfect opportunity to appreciate the facets of nature that are often taken for granted.  While there, take a moment amid the scenic beauty and panoramic views to observe small things - sounds, smells, light and shadow, subtle hints of seasonal change.  Relax in a meadow or take a walk along a wooded trail. Each experience will enhance your appreciation of the fascinating natural world around you.

 

Historic Longstreet Farm
44 Longstreet Road
Holmdel, NJ 07733
732-946-3758
Brochure

The sights, sounds, and smells of rural Monmouth County in the 1890s have been re-created on 9 acres at Historic Longstreet Farm in Holmdel Park, Holmdel, New Jersey. Interpreters in period dress show both daily and seasonal agricultural and domestic activities. Click here to learn more about the history of the farm.

 

Manasquan Reservour
Visitor Center 
311 Windeler Road
Howell, NJ 07731
732-919-0996

Park Brochure & Map

Spend a day fishing, boating, or walking the trail at this beautiful spot in southern 
Monmouth County. Now the most visited site in the Monmouth County Park System, over 1 million visitors come to the Manasquan Reservoir each year.

Park features:

  • 1204 acres of land and water
  • fishing
  • 5-mile perimeter trail
  • 1-mile nature trail
  • playground
  • ice-skating
  • kayak and rowboat rentals

 

Manasquan River Greenway

732-462-7286 or 732-919-0996 - Ranger Stations

Over 337 acres along the Manasquan River have been acquired by the Park System and are now protected in their natural state. This preserved open space provides river access for fishermen and boaters with canoes and other small watercrafts.

 

Monmouth Cove Marina
200 Port Monmouth Road
Port Monmouth, NJ 07758
732-495-9440

A Multi-Service Facility for the boater: 154 wet slips, electric and water at slips, floating docks, transient dockage, 58-rack storage, winter storage available, gasoline sales at fuel dock, 15-Ton Acme Marina Hoist, 15-ton forklift.

 

Mount Mitchill Scenic Overlook
460 Ocean Boulevard
Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716
732-872-0336 - Ranger Station  
Park Brochure & Map

At 266 feet, this overlook in Atlantic Highlands sits on the highest natural elevation on the  Atlantic seaboard (excluding islands) from Maine to the Yucatan providing beautiful views of Sandy Hook, Sandy Hook Bay, Raritan Bay and the New York skyline. This 12-acre site is also home to Monmouth County's 9/11 Memorial. Monmouth County's 9/11 Memorial is a tribute to 147 men and women who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001-- men and women born, raised, or residing at the time in Monmouth County.

 

New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial
1 Memorial Lane
Holmdel, NJ 07733
732-335-0033

The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial honors all those who served our country and state during the Vietnam War, especially the 1,562 New Jerseyans who did not return home. It is a powerful and fitting tribute to their sacrifice. The Memorial is open 24 hours, 7 days a week.

 

Perrineville Lake Park
143 Baird Road, Millstone NJ 07726
23 Agress Road, Millstone NJ 08535
732-842-4000 ext 4312 - General Information
609-259-5794 - Ranger Station
Park Map & Trails

Enjoy the peace, quiet, and natural beauty of this 897-acre site in Millstone & Roosevelt while angling for bass or catfish in the lake. Watercraft can be launched into the lake where visitors can canoe, kayak, and fish (car top, electric powered boats only).  Lake access is on Perrineville Road/Sweetman's Lane (between Agress Road & Millstone Road).

 

Seven Presidents Oceanside Park
221 Ocean Avenue North
Long Branch, NJ 07740
732-229-0924 (Seasonal Pavilion Office)
732-229-7025 (Park Rangers)
Park Brochure & Map

In the summer, this 38-acre beach park is a great place to swim, sun and surf.  In the off-season, a nice place for quiet walks. Everything needed to enjoy a day at the beach is readily available during the summer months: snack bar, sheltered eating areas, volleyball area, outdoor showers and changing areas, guarded swimming, designated areas for surfing. Light-weight cartop vessels such as kayaks or canoes may be launched but, boaters can not drive down to the beach and must carry their vessel from the parking lot to the water.

 

Shark River Park
1101 Schoolhouse Road
Wall, NJ 07753
732-922-4080 - Ranger Station
732-922-3868 - Park Shelter Building 
Park Brochure & Map

Occupies 946 acres on either side of the Shark River in Neptune and Wall Townships and Tinton Falls. Its waterways, sandy hills, forests and ponds attract anglers and hikers in the summer, and cross country skiers and ice skaters in the winter.  Children can enjoy climbing, swinging and sliding on the playground year round.

Area residents can fish for largemouth bass, catfish, sunfish, yellow perch, shiners and black crappie. The Shark River, which flows near the pond, is stocked seasonally with trout. A state fishing license is required for anglers over age 16.  There are also facilities for shuffleboard and horseshoes: equipment may be signed out for free at the Shelter Building.  Visitors can also enjoy picnic tables and grills available on a first come, first serve basis.

 

Sunnyside Recreation Area
628 Middletown-Lincroft Road
Lincroft , NJ 07738
732-224-1367
Park Brochure & Map

The Sunnyside Recreation Area is the home of the Park System’s Equestrian Division. This division provides fundamental equestrian experiences for people of all abilities, with an emphasis on offering the benefits of therapeutic horseback riding to individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities, helping them to develop to their full potential.

 

Tatum Park
151 Red Hill Road
144 Holland Road
Middletown, NJ 07748
(732) 671-6050 or 1987 - Ranger Station
Park Brochure & Map

Tatum Park has 366 acres of rolling hills, open fields and bird-filled woods, as well as two Activity Centers, a playground and miles of scenic trails, for area residents to enjoy. The park is named for the Tatum family, who donated 73 acres of property to the county in 1973.  Additional land was purchased with Federal Land and Water Conservation Funds and assistance from the New Jersey Conservation Foundation.

 

Thompson Park
805 Newman Springs Road
Lincroft, NJ 07738
732-842-4000 ext 4312 - General Information
732-842-4000 ext 4298 - Ranger Station 
Park Brochure & Map

The Park System Headquarters are located in this 667 acre park, which was established in 1968 with a donation of 215 acres from the estate of Geraldine Livingston Thompson.

The park features several areas with names that remind visitors about its rich history. The Estate Grounds section includes the beginnings of a beautiful Memorial Tree Grove and the site of the former Geraldine and Lewis Thompson mansion. The Old Orchard area provides easy access to the 14 miles of trails within the park and is reminiscent of the former Thompson family apple orchard. The Filly Run area is home to the park's playground and also provides access to the park trails, specifically the 4.9 mile paved trail loop. The Three Barn section is named for the two large horse barns (now Theatre Barn and Activity Barn) and a cow barn (now the Creative Arts Center). The Three Barn area is also where the extremely popular off-leash dog area is located.

Thompson Park has opportunities for varied recreational interests including 14 miles of multiple-use trails (4.9 miles paved), a playground, tennis courts, a fishing lake for canoes/kayaks and electric-powered boats, a seasonal group picnic facility, Creative Arts Center, and off-leash dog area. The athletic fields are available for rental for soccer and rugby games only.

 

Turkey Swamp Park

This 2,173 acre wooded park was acquired and developed with campers in mind. A major attraction is the 17-acre lake for fishing, boating, and ice-skating. The park also features miles of trails, an archery range and playgrounds.

A walk through Turkey Swamp reveals a primitive wilderness.  Much of the park is forested by pitch pine and oak trees with an understory of bracken fern, pepper bush, blueberry, and catbriar. Many plants and animals associated with the NJ Pine Barrens can be found here.

Visitors to the park can fish for bass, catfish, and bluegills either from the shore or from kayaks, rowboats, canoes and paddleboats available for rental in summer.

 

Union Transportation Trail
609-259-5794 - Ranger Station

Parking Lots & Access Points at:
- 114 Jonathan Holmes Road, Upper Freehold
- 8 Millstream Road, Upper Freehold

The Union Transportation Trail was once the Pemberton & Hightstown Railroad, a short line right-of-way established in 1864 to provide dairies and farms access to larger railroads at junctions in Pemberton (Burlington County) and Hightstown (Mercer County). The railroad began operating in 1868, traveling through Hornerstown, Cream Ridge, Davis, Imlaystown and Sharon in Upper Freehold Township. Passenger service ceased in 1931, but freight service continued on sections of the line until 1977. The right-of-way was acquired by Jersey Central Power & Light and in 1998, the Park System obtained a permanent easement from JCP&L for trail use.

The first 2 miles of the new Union Transportation Trail is the County's second rail trail. Ideal for equestrians, hikers, walkers, joggers and bicyclists, this portion of the gravel trail includes a rehabilitated historic wood trestle bridge over Lahaway Creek which is one of the few physical remnants of the old railroad. Two parking lots and access points are available at both Millstream Road and Jonathan Holmes Road.

 

Weltz Park
650 West Park Avenue
Oakhurst, NJ 07755
(732) 229-7025 - Ranger Station

Park Map

Visit this 165-acre park if you like hiking, birding, butterfly searching or simply wish to enjoy nature and the quiet outdoors. This park is undeveloped with limited facilities but a great, quiet escape.

 

Wolf Hill Recreation Area
3 Crescent Place
Oceanport , NJ 07757
732-229-7025 - Ranger Station

In the future, this 92-acre site in Oceanport will be developed with active recreation in mind. In the meantime, you can walk the open areas or play softball on one of two fields available by reservation. Consult the Athletic Field Rentals link to the right under "Facilities" for details. For information on winter sledding at Wolf Hill Recreation Area please call (732) 842-4000, ext. 36

Wolf Hill is also home to one of two Off-Leash Dog Areas operated by the Monmouth County Park System. This 4-acre area combines an area for dogs of all sizes as well as an area for dogs weighing 35 lbs. or less. Dog waste bags and garbage cans can be found in both dog areas and their are portable toilets near the parking lot. At present, there is no water source available at the site for dogs & owners.


 

Sports & Recreation

 

Family/Outdoor Fun

 

Golf


Hockey

 

NJ Devils

NY Islanders

NY Rangers

Philadephia Flyers


 

Visitor Center

 

Monmouth County Department of Economic Development/Tourism
1 E. Main Street
Hall of Records Annex
Freehold, NJ 07728
732-431-7476

2011 Monmouth County Accessible Beach Guide 

 


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