Historic Gateway to America

Liberty State Park is a green oasis in the middle of Metropolitan northern New Jersey. With the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island as a spectacular backdrop, Liberty State Park is one of the state's most dramatic parks.

The historic Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal (CRRNJ), a grand setting for much of New Jersey's transportation history in the northeast, sits prominently at the north end of the park. A two-mile promenade, Liberty Walk links the picnic area, Interpretive Center and the CRRNJ Terminal while presenting visitors with a sweeping view of the Hudson River. A new outdoor performance area and other improvements mark the northern section of the park, while the western portion is dominated by the state-of-the-art Liberty Science Center.

Liberty State Park also is the only location in New Jersey with Ferry service to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.

The park opens daily at 6 a.m. and offers a variety of recreational uses. Take advantage of the miles of walkways by walking, jogging, biking, or rollerblading. Get fit with the par course that runs along Freedom Way. Bring your binoculars and look at the numerous species of birds which frequent the park. You may also bring your family and picnic at one of the playgrounds. There is always a nice breeze for flying a kite, or you may enjoy the waters by fishing or crabbing, boating or kayaking. Hop on a ferry and visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, or stop by and participate in one of our Natural or Historical Interpretive programs.

Find out about events and happenings at the park by downloading the latest edition of The Green Oasis - the official Liberty State Park newsletter.

Ferry service from Liberty State Park to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island is available throughout the year. For rates and boat schedules, please call 1 877 LADY TIX (877-523-9849)

The reinvented Liberty Science Center provides endless opportunities for exploration and discovery. Liberty Science Center closed to the public for a $109 million expansion and renovation project in September 2005 and reopened in July 2007. The project provides vital new resources, including the 20,000-square-foot Jennifer A. Chalsty Center for Science Learning and Teaching, six major new exhibition areas, a more diverse menu of offerings covering all ages and stages of learning, and major facility improvements.

From 1892 through 1954, the CRRNJ Terminal stood with the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island to unfold one of this nation’s most dramatic stories: the immigration of northern, southern and eastern Europeans, among others, into the United States. After being greeted by the Statue of Liberty and processed at Ellis Island, these immigrants purchased tickets and boarded trains at the Terminal that took them to their new homes throughout the United States. Learn more about the CRRNJ's history, visit the Historic CRRNJ Train Terminal site.

The Interpretive Center at Liberty State Park is an environmental and historical education facility located on Freedom Way. Open year round the center features exhibits focusing on the natural history and ecology of the Hudson River Estuary and offers programs for school and community groups and the general public. The center also offers a variety of Professional Development Workshops for formal and non-formal educators.

The Interpretive Center is open Monday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from Memorial Day through Labor Day (closed most holidays). For more information, please call (201) 915-3409.

Adjacent to the Interpretive Center lies a 36-acre state Natural Area consisting mainly of salt marsh, one of the few remaining tidal marshes of the Hudson River Estuary. A self-guided nature path offers opportunities to observe and experience this unique wildlife habitat.

Liberty Landing offers 200 berths and dockside facilities. Future plans include additional berths and dockside facilities, restaurants, marine-related shops and a 250-boat storage building. For more information call (201) 985-8000.

Fees: Permits are mandatory year round. For fees please inquire at the park office.

Place of Purchase: Seasonal launch permits must be bought at the park office, and are accepted at both Liberty State Park and Leonardo State Marina. Daily launch permits may be bought at the office or at the ticket machine in the boat launch. Maps for sale of the Hudson River Harbor are available at the park office.