On December 25, 1776, the icy waters of the Delaware River provided the setting for one of the pivotal events of the American Revolution. The Continental Army had little to celebrate that Christmas and seemed beat by hunger and cold. After crossing the rough winter river at night, General George Washington and the Continental Army landed at Johnson’s Ferry, at the site now known as Washington Crossing State Park. At 4 am, they began their march to Trenton where they defeated the Hessian troops in an unexpected attack. This battle was quickly followed by the Second Battle of Trenton on January 2, 1777, and the Battle of Princeton on January 3, 1777.

Originally preserved for its historical significance, the park is also well known for its trails and wildlife habitat. A wide variety of migrating birds use the stream and ravine as a resting place and for nesting. Many bird species winter in the park, creating a perfect location for bird observation year round.

The park supports an interesting assortment of plants including mixed hardwoods, red cedar forests, plantings of Eastern white pine, Japanese larch, Norway spruce and red pine. A splendid variety of spring and summer wildflowers can be found throughout the park. Among the most notable species of wildlife are whitetail deer, fox, raccoon, great-horned owl, screech owl, red-tailed hawk, red-shouldered hawk and Eastern bluebird. The park also is popular for picnicking and, in the winter, for cross-country skiing on existing hiking trails.

Through the Carry-In/Carry-Out Program you can help us keep your parks clean and beautiful by carrying out the trash you carry in. Bags are provided throughout the site. Thank you for your cooperation and remember to recycle.

Since 1939, the Bucks County Playhouse has offered quality main stage and children's theater performances from its historic theater in New Hope, PA. This summer the playhouse brings a wonderful lineup of musicals and dramas to the Open Air Theatre in Washington Crossing State Park. Check out the schedule for the 2007 season.

The Center's exhibit galleries explore the many facets of America's revolutionary conflict with an emphasis on the military campaign known as "The Ten Crucial Days." The events of these ten days, December 25, 1776 through January 3, 1777, include the Continental Army's crossing of the Delaware River and the Battles of Trenton and Princeton. The Center is open Monday through Sunday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, year round. For more information, call (609) 737-9303. Check the Calendar of Events for current programs offered by the Washington Crossing Visitor Center Museum.

The Swan collection represents a living military history laboratory of the American Revolution. Over 700 original objects interpret the era, circa 1745 through 1789. Open Monday through Sunday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, year round. For more information, call (609) 737-9303.

This early 18th-century gambrel roof farmhouse and tavern near the Delaware River was owned by Garret Johnson, who operated a 490-acre colonial plantation and a ferry service across the river in the 1700s. The house was likely used briefly by General Washington and other officers at the time of the Christmas night crossing of the Delaware. The keeping room, bedchamber and textile room are furnished with local period pieces, probably similar to the furniture used by the Johnson family from 1740 to 1770. The site also includes an 18th-century kitchen garden. Living history demonstrations are frequently held on weekends. Check the Calendar of Events for current programs offered by the Johnson Ferry House. Please call the Ferry House for further information on their Fall schedule at (609) 737-2515.

Outdoor nature education programs are offered for schools, youth groups, community organizations and visitors to the park. Open Wednesday through Sunday, year round. For information, call (609) 737-0609.

Check the Calendar of Events for current programs offered by the Interpretive Center at Washington Crossing State Park. Keep up to date of what is going on at Washington Crossing State Park by downloading the latest edition of Nature's Grapevine.

Find out more about our programs offered specifically for groups, such as schools, scouts, clubs and local organizations.

Located within the park, on the same road as the Interpretive Center, the John W. H. Simpson observatory is operated by the Amateur Astronomers Association of Princeton, Inc. The observatory is open Friday nights April through October from 7 pm to 11 pm. To find about attending a Friday night session or for more information about the association call (609) 737-2575.

Trails leading from the Interpretive Center take visitors through a mature mixed oak-hardwood forest, young woodlands and successional fields. A nature blind offers quiet observation of birds, deer and other mammals. The natural area supports the spring avens, a rare woodland herb of the rose family.

There are 15 miles of moderate trails to enjoy throughout Washington Crossing State Park. These trails are not ADA accessible.

For forms and information on booking a campsite call the park office.

Group campsites: Four group sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and portable toilets; total capacity: 115. Open April 1 through October 31. Site A - $50.00 per night, Site B - $25.00 per night, Site C - $25.00 per night, Site D $15.00 per night

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The park offers a Group Picnic Area at the Green Grove for larger groups. It can accommodate 125 people, provides shelter, playfields and playground equipment. It may be reserved for a fee:

Trenton Battle Monument
(Administered by Washington Crossing State Park)
348 North Warren Street, Trenton NJ 08638
(609) 737-0623

The Trenton Battle Monument marks the site of the American artillery emplacement that commanded the streets of Trenton during the battle that led to the defeat of the three Hessian Regiments by the American Army at the Battle of Trenton, December 26, 1776. The monument was designed by John H. Duncan, architect of Grant's tomb.