Located in Monmouth County, Allaire State Park comprises more than 3,000 acres and offers an array of programs for families and groups of all ages. The Howell Works, once an early 19th century ironworks town, is now known as Allaire Village. The village includes a visitor center and a museum, both located in a building that once served as row housing for iron workers and their families. The museum features permanent and rotating exhibits on bog iron, the Howell ironworks and James P. Allaire, the owner of the Works. Costumed interpreters create an atmosphere of wonder, allowing visitors to get a brief glimpse into the past. The Allaire Nature Interpretive Center features displays showing the natural features of the area. Special tours of the center and natural areas are available.

Highlights:

• Tours of the visitor center and museum can be self-guided or with a guide, tailored to groups interests. Village tours are possible on weekends only.

• A short slide presentation serves as an excellent introduction to James Allaire and the Howell ironworks (best suited for 4th grades and up).

• Hands-on artifacts (bog ore, charcoal, and archaeological materials such as pottery fragments, animal bones and toothbrushes) are available for examination by groups of twenty or less.

• Over 200 species of flora and fauna are found within the Manasquan River flood plain included in the park. Nature trails pass through various habitats, including a wetlands swamp, a hardwood forest, and a pond ecosystem.

• The Pine Creek Railroad allows youngsters and the young- at-heart to experience the only live-steam, narrow-gauge train ride in New Jersey.

Target Audience(s)
General public, organizations, educators, students of all ages

Additional Information
Allaire State Park
NJDEP, PO Box 220
Farmingdale NJ 07727
Park Office:
Phone: 732-938-2371
Interpretive Center:
Phone: 732-938-2003
Pine Creek Railroad Schedule:
Phone: 732-938-5524
www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/parks/allaire.html

Teachers' Guide to Educational Programs with New Jersey State Parks, Forests,
Recreation Areas, Historic Sites and the Forest Resource Education Center