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. An 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.

Liberty State Park's recreational facilities are partially accessible for persons with disabilities. Please contact the park office for further information regarding disability access. Text telephone (TT) users, call the New Jersey Relay Service at (800) 852-7899.

Shuttle buses are currently NOT operating in the park until further notice.

The park office and visitor center located at 200 Morris Pesin Drive is now open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The park is open, but the historic CRRNJ Terminal Building and the Nature Interpretive Center Buildings are still closed due to Hurricane Sandy storm damage.

Liberty State Park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Park office: Open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day

Nature Interpretive Center and Historic Terminal Building remain closed.

Map of Liberty State Park*

*To view this form, please download the most recent version of Adobe Acrobat

The "Empty Sky" 9/11 Memorial is the official State of New Jersey's Memorial that honors the memory of the 749 people that lived in or had ties to New Jersey that lost their lives at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

The names are placed randomly on the twin brushed stainless steel walls. Individuals' names (4 inches tall) are within reach and engraved deep enough for hand rubbing. The memorial, designed by Jessica Jamroz and Frederic Schwartz, was dedicated on September 11, 2011, the 10-year anniversary.

The brushed stainless steel twin walls are 210 feet long, the width of each side of the World Trade Center Towers. They rise 30 feet, standing parallel to each other with a 12-foot wide paved path of bluestone between them. Like the World Trade Center, the stainless steel reflects the constantly changing light of day. The memorial invites visitors to literally and metaphorically look toward the empty sky in memory and look forward as a community.

The Empty Sky Memorial is open to the public but minor repair work will be scheduled due to Hurricane Sandy damage.

http://www.nj911memorial.com/

Come explore the natural beauty of the Hudson River Estuary by kayak. Tours will embark from the canoe/kayak launch located at the south side of Liberty State Park near the park office and will highlight the local wildlife and habitats of Caven Point.

Trips will run approximately two hours and will include a brief safety and paddle instruction. No prior paddling experience is required, however, participants need to be comfortable navigating in relatively deep water. Life Jackets (PFDs) will be provided and are required. This program is appropriate for adults and children 16 years and older. Children 16 and older need to be acompanied by a legal adult.

For registration and payment information, or any other questions, please contact Liberty State Park at (201) 915-3402. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. All programs run from 10 a.m. to noon. Please plan to arrive 30 minutes prior for check-in. Schedule is subject to change. Program fee $15/person.

Kayak Eco-Tour Liberty State Park 2014 Summer Schedule

Registration Form

Bike and Roll at Liberty State Park

Bicycles can be rented on an hourly and daily basis at the US Flag Plaza located near the Park Office at 200 Morris Pesin Drive, Jersey City.  Guided Segway tours are also available, providing sweeping views of the Statue of Liberty and New York City skyline.

For more information, please contact Bike and Roll at 212-260-0400 or visit them on the web at http://bikenewyorkcity.com/submain.php?category=locations&subnav=ny&locid=38. 

Liberty State Park 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 Liberty Science Center provides endless opportunities for exploration and discovery. The center hosts nine permanent exhibition galleries integrating science and technology into all facets of our lives. They also have the nation's largest IMAX dome theatre, and offer lots of hands-on science and programs for all ages.

Central Railroad of NJ Terminal: Closed due to damage from Hurricane Sandy

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.

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

Spring and Summer 2014 Programs

Special Event Application

Special Event Package

A Special Use Permit is utilized to accommodate a specific activity or event being conducted over a short duration. There are two types of special use permits: Non-Commercial and Commercial and fees are based on NJ residency and Non-residents.  A completed application must be submitted to the park/forest area where the activity or event is being held at least 90 days prior to the event. If the special use or event is extremely large or complex, at least one-year’s prior notice is recommended.

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.

Picnic Reservations for 2014: Liberty State Park is now taking reservations for the free group picnic areas for the 2014 season.  You can download the application and information fact sheet here.

For reservations, contact park office at (201) 915-3402 or e-mail lspoffice@verizon.net

Pavilion A accommodates up to 120 people while Pavilion B accommodates up to 80 people.  The reservation fee includes charcoal grills (plus ADA accessible grill), restroom facility, parking, electric outlets, and lighting.  The pavilions are open for use from 9 am to 9 pm and are available seasonally from April 1st to October 31st.  Fees are as follows:

Pavilion A: $175 NJ Resident; $225 Non-resident
Pavilion B: $125 NJ Resident; $175 Non-resident

Freedom Field Picnic Pavilion Map and Brochure
Freedom Field Pavilion Package

The Upper New York Bay and Hudson River offer excellant opportunities for fishing. Common species include bluefish, shad, striped bass and blue claw crabs. Fishing and Crabbing are permitted in accordance with New Jersey's Fish and Wildlife Laws. Consumption advisories may exist for certain species. For more information, contact the park office. Please dispose of all stray fishing line properly.

Liberty State Park’s boat launch provides access to the Hudson River and opens at 6 a.m. throughout the year.

Fees: Permits are mandatory year round. For fees please inquire at the park office.  Maximum trailer length is 23 ft.

Place of Purchase: Seasonal launch permits must be purchased at the park office, and are accepted at both Liberty State Park and Leonardo State Marina. Daily launch permits may be purchased at the office or at the ticket machine in the boat launch. 

Kayak Launch Site:  The kayak launch site is free.  Contact park office for location and additional information.

Launch Ramp Permit Information Sheet

Ferry service from Liberty State Park to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty is available throughout the year. Tickets may be purchased at the ticket office located near the CRRNJ Terminal. Nearby parking is available for a fee. To purchase tickets and more information call 1.877-LADYTIX (877-523-9849) or visit, statuecruises.com.