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Liberty State Park
The CRRNJ Terminal Building at Liberty State Park

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Liberty State Park

Mailing Address:
1 Audrey Zapp Drive
Jersey City, NJ 07305
(201) 915-3403 or 3404

Size: 1,212 acres

Directions:
Take NJ Turnpike
exit 14B Jersey City. Follow the signs to the park. More detailed directions with a map of the area.

GPS Coordinates
DMS 40° 41’ 59.57” N 74° 03' 41.19" W

Facilities & Activities:

Trails:

  • Hiking
  • Biking
  • Nature trails
  • Fitness trails

Opportunities:

History:

Education:

 

 

 

A white sailboat on the Hudson River with New York City's skyscrapers in the backdrop

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

Picnic Areas Fishing and Crabbing Ferry Service Boat Launch Interpretive Center  
Access for Persons with Disabilities

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.

Park Advisory

Liberty State Park Map of Areas Currently Open/Closed to the Public.

The park office has reopened for business. Visitors are welcome 7 days a week from 8 am to 4 pm.

The following areas are open: 9/11 Memorial, the Grove of Remembrance and certain passive recreation portions of the park.

The second PUBLIC MEETING for the City of Jersey City’s Liberty State Park Circulator Cost-Benefit Analysis will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 9, 2013 at City Hall, 280 Grove Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302.  An open house will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, during which members of the public will be able to view displays and talk one-on-one with members of the project team.  At 6:30 p.m., the project team will make a presentation that will include the cost and benefits of options for a potential circulator service and an implementation strategy.  The public will have an opportunity to ask questions during a question and answer session following the presentation.  For more information, please visit www.lsptransitstudy.com

Park Hours

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

Map of Liberty State Park*

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

General Information

Liberty State Park offA view of New York City's dramatic skline from Liberty State Parkers 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.

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Ferry

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)

Liberty Science Center

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 New Jersey Terminal

Central Railroad of NJ Terminal: Open daily

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.


Interpretive Center

The Interpretive Center at Liberty State Park is an environmental and Liberty State Park Interpretive Center  with New York City in the backgroundhistorical 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.

Richard J. Sullivan Natural Area (36 acres)

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 Marina

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 Areas

Picnic Reservations for 2013: Liberty State Park is not taking reservations for the free group picnic areas for the 2013 season due to the impact of Superstorm Sandy. Please check back for updates on the status as we continue to restore these areas for the upcoming season.

Picnic area, with picnic tables and magnificent views of the harbor and skyline, are located throughout the park. Group Picnic reservations are available. For more information, contact the park office.

Group Picnic Pavilions

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

Fishing and Crabbing

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.

Boat Launch and Permits

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

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 in the CRRNJ Terminal. Nearby parking is available for a fee. For more information call (201) 435-9499 or (212) 269-5755.

Bicycles

Bicycles can be rented on an hourly and daily basis at the CRRNJ Terminal Building. Bicycles and accompanying equipment are available for children and adults. For reservations or information please call concessionaire at (201) 377-9771 or visit their website at www.EasyRidersJC.com.

Public Programs


Liberty State Park offers a variety of programs including those for schools, colleges, and organized groups. We also provide Professional Development Workshops for formal and non-formal educators. These programs are available at the Interpretive Center and the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal. For more information about our Educational Programs visit Liberty State Park's Education page.

Related Links


Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Ferry
Liberty Science Center
Liberty Landing Marina
Liberty House Restaurant
Friends of Liberty State Park

Questions regarding our parks and forests can be directed to
Michele Buckley of the State Park Service.

 

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Copyright © State of New Jersey, 1996-2004
Department of Environmental Protection
P. O. Box 402
Trenton, NJ 08625-0402

Last Updated: May 10, 2013

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