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Morristown National Historical Park

Designation: National Historical Park

Location: New Jersey

Visit Official Park Website

📘 Park Overview

Morristown National Historical Park commemorates the sites of General Washington and the Continental army’s winter encampment of December 1779 to June 1780, where they survived through what would be the coldest winter on record. The park also maintains a museum & library collection related to the encampments & George Washington, as well as items relating to pre- and post-Revolutionary America.

🌤 Weather Information

Weather in this part of New Jersey is typical of the mid-Atlantic region--a humid continental climate with hot, humid summers and moderately cold winters.

🚗 Directions

Morristown National Historical Park is easiest to see by car. There are four different sites throughout the greater Morristown area. Washington's Headquarters Museum / Ford Mansion and Fort Nonsense are located in Morristown. The Jockey Hollow unit with its visitor center and historic Wick House; and the New Jersey Brigade Area are both about 6 miles south of Morristown, Detailed directions can be found on the park website.

Images

The Wick House surrounded by colorful fall leaves

The Wick House in the fall.

Credit: NPS Photo/Dan Beards

The front facade of the Washington's Headquarters Museum

The front facade of the Washington's Headquarters Museum, which was designed in 1933 to look similar to Washington's Mt Vernon home.

Credit: NPS Photo/Dan Beards

Four replica wooden soldier huts on a hillside in winter

These replica soldier huts represent the location of the Pennsylvania Brigade encampment site in Jockey Hollow

Credit: NPS Photo/Dan Beards

The Cross Estate mansion in the springtime

The Cross Estate property was the site of the New Jersey Brigade winter encampement in 1779-1780. Today the encampment site is preserved while the estate is host to several beautiful gardens.

Credit: NPS Photo

View of the front facede of the Jockey Hollow Visitor Center--a dark brown brick buildings

View of the front facade of the Jockey Hollow Visitor Center

Credit: NPS Photo/T. Winslow

Garden with flowers and plants and 18th century farm house in background

A 18th century style kitchen garden with vegetables and herbs

Credit: NPS photos/T. Winslow

White georgian/colonial building with statue of officer on horse in foreground

The Ford Mansion where General Washington headquartered during the winter of 1779-80

Credit: NPS photo/T. Winslow

Overlook with cannon in foreground

Fort Nonsense--the site of an earthen fort during the American Revolution-offers a view toward New York City

Credit: NPS photo

A white colonial building with snow in the foreground and a blue sky and trees in the background

The Ford Mansion was the headquarters for General George Washington during the "Hard Winter" of 1779-1780

Credit: NPS photo/T. Winslow

Activities

Topics

Operating Hours

Sunday
10:00AM - 4:00PM
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
10:00AM - 4:00PM
Friday
10:00AM - 4:00AM
Saturday
10:00AM - 4:00PM

Entrance Fees

No entrance fees listed.

Entrance Passes

No entrance passes listed.

3-Day Weather Forecast

Tuesday, Mar 24

Sunny

Sunny

High: 50.5°F | Low: 31.6°F

Humidity: 57%

Wind: 11.4 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 1.1

Sunrise: 06:55 AM

Sunset: 07:15 PM

Moon: Waxing Crescent (30%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 30.1°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Wednesday, Mar 25

Partly Cloudy

Partly Cloudy

High: 54.1°F | Low: 32.2°F

Humidity: 64%

Wind: 9.6 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 0.9

Sunrise: 06:53 AM

Sunset: 07:16 PM

Moon: First Quarter (41%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 35.7°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Thursday, Mar 26

Mist

Mist

High: 62.2°F | Low: 41.4°F

Humidity: 79%

Wind: 14.1 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 1

Sunrise: 06:51 AM

Sunset: 07:17 PM

Moon: Waxing Gibbous (52%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 47°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Park Alerts

New hours of operation starting November 1st
Starting November 1st we transition to our Off-Season hours. Those hours are 9:30am to 5:00pm Wednesday through Sunday, closed on Monday and Tuesday. This does not effect scheduled education programs.

More Info

Western Avenue Closed Tuesday, December 9 for Utility Investigation Park Closure
Western Avenue in the Jockey Hollow area will be closed all day on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 while contractors conduct ground-penetrating radar (sonar) testing to investigate water issues. During this work, no vehicle or pedestrian access will be available on Western Avenue. Visitors should follow posted detours and instructions from park staff. We appreciate your patience and understanding while we complete this important safety and infrastructure work.
Jockey Hollow Visitor Center Temporarily Closed Park Closure
The Jockey Hollow Visitor Center is currently closed until further notice due to a power outage following the recent storm. Park grounds at Jockey Hollow remain open to visitors; however, visitor services at the Visitor Center are unavailable at this time. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience as we work to restore full operations. Please check this page for updates.
Passaic River Trail Bridge washed out Caution
Tropical Storm Ida washed out the Passaic River bridge on the Patriot's Path Trail south of Tempe Wick Road. This area is a known habitat of the endangered wood turtle, so do not wade, walk, or let your dog run in the river at this location.
Jockey Hollow Visitor Center Reopens Information
Thanks to the generous support of the Friends of Jockey Hollow, the Jockey Hollow area of Morristown National Historical Park — including the Jockey Hollow Visitor Center — has reopened to the public amid the federal government shutdown. The visitor center will operate Thursday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Passaic River Trail Bridge washed out Caution
Tropical Storm Ida washed out the Passaic River bridge on the Patriot's Path Trail south of Tempe Wick Road. This area is a known habitat of the endangered wood turtle, so do not wade, walk, or let your dog run in the river at this location.
Fort Nonsense Temporary Closure due to Hazardous Conditions Park Closure
Due to significant ice and snow accumulation, particularly on the steep incline leading into and out of the fort, conditions are unsafe for visitors. Additional winter weather is expected over the next two weeks, which may prolong hazardous conditions. For visitor safety, the site will remain closed until conditions improve. Please check the park website and social media channels for updates on reopening.
Temporary Early Closures – Jockey Hollow & New Jersey Brigade Areas Park Closure
Morristown National Historical Park will temporarily close the Jockey Hollow and New Jersey Brigade areas daily at 4:00 PM from February 23–27, 2026. Areas will reopen at sunrise each day. Closures support deer management operations and are necessary for public safety. All recreational and commercial activities, including hiking, are prohibited during closure hours.
Partial Reopening: Cross Estate Gardens Park Closure
The Cross Estate gardens have reopened as of August 4. However, a portion of the trellis area remains closed due to storm damage and ongoing safety concerns. Please do not enter the roped-off section until repairs are complete.
NY Brigade bathrooms closed for three months due to renovation work Park Closure
The New York Brigade Comfort Station will be closed for the next three months due to renovation work funded by the Friends of Jockey Hollow Portable toilets have been provided in the Jockey Hollow Visitor Center parking lot.
Temporary Closure at Jockey Hollow Visitor Center Park Closure
Beginning December 20, the Jockey Hollow Visitor Center is temporarily closed while we work to address a power issue. The surrounding grounds remain open for visitors to enjoy. Please check back for updates on reopening.
Jockey Hollow Main Entrance Closed July 28–31 Park Closure
The main gate at Jockey Hollow (Tempe Wick Road) will be closed Monday, July 28 through Thursday, July 31 due to roadwork. Please use the Western Avenue entrance during this time. The exit from Sugarloaf Road will also be available.
Weather Closure – Saturday, December 27 Park Closure
Due to anticipated impacts from an incoming winter storm, Jockey Hollow Visitor Center, park grounds, and parking lot at Morristown National Historical Park will be closed on Sunday, December 27. Washington's HQ Museum will be open. The closed areas will reopen once conditions are deemed safe. Park staff will continue to monitor weather and site conditions. Alerts will be updated.
Partial Reopening: Cross Estate Gardens Park Closure
The Cross Estate gardens have reopened as of August 4. However, a portion of the trellis area remains closed due to storm damage and ongoing safety concerns. Please do not enter the roped-off section until repairs are complete.
Winter Building Closure at Morristown National Historical Park Park Closure
Park buildings at Morristown National Historical Park are closed December 28–February 11 and will reopen on Thursday, February 12, 2026. Park grounds, including Jockey Hollow, remain open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., weather permitting. Restrooms are available at the Jockey Hollow Visitor Center (exterior doors only) and the New York Brigade Area Comfort Station.
Fort Nonsense Temporarily Closed due to Winter Weather Park Closure
Due ongoing snow cleanup, the Fort Nonsense area of Morristown National Historical Park is closed Thursday, February 26 and Friday, February 27. Park staff will assess conditions and reopen the area when it is safe to do so. Please check back for updates before visiting.
Jockey Hollow Comfort Station Temporarily Closed Park Closure
Jockey Hollow Comfort Station is temporarily closed. We apologize for the inconvenience. Please use the restrooms at the Jockey Hollow Visitor Center, which remain open. Thank you for your understanding.
Weather Alert – Friday, December 26 Danger
The forecast indicates a 90% chance of snowfall Friday evening, with potential accumulation of 5–8 inches. Park grounds and the parking lot are expected to be inaccessible until staff can safely clear the snow. Please anticipate a delayed opening or possible closure. Click "more" for National Weather Service conditions and alerts for our area.

More Info

NY Brigade bathrooms closed for three months due to renovation work Park Closure
The New York Brigade Comfort Station will be closed for the next three months due to renovation work funded by the Friends of Jockey Hollow Portable toilets have been provided in the Jockey Hollow Visitor Center parking lot.
Jockey Hollow Area Temporarily Closed January 21, 2026 Park Closure
Significant ice and snow accumulation across the park has resulted in unsafe conditions, particularly on roadways, parking areas, and walking surfaces. These conditions prevent safe public access at this time. Please check the park website for updates on reopening.

Visitor Center & Contacts

📍 Physical Address:
30 Washington Place
Morristown, NJ 07960

🏤 Mailing Address:
30 Washington Place
Morristown, NJ 07960

📞 Voice Phone: 973.539.2016

✉️ Email: morr_interpretation@nps.gov

Park Location

👏 Fun Fact
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