Mountain Lakes New JerseyATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Mountain Lakes, New Jersey.
1. Cove Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION AREA
Cove Park is a charming lakeside recreation area in Mountain Lakes offering peaceful views and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, picnicking, and relaxing by the water during warmer months. The park provides a serene environment for families and nature lovers throughout the year.
2. Mountain Lakes Club
HISTORIC SOCIAL CLUB
Mountain Lakes Club is a historic social establishment that has been serving the community for generations. The club offers various recreational activities including swimming, tennis, and dining options for members. Its picturesque setting makes it a popular venue for social gatherings and special events.
3. Changes Spa & Aesthetics
LUXURY WELLNESS CENTER
Changes Spa & Aesthetics offers premium wellness and beauty treatments in Mountain Lakes. The spa provides a range of services from massages and facials to more advanced aesthetic procedures in a relaxing environment. Visitors appreciate the professional staff and tranquil atmosphere that creates a rejuvenating experience.
4. The Station at Mountain Lakes
HISTORIC RESTAURANT VENUE
The Station at Mountain Lakes is a repurposed historic railroad station that now serves as an intimate, upscale bar and restaurant. This charming venue combines historic architecture with contemporary dining, offering a unique atmosphere for visitors. The preservation of original features alongside modern amenities makes it a distinctive dining destination in the area.
5. Mountain Lakes Market
GOURMET FOOD DESTINATION
Mountain Lakes Market is housed in a striking 1913 Craftsman style building with Tudor timbers, offering gourmet food options to locals and visitors. Chef Michael Schmidt, a Mountain Lakes native, serves specialty meals from breakfast to dinner, including unique offerings like wholegrain fresh blueberry pancakes made with spelt flour. The market combines historical charm with contemporary culinary excellence in the heart of Mountain Lakes.
6. Tourne County Park
SCENIC NATURAL PRESERVE
Tourne County Park is a beautiful natural preserve near Mountain Lakes featuring diverse hiking trails and stunning vistas. The park is home to the popular Wildflower Trail, an easy 0.4-mile loop perfect for families and nature enthusiasts looking to observe seasonal blooms. From its elevated points, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Morris County landscape.
7. Hawkwatch Overlook
BIRD MIGRATION VIEWPOINT
Hawkwatch Overlook is a prime viewing spot for observing migratory birds during fall and spring seasons. The Fly Way Spur Trail leads to this rocky ledge offering excellent views of bird migration patterns and the surrounding landscapes. Birdwatchers and nature photographers particularly value this location for its unobstructed sightlines and natural beauty.
8. Tripod Rock
GEOLOGICAL MARVEL
Tripod Rock is a fascinating geological formation located along Blue Dot Trail in Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area near Mountain Lakes. This 180-ton boulder is remarkably balanced on top of three smaller rocks, creating a natural tripod effect that draws visitors year-round. The site combines natural wonder with hiking opportunities, making it popular among outdoor enthusiasts and photographers.
9. Jonathan's Woods
EXPANSIVE NATURE PRESERVE
Jonathan's Woods is a sprawling 555-acre wooded area with an extensive network of trails perfect for hiking and nature observation. This public green space is accessible daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., offering visitors ample time to explore its natural features. The preserve includes Ford's Pond and connects to other natural areas, providing extended outdoor recreation opportunities for visitors.
10. Grimes Homestead
NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
The Grimes Homestead, dating back to 1733, is a well-preserved wood frame house listed on the National Register of Historic Sites. This colonial-era structure offers visitors a glimpse into the early settlement period of the region. The homestead stands as one of the oldest buildings in the area, representing significant historical value to Mountain Lakes and Morris County.
11. Community Church
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS LANDMARK
The Community Church of Mountain Lakes, built in 1914, is a significant historic and religious landmark in the borough. The church features distinctive architecture that reflects the early 20th-century development period of Mountain Lakes. Beyond its religious functions, the building serves as an important community gathering place and cultural anchor for the town.
12. Grace Lord Park
HISTORIC WATERFALL PARK
Grace Lord Park is a scenic recreational area featuring the impressive Boonton Falls and historical remnants of the area's industrial past. Visitors can explore hiking trails that offer views of the waterfall and the Rockaway River as it flows through this picturesque setting. The park combines natural beauty with historical significance, making it a multifaceted destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
13. Jockey Hollow Visitor Center
REVOLUTIONARY WAR SITE
Jockey Hollow Visitor Center serves as the gateway to exploring a significant Revolutionary War encampment site where Washington's Continental Army spent the winter of 1779-1780. The center provides exhibits, maps, and informational resources about the hardships endured by soldiers during one of the coldest winters on record. Visitors can tour reconstructed soldier huts and hike through the same forests where troops once struggled to survive during America's fight for independence.
14. Escape Garden State
INTERACTIVE PUZZLE ROOMS
Escape Garden State offers immersive room escape games that challenge participants to solve puzzles and mysteries within a time limit. Groups must work together to find clues, crack codes, and complete objectives in themed rooms designed to test problem-solving skills. This interactive entertainment venue provides a unique social activity option for friends, families, and corporate team-building events near Mountain Lakes.
15. The Boulevard
HISTORIC RESIDENTIAL SHOWCASE
The Boulevard is Mountain Lakes' signature thoroughfare built in 1910, featuring one of the nation's largest collections of historic Craftsman-influenced homes. This tree-lined walkway offers views of Mountain Lake and Wildwood Lake while showcasing impressive stucco and stone residences with distinctive pergolas and gazebos. Strolling along The Boulevard provides visitors with a glimpse into the architectural vision of developer Herbert J. Hapgood, who founded Mountain Lakes as a planned community in the early 20th century.