Rockaway Borough New JerseyATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Rockaway Borough, New Jersey.
1. Rockaway Townsquare
PREMIER SHOPPING DESTINATION
Rockaway Townsquare is the area's conveniently located shopping destination of choice with a diverse retail mix anchored by Macy's and JCPenney. The mall serves Morris County with over 140 stores offering a wide variety of shopping options. Visitors can enjoy a complete shopping experience with numerous dining options and services all under one roof.
2. Wildcat Ridge Hawkwatch
SCENIC BIRD WATCHING SPOT
Wildcat Ridge Hawkwatch is a popular point of interest where visitors can observe migrating hawks and other birds of prey. Hiking trails wind through tree-shaded areas, offering nature enthusiasts a peaceful outdoor experience. Parking is available near the NJDEP bulletin board, making it accessible for bird watchers and hikers alike.
3. Egbert's Lake Park
TRANQUIL WATER RECREATION
Egbert's Lake Park features a beautiful body of water perfect for peaceful contemplation and light recreation. The park includes walking paths that cross streams via wooden bridges, creating picturesque views throughout the seasons. Nature lovers appreciate the diverse wildlife and plant species that can be observed around the lake.
4. Farney State Park
FREE OUTDOOR RECREATION
Farney State Park offers visitors free admission to enjoy its natural beauty and recreational facilities. The park features a reservoir with a dam that serves as a bridge crossing, controlled by a red/green light system for traffic management. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, fishing, and wildlife observation throughout the expansive grounds.
5. Fleetwood Lights
SPECTACULAR LIGHT DISPLAY
Fleetwood Lights presents one of the area's most impressive holiday light displays, covering an entire house with spectacular color-changing lights. The dazzling light show is synchronized with music, creating an immersive audiovisual experience for visitors. This local attraction has become a seasonal tradition for many families in the Rockaway area.
6. Splitrock Reservoir
SCENIC WATER RECREATION
Splitrock Reservoir features a beautiful dam and surrounding natural area perfect for outdoor recreation. The serene water body provides opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and simply enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. While occasionally busy with off-road enthusiasts, the reservoir remains a hidden gem for those seeking a natural retreat.
7. Rockaway Borough Historical Museum
RICH LOCAL HERITAGE
The Rockaway Borough Historical Museum offers visitors a captivating journey through the area's vibrant history. This specialty museum showcases artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of Rockaway's development from its early settlement in the 1730s through its industrial heyday. Families and history enthusiasts particularly enjoy exploring the museum's collection that highlights the town's railroad, canal, and manufacturing heritage.
8. Fireman's Field
COMMUNITY RECREATION SPACE
Fireman's Field serves as a central community park and recreation area in Rockaway Borough. The field hosts various community events, sports activities, and gatherings throughout the year. Local residents value this open space for both organized activities and casual outdoor enjoyment.
9. Chabad Center of Northwest New Jersey
CULTURAL RELIGIOUS SITE
The Chabad Center of Northwest New Jersey stands as an important religious and cultural landmark in Rockaway. The center offers religious services, educational programs, and community events for the Jewish community in Morris County. Visitors appreciate the center's welcoming atmosphere and cultural significance in the area.
10. Nordstrom Rack
DESIGNER FASHION DISCOUNTS
Nordstrom Rack in Rockaway offers shoppers discounted designer and name-brand merchandise in a convenient retail setting. The store features a wide selection of clothing, accessories, and home goods at prices significantly below traditional department stores. Fashion enthusiasts appreciate the opportunity to find high-quality items at accessible price points.
11. Morris Canal Historic Site
INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE LANDMARK
The Morris Canal Historic Site preserves remnants of the important 19th-century waterway that connected the Delaware and Hudson Rivers. Rockaway was once home to two basins of the Morris Canal and an inclined plane, playing a crucial role in the region's industrial development. Visitors can explore the historical markers and remaining traces of this engineering marvel that helped shape northern New Jersey's economy and landscape.
12. Main Street Historic District
CHARMING DOWNTOWN AREA
Rockaway's Main Street Historic District (formerly Newark Street) offers visitors a glimpse into the borough's rich past with preserved architecture and historical sites. The area has been a center for trade, manufacture, and community life since the 1760s, hosting general merchandise stores and significant community buildings. Today, the district combines historical charm with modern businesses, creating a unique shopping and dining experience.
13. Presbyterian Meeting House
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS LANDMARK
The Presbyterian Meeting House stands as one of Rockaway's oldest and most historically significant religious buildings. Dating back to Rockaway's early development in the mid-18th century, the meeting house has served as a spiritual and community center for generations. The historic structure offers architectural interest alongside its important role in the borough's religious and social history.
14. White Meadow Lake
SCENIC RECREATIONAL WATERWAY
White Meadow Lake provides a picturesque setting for water recreation and relaxation near Rockaway Borough. The lake area features swimming beaches, boating opportunities, and surrounding parkland for picnics and gatherings. Originally developed as a mining area mentioned in Rockaway's historical records, it now serves as a beloved natural resource for residents and visitors.
15. Hibernia Historic District
MINING HERITAGE AREA
The Hibernia Historic District preserves the legacy of one of the important mining communities connected to Rockaway Borough's development. The area features remnants of iron mines that contributed significantly to the region's industrial growth in the 18th and 19th centuries. Visitors can explore historical structures and learn about the immigrant communities that worked in these mines, creating a rich multicultural heritage in the region.