Scotch Plains New JerseyATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Scotch Plains, New Jersey.
1. Ponderosa Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY PLAYGROUND FUN
Ponderosa Park is a highly-rated recreational area in Scotch Plains featuring excellent playground facilities. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained equipment and spacious grounds that provide a safe environment for children to play. The park offers a perfect setting for family outings with plenty of room for picnics and outdoor activities.
2. Osborn Cannonball House
REVOLUTIONARY WAR HISTORY
The Osborn Cannonball House is a specialty museum dating back to the Revolutionary War era. This historic landmark preserves important local heritage and offers visitors a glimpse into 18th-century life. Guided tours provide fascinating insights into the house's connection to the American Revolution and its historical significance to the region.
3. Vintage On Park
MULTI-DEALER ANTIQUE SHOP
Vintage On Park is a charming multi-dealer vintage and antique shop located in Scotch Plains. The store showcases a diverse collection of unique items from various eras, making it a treasure trove for collectors and enthusiasts. Visitors can spend hours browsing through nostalgic memorabilia, furniture, jewelry, and decorative pieces.
4. Brookside Park
SERENE OUTDOOR RECREATION
Brookside Park offers a tranquil natural setting for outdoor recreation in Scotch Plains. The park features walking paths, open green spaces, and recreational facilities for visitors of all ages. Its peaceful atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for relaxation, picnics, and connecting with nature.
5. Ash Brook Golf Course
PREMIER GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Ash Brook Golf Course is a well-established golfing destination located at 1210 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains. The course offers challenging play for golfers of various skill levels with its well-designed layout and maintained greens. Golf enthusiasts appreciate the course's strategic holes, scenic views, and professional facilities.
6. Shady Rest Country Club
HISTORIC GOLFING LANDMARK
Shady Rest Country Club is a historic golf facility located at 820 Jerusalem Road in Scotch Plains. The club holds significant cultural importance as the first African-American owned and operated country club in the United States. Today, it continues to welcome golf enthusiasts while preserving its rich heritage and providing quality recreational opportunities.
7. Historic Frazee House
REVOLUTIONARY WAR LANDMARK
The Historic Frazee House is an 18th-century structure that played a significant role during the American Revolutionary War. Visitors can learn about its fascinating history and connection to the Battle of the Short Hills through guided tours. The house is currently undergoing restoration efforts aimed at preserving this important historical site for future generations.
8. Watchung Reservation
VAST NATURAL WILDERNESS
Watchung Reservation spans over 2,000 acres and offers a variety of outdoor activities near Scotch Plains. The reservation features numerous hiking and biking trails, including the popular 10-mile Sierra Trail that winds through diverse landscapes. Visitors can also enjoy Lake Surprise, a serene spot for picnicking, fishing, and kayaking within the reservation.
9. Trailside Nature & Science Center
INTERACTIVE EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE
The Trailside Nature & Science Center is an educational facility located within the Watchung Reservation near Scotch Plains. The center offers interactive exhibits and programs about local flora and fauna, making it an excellent destination for families with children. Visitors can learn about the region's natural history through engaging displays and participate in various educational activities throughout the year.
10. Fanwood Nature Center
PEACEFUL LOCAL ESCAPE
The Fanwood Nature Center is a tranquil natural retreat located near Scotch Plains. This local treasure offers walking trails through wooded areas where visitors can observe native plants and wildlife in their natural habitat. The center serves as an important educational resource and peaceful escape for residents and visitors seeking connection with nature.
11. Fanwood Train Station
HISTORIC RAILWAY HERITAGE
The historic Fanwood Train Station offers visitors an opportunity to learn about the area's rich railroad heritage. Dating back to the late 19th century, this well-preserved station stands as a testament to the importance of railway transportation in developing the region. The station combines historical significance with continued functionality as part of the NJ Transit system.
12. Union County Performing Arts Center
HISTORIC CULTURAL VENUE
The Union County Performing Arts Center is housed in the beautifully restored historic Rahway Theatre. This cultural landmark in downtown Rahway hosts a variety of performances including concerts, theatrical productions, comedy shows, and film screenings. The venue combines vintage charm with modern amenities to provide an exceptional entertainment experience for patrons from Scotch Plains and surrounding communities.
13. The Mall at Short Hills
UPSCALE SHOPPING DESTINATION
The Mall at Short Hills is a premier shopping destination featuring luxury retailers and upscale dining options near Scotch Plains. Shoppers can explore over 150 specialty stores including high-end fashion brands, jewelry boutiques, and department stores. The mall provides an elegant shopping environment with exceptional customer service and amenities for a complete retail experience.
14. Wild West City
WESTERN HERITAGE THEME PARK
Wild West City is an immersive western heritage theme park that brings the old west to life through portrayals of real-life western characters and legendary events. The park features twenty-two different live action shows throughout the day, offering visitors a chance to experience life in a recreated frontier town. Families can enjoy various attractions while learning about American western history in an entertaining environment.
15. Tomahawk Lake
WATER PARK ADVENTURE
Tomahawk Lake offers a complete water recreation experience with attractions including a fabulous Kiddies Water World and an 18-acre crystal clear lake with the largest white sand beach in Sussex County. Thrill-seekers can enjoy the 503-foot Black Snake waterslide, 512-foot Rocky Mountain waterslide, and Rampage water-coaster. Beyond water attractions, the facility also features an 18-hole miniature golf course, arcade, volleyball courts, and horseshoe pits for all-day family entertainment.