Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park

For residents across New Jersey, an opportunity to witness both breathtaking natural beauty and pivotal American history lies just a short trip away at the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park. This remarkable site is a true gem in North Jersey, offering a unique fusion of the raw power of the Passaic River's Great Falls and the profound legacy of America's industrial revolution. It's not just a park; it's an outdoor museum and a testament to ingenuity, nature's force, and the foundation of a nation.

The park was established to preserve and interpret the historic industrial landscape associated with the Great Falls of the Passaic River, recognizing Paterson as America's first planned industrial city. Here, under the guidance of Alexander Hamilton's vision, the power of the falls was harnessed to drive innovative industries, forever changing the course of American manufacturing. Today, visitors can explore the remnants of this industrious past alongside the magnificent natural wonder, making for a truly immersive and educational experience.

Whether you're looking for a refreshing outdoor escape, a captivating historical journey, or simply a unique place to spend a day in New Jersey, Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park delivers. It’s a powerful reminder of how human ambition and natural resources converged to shape the very fabric of our state and country.

Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park is conveniently situated in the heart of Paterson, New Jersey, at 72 McBride Ave Ext, Paterson, NJ 07501, USA. This central location makes it readily accessible for residents across the state, offering an easily reachable destination for a day trip or a longer visit to North Jersey.

For those traveling by car from various parts of New Jersey, the park's proximity to major highways is a significant advantage. It’s well-connected by routes that lead directly into Paterson. For example, from the Garden State Parkway, travelers can take Exit 155P onto Route 19 North, which leads directly to I-80 West, then following signs for Grand Street and McBride Avenue Extension. From I-80, both eastbound and westbound, specific exits guide visitors towards the park, leading to the main parking area at Overlook Park. While parking lots, particularly the free ones, can be limited in size (accommodating about 25 cars), there are options like the Overlook Park parking area at the main address to begin your visit.

The urban setting of the park also means it can be reached via public transportation, although options might require local transfers depending on your starting point in New Jersey. The park's walking paths are designed to efficiently guide visitors to key viewing areas, ensuring that once you arrive, exploring the historical and natural wonders is straightforward. It’s important to note that the internal footbridge connecting and overlooking the falls is currently closed for safety concerns, pending replacement. To access Mary Ellen Kramer Park, which offers excellent viewing points, visitors can use the Wayne Ave. Bridge and Maple St. This highlights the ongoing development of the park while still ensuring remarkable vantage points are available.

Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park, as part of the National Park Service, provides a variety of services and amenities designed to enhance the visitor experience, merging natural appreciation with historical understanding. While some facilities are still developing, the park focuses on core offerings to ensure an informative and engaging visit:

• Visitor Center: The Welcome Center (located at the main park headquarters) provides basic visitor amenities, including restrooms and interpretive exhibits. It serves as a starting point for understanding the park's significance. The visitor center is typically open Wednesday through Monday from 10 AM to 4:30 PM.
• Guided Walking Tours: The park offers free guided walking tours led by Park Rangers. These tours delve into the geology of the Great Falls, Passaic River ecology, Paterson's history as the first planned industrial city, and the vision of its founder, Alexander Hamilton. These are offered year-round on weekends, with more frequent tours in the summer.
• Self-Guided Tours: For those who prefer to explore at their own pace, the park provides self-guided options, including the "Self-Guided Mill Mile Walking Tour," available as a free walking tour app. There's also the Federici Walking Tour to explore local art and sculpture.
• Educational Programs: The park offers a wide variety of in-park, off-site, and virtual programming, including field trips and classroom programs for schools, scouts, and youth groups. These programs focus on history, industry, and the natural environment of the falls.
• Restrooms: Accessible restrooms are available at the Paterson Museum, a partner site located nearby at 2 Market Street. While the park itself has limited restroom facilities, this provides a convenient option for visitors.
• Picnic Areas: Picnic tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis, offering spaces for visitors to enjoy a meal amidst the park's scenic and historical surroundings. Barbecues and grills are prohibited.
• Accessibility: The National Park Service is committed to accessibility. Most visitor services and facilities are accessible with assistance. Accessible parking is available at Overlook Park, and paved pathways guide visitors, though some sections may be narrow or steep. Multiple routes are available to bypass outdoor stairs.
• National Park Passport Stamps: Visitors can get their National Park Passport stamps at the park's visitor center, a popular activity for park enthusiasts.

Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park boasts a range of impressive features and highlights that make it a truly unique destination in New Jersey, blending natural grandeur with profound historical significance:

• The Great Falls of the Passaic River: The centerpiece of the park, these magnificent 77-foot high and 260-foot wide waterfalls are a powerful display of nature's force. They are the second-largest waterfall by volume east of the Mississippi River, behind only Niagara Falls. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views from multiple vantage points, including Overlook Park and Mary Ellen Kramer Park.
• Industrial Heritage and Raceway System: The park preserves the remnants of America's first planned industrial city. The historic raceway system, an ingenious network of canals and channels built between 1791 and 1848, diverted water from the falls to power numerous mills and factories. Exploring these raceways provides a tangible link to Paterson's pivotal role in the American Industrial Revolution.
• Alexander Hamilton's Vision: The park highlights the legacy of Alexander Hamilton, who recognized the potential of the Great Falls for industrial development and founded the Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures (S.U.M.) here in 1791. Interpretive signs and exhibits tell the story of his vision and its impact.
• Diverse Viewing Opportunities: Despite some temporary closures (like the internal pedestrian bridge), the park offers various perspectives to appreciate the falls. The main Overlook Park provides a sweeping view from above, while Mary Ellen Kramer Park allows visitors to get closer to the cascading water, feeling its spray.
• Paterson Museum (Partner Site): Located adjacent to the park, the Paterson Museum offers extensive exhibits on Paterson's rich history, including its industrial past, textile machines, Colt revolvers, and even prototype submarines tested in the Passaic River. It complements the park experience by providing deeper historical context.
• Urban National Park Setting: This park is unique as an urban national historical park, showcasing how significant natural and historical resources can be preserved and interpreted within a city environment. It offers a refreshing outdoor escape integrated with a vibrant urban landscape.
• Historical Significance: The Great Falls were carved by glaciers 13,000 years ago and were inhabited by the Lenape Indians before colonial settlement. The area was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1976 and a National Historical Park in 2009, underscoring its national importance.

As a unit of the U.S. National Park Service, Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park primarily offers its profound historical and natural experiences at no cost for entry, which can be considered its most significant ongoing "promotion." There are no direct commercial "special offers" in the traditional sense, as the park is a public entity dedicated to preservation and education.

• Free Admission: There is no entrance fee to visit Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park. This ensures that the magnificent falls and the rich historical narratives are accessible to everyone in New Jersey and beyond, making it an excellent budget-friendly outing for families and individuals.
• Free Guided Tours: The park regularly offers free guided walking tours led by knowledgeable Park Rangers. These tours provide in-depth insights into the geology, ecology, and industrial history of the falls, adding immense value to a visit without any additional cost.
• "Every Kid Outdoors" Program: For fourth-grade students, the National Park Service offers the "Every Kid Outdoors" pass, providing free access to all national parks and federal recreational lands for the student and their family for a full year. Paterson Great Falls participates in this program, encouraging young New Jerseyans to explore their national heritage.
• National Park Passport Stamps: While not a financial promotion, the opportunity to collect National Park Passport stamps at the visitor center is a popular, free activity for park enthusiasts, offering a tangible souvenir of their visit.
• Paterson Museum (Suggested Donation): The adjacent Paterson Museum, a key partner, does not charge an admission fee but has a suggested donation of $2.00 per adult. This means visitors can access additional historical exhibits for a very nominal suggested contribution, further enhancing their historical exploration.

Visitors are encouraged to check the official National Park Service website for Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park or contact them directly for the most current schedule of free tours and educational programs.

For any inquiries, to confirm operating hours, or to learn more about programs and events at Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park, please use the following contact information:

• Address: 72 McBride Ave Ext, Paterson, NJ 07501, USA
• Phone: (973) 523-0370
• Mobile Phone: +1 973-523-0370 (This is the same number, often listed for direct mobile dialing)
• Official Website: For the most comprehensive and up-to-date information, including operating hours, event calendars, accessibility details, and educational resources, it is highly recommended to visit the official National Park Service website for Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park (www.nps.gov/pagr).

Park Rangers and visitor center staff are available during operating hours to assist with questions and provide guidance for your visit.

For locals across New Jersey, Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park is an exceptionally suitable and enriching destination, offering a perfect blend of natural wonder, historical immersion, and accessibility right in their backyard. This park is not just for tourists; it's a vital educational and recreational resource for the community.

Firstly, its convenient location in Paterson makes it an easily accessible day trip for most New Jersey residents. Being able to witness a truly magnificent waterfall and explore a National Historical Park without needing extensive travel is a significant advantage. This accessibility allows for spontaneous visits, making it easy for families to bring their children for an afternoon of discovery, or for individuals to find a peaceful outdoor escape close to home.

Secondly, the park offers a unique dual experience that resonates deeply with New Jersey's identity. It showcases the raw power of nature alongside the ingenuity of human history that shaped our state. For locals, understanding Paterson's role as America's first planned industrial city provides invaluable insight into the origins of modern industry and the foundational contributions made right here in New Jersey. Learning about Alexander Hamilton's vision and the transformation of this natural landscape into an industrial powerhouse is a source of local pride and an important educational opportunity for all ages.

Finally, the free admission and numerous free programs, like guided ranger tours, make it an incredibly cost-effective and engaging option for local recreation and learning. It’s a place where you can return multiple times, always finding new details or perspectives, whether it’s a different view of the falls on a sunny day or a deeper dive into the historical exhibits. Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park is a testament to New Jersey's rich heritage and natural beauty, making it an indispensable local treasure.

Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park

72 McBride Ave Ext, Paterson, NJ 07501, USA