The latest update for New Jersey Mansions Open to the Public is written by Lindsay Podolak.
Do you ever wonder what it’s like to live in an old mansion? Well, wonder no longer! Many of New Jersey’s sprawling estates are open to the public, offering guided tours and special events. We’ve rounded up the best NJ mansions that welcome visitors. They’re great for exploring with friends and family.
Quick Click Guide: Select an NJ Region below to find a Mansion near you.
| North Jersey | Central Jersey | Jersey Shore | South Jersey |
More from Best of NJ
North Jersey
Lambert Castle
Editor’s Note: Lambert Castle is currently closed due to a planned renovation in 2020. We will update this feature when they reopen.
Location: 3 Valley Road, Paterson
Details: Located on Garret Mountain overlooking Paterson, this beautiful estate resembles an old English castle. English immigrant Catholina Lambert made his fortune in the silk industry, then built the castle in the late 19th century. The castle houses a large collection of American and European art, much to the delight of his many prominent visitors. Lambert’s son Walter later sold the castle to the city of Paterson in 1925. Since then, extensive renovations have restored the building to its former glory. Every November, you can visit the Lambert Castle Holiday Boutique to shop for festive decor, crafts, jewelry and more.
Why I like it: Members of the Passaic County Historical Society receive free admission; otherwise, adults pay just $5 and children ages 5-17 are $3.
More info: Visit the website or you can click here to call.
Ringwood Manor
Location: 1304 Sloatsburg Road, Ringwood
Details: Ringwood Manor served as a summer home to ironmasters Peter Cooper and Abram S. Hewitt during the Gilded Age. Though building began in 1810, the final phase did not complete until 1910. Inside the manor, you’ll find neo-classical decor along with French designs and furniture. Each December, the estate is open to the public during the Victorian Christmas weekends. It then closes in January and February before opening again with limited hours in March. Meanwhile, you can take a guided tour Wednesdays through Sundays from April to November at select times; of course, it’s best to call ahead to confirm availability.
Why I like it: Free, self-guided tours of the the estate’s carriage barn take place every weekend from May – October between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm.
More info: Visit the website or you can click here to call.
Shippen Manor
Location: 8 Belvidere Avenue, Oxford
Details:The Shippen Manor has over 250 years of history inside its walls. The Georgian-style home is made from local stone and features three chimneys. A tour of the family dining room shows a portrait of original owner Dr. William Shippen II, a famous local surgeon, above the fireplace. You can learn more about Shippen Manor through our Jersey Through History series.
Why I like it: Seasonal events such as candlelight tours in the winter and lawn concerts during the summer make Shippen Manor a year-round family destination.
More info: Visit the website or you can click here to call.
Skylands Manor
Location: 5 Morris Road, Ringwood
Details: Designed in the mid-1920s by American architect John Russell Pope, this Tudor Revival mansion was made to appear centuries old. The building has a weathered stone facade and its slate roof contains ripples and sags. Additionally, the dining room’s oak paneling comes from an English seacoast town and the breakfast room is lined with fine green Italian marble. Skylands Manor also notably sits within the expansive New Jersey Botanical Garden. Guided tours of the manor house are available on select Sundays throughout the year.
Why I like it: After your tour of the Manor, visit the free Botanical Garden that’s open all year.
More info: Visit the website or you can click here to call.
Central Jersey
Drumthwacket
Location: 354 Stockton Street (Route 206), Princeton
Details: Drumthwacket has been the official residence of New Jersey’s governor since 1981. The home was built in 1835 by Charles Smith Olden, who later became the state’s 28th governor. It sits near the site of the Battle of Princeton, a significant battle during the American Revolution. Drumthwacket is open most Wednesdays at 1:00 pm for guided public tours, except during the holidays. The home also hosts an Annual Spring Carnival to provide a day of fun and games for children with special needs and their families.
Why I like it: Students can use the online student portal to play games, view an interactive map of New Jersey and learn more about local inventors.
More info: Visit the website or you can click here to call.
Liberty Hall Museum
Location: 1003 Morris Avenue, Union
Details: Liberty Hall was built in 1772 for William Livingston, New Jersey’s first elected governor. (And also a signer of the Constitution.) Originally a 14-room Georgian-style home, Liberty Hall is now a 50-room Victorian-style mansion. The museum also houses ceramics, textiles, toys, furniture, and tools owned by seven generations of the Kean and Livingston families. They are open Wednesday through Sunday from April to December, with limited hours in March. Liberty Hall closes during January and February, except to group reservations of 10 or more. Check the website calendar for special events such as afternoon tea, a Dr. Seuss birthday celebration and more.
Why I like it: You won’t want to miss the museum’s rare 1796 Madeira wine collection. A staff member actually found the collection during a recent renovation.
More info: Visit the website or you can click here to call.
Jersey Shore
Emlen Physick Estate
Location: 1048 Washington Street, Cape May
Details: The Emlen Physick Estate is a glimpse into New Jersey’s Victorian past, as seen through its design and decor. Emlen Physick Jr., along with his widowed mother and maiden aunt, moved in when it was completed in 1879. The stately grounds include Hill House and the Carriage House, as well as the Carroll Gallery, which often features new art. Special guided tours are available for kids (with an adult present). Families can also explore Physick Estate on a fun and educational scavenger hunt any day of the week! Likewise, spring and summer events include the Sip Into Spring Festival and the Craft Beer, Music & Crab Festival.
Why I like it: Into ghosts? The Emlen Physick Estate is Cape May’s original haunted house, with many spirits said to roam the halls.
More info: Visit the website or you can click here to call.
South Jersey
Batsto Mansion
Location: Batsto Road, Batsto
Details: Generations of ironmasters lived in the 32-room Batsto Mansion, located in the center of Batsto Village. The mansion was renovated in the late 1800s to reflect the Italianate style of architecture. Fourteen rooms of the mansion are currently open for the public to tour, including the parlors, dining room, library, and bedrooms. Guided tours of the mansion cost $3 per adult and $1 per child.
Why I like it: Walk through the rest of Batsto Village to make a day of it. See the remains of the ghost town, including a post office, library, general store, and other homes.
More info: Visit the website.
White Hill Mansion
Location: 217 Fourth Street, Fieldsboro
Details: In 1757, merchant Robert Field inherited land from his father and built what is now White Hill Mansion. Over the years it passed through the hands of several different families, and ended up as an upscale German restaurant from 1923 through 1972. But when these owners intended to demolish the home, the borough of Fieldsboro purchased the property. Now it is a historic landmark, and archaeological digs have turned up over 30,000 artifacts and evidence of Native American occupation on the land. See the website for tour dates as well as special yoga events.
Why I like it: During the popular Ghost Hunt, guests tour the mansion for five hours in the dark. Be sure to bring any ghost-seeking equipment you have!
More info: Visit the website.
Hero (Top) Feature Image: © Emlen Physick Estate / Facebook
Additional Images (in Order) Courtesy:
Passaic County Historical Society / Website
Drumthwacket Foundation / Website
Emlen Physick Estate / Facebook
Friends of White Hill Mansion / Facebook
