New Jersey is now home to the country's newest National Park: Paterson Great Falls. On November 7, 2011 the Park Service held formal ceremonies to welcome the new park to the fold.
The new park fronts one of the country's largest waterfalls, Great Falls, used for electrical production to drive New Jersey's industrial life. Preserved at the park are some of the original power generating system raceways and historic buildings.
Most decidedly an "urban park," the Park Service will have an interesting time developing plans for the park's future. At present there are no guided tours, no formal visitor center. Instead, the park is open to the public for self guided outdoor activities and tours. Take a walk around the park's historic district and see the mill buildings' architecture and gander at the falls.
A "partner" arrangement has been set up with the Paterson Museum. Located at 2 Market Street, the city operates the museum that displays local history, showing the industrial side of town. Textile machines, Colt revolvers, steam locomotives, and even a submarine prototype developed here, and tested on the nearby Passaic River. The museum schedule is Tuesday through Friday, 10 to 4, and 12:30 to 4:30 on weekends. Gate fees for the museum are $2 for adults with kids free. Phone the museum for more information at 973 321-1260.
photo: imprint777 on flickr.com
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