Photo: NPS photoMorristown National Historical Park preserves the site where George Washington's Continental Army endured the winter of 1779-1780, known as the coldest winter in recorded U.S. history with temperatures dropping as low as -16°F. Families explore four distinct locations including the Ford Mansion where Washington established his headquarters, the soldier encampment areas at Jockey Hollow, and Fort Nonsense with its commanding views of the Watchung Mountains. The park's 27 miles of hiking trails wind through the same forests where 10,000 Continental soldiers built log huts and survived on minimal rations. What sets Morristown apart from other Revolutionary War sites is its focus on the harsh realities of military survival rather than battles, offering kids a visceral understanding of the sacrifices that secured American independence.
Junior Ranger Program at Morristown National Historical Park
The Junior Ranger program at Morristown transforms young visitors into Revolutionary War historians through interactive activities and hands-on learning experiences. Kids complete age-appropriate challenges that include exploring historic buildings, participating in colonial-era demonstrations, and discovering how soldiers survived the harsh winter of 1779-1780 at this crucial military site.
- Try on colonial clothing and handle replica Revolutionary War artifacts
- Explore the historic Ford Mansion where Washington lived during the encampment
- Learn survival skills that Continental soldiers used during the brutal winter
Program Details
Download Junior Ranger Booklet
Get a head start! Download and print the booklet before your visit.
Source: NPS Junior Ranger Program Page
Best Ages for Morristown National Historical Park
Ages 0–6
The Musician level requires completing just 3 activities, making it perfect for preschoolers who love drawing and simple matching games. Little ones particularly enjoy the museum scavenger hunt looking for George Washington's face and the hands-on activities at the soldier huts. The tic-tac-toe hiking game keeps them engaged while walking the easier trails around the visitor centers.
Ages 7–10
Continental Soldiers complete 3 activities plus the National Park Service arrowhead matching page, introducing kids to the broader park system. This age group thrives with the crossword puzzles using museum clues, the maze activity about supplying the army, and writing letters home like Revolutionary War soldiers. The Wick House investigation with its room-by-room exploration perfectly matches their detective instincts.
Ages 11+
Officers tackle 4 activities plus the National Park Service page, with more complex challenges like comparing officer versus soldier living conditions and analyzing historical documents in the Smith Gallery. Teens appreciate the pamphlet design activity that connects to colonial propaganda and the Fort Nonsense strategic thinking questions. The program encourages deeper historical analysis while still keeping activities hands-on and engaging.
Planning Your Visit
Getting There
The park has four separate locations, so start at Washington's Headquarters Museum in downtown Morristown for orientation, then drive 6 miles south to Jockey Hollow for the main visitor center and trail access. Parking is free at all locations with the Jockey Hollow lot easily accommodating larger vehicles. No reservations needed for most activities, though Ford Mansion guided tours operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Van & RV Notes
Our Sprinter van fits comfortably in the Jockey Hollow visitor center parking lot, which serves as the best base for accessing trails and the Wick House. No overnight camping is available within the park, but nearby campgrounds can accommodate vans with hookups about 15 minutes away. The parking areas at Washington's Headquarters Museum are more compact but manageable for careful maneuvering.
Best Time to Visit
Spring through fall offers the most activities with both visitor centers fully open, while winter visits create an authentic atmosphere for understanding the soldiers' hardships but with limited indoor heating. Summer brings living history demonstrations and the best trail conditions, though July and August see the heaviest crowds. April through June provides the perfect balance of mild weather, fewer visitors, and full programming.
How Long to Spend
Plan a full day to experience both the Morristown sites and Jockey Hollow properly, as the driving between locations and diverse activities require time to absorb. The Junior Ranger booklet activities alone take 4-6 hours when combined with museum exploration and trail hiking.
Don't Miss
The guided Ford Mansion tour brings Washington's headquarters to life with stories of how the wealthy Ford family adjusted to housing the Commander-in-Chief during the brutal winter. Kids absolutely love exploring the reconstructed soldier huts at Jockey Hollow, where they can imagine fitting 12 men in a 14x16 foot log cabin with just one small window.
Fun Facts for Kids
The winter of 1779-1780 was so harsh that New York Harbor froze solid, allowing people to walk from Manhattan to Staten Island on the ice
Washington's soldiers built over 1,000 log huts in Jockey Hollow, creating a temporary city larger than most American towns of that era
The museum was designed by John Russell Pope, the same architect who created the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Fort Nonsense got its nickname from 1800s locals who thought the hilltop fortification was pointless, not knowing it served as a crucial lookout point and signal station
Plan Your Stay
Save on park entry with the America the Beautiful Pass — $80 for unlimited access to all 400+ National Park sites for a full year.
Where to Stay
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