2024 Trenton Visitors Guide
Yes, Trenton, NJ, is famous for the site where George Washington made that historic crossing across the Delaware River but Trenton is now a thoroughly modern city full of potential and vision. Trenton’s distinctive neighborhoods, rich historical sites, fine dining and premium sports facilities make Trenton one of America’s most livable cities. With its theme of “Trenton Makes, the World Takes,” Trenton wants the world to know about its progressive initiatives and industrious attitude.
The people of the City of Trenton are dedicated to rebuilding their communities and to keep the city safe and clean for today and tomorrow’s generations. A strong architectural and economic revival can be seen through the creation of strong, diverse commercial areas within its neighborhoods. Trenton also focuses on replacing substandard housing with affordable dwellings and on rehabilitating vacant, deteriorated in preparation for new energy and growth.
Trenton Fast Facts
Trenton, located on the East Bank of the Delaware River in Mercer County, is the capital of New Jersey as well as the county seat of Mercer County. Trenton has many mass transit options including Amtrak and SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority). Airports serving the Trenton and Mercer County area include Trenton Mercer Airport, Newark International Airport, Lehigh Valley International Airport, Philadelphia International Airport, and La Guardia Airport.
- Population: 85,403
- Median Household Income: $31,074
- Per Capita Income: $14,621
- Latitude: 40.216N
- Longitude: 74.743W
- Commuting Time:
- Average travel time to work: 24 minutes
- Average travel time to work using public transportation: 41 minutes
- Average travel time to work using other transportation: 22 minutes
- Trenton is on Eastern Standard Time and observes Daylight Savings Time.
Trenton Attractions
New Jersey State House
Originally built in 1792 on land that was purchased for 250 English pounds, or what would be the sum of $400 today, the New Jersey State House is an impressive structure housing the state legislative functions. Visitors are encouraged to tour the facilities and watch the operations of the government in action.
William Trent House Museum
Step back in time to visit the oldest house in New Jersey and the home of the man for whom the city was named. Built between 1716 and 1719, this National Historic Landmark was the country home of Scotsman William Trent, a Philadelphia merchant, and his family.
Trenton City Museum
Located in Ellarslie Mansion, an Italian style villa built in 1845, the Trenton City Museum houses a fine collection of art and artifacts related to Trenton’s historical and cultural past, particularly showcasing Trenton’s rich pottery-making traditions. The mansion sits proudly in Cadwalader Park whose designer, Frederick Law Olmsted, also created Central Park in New York City.
Hopewell Museum
The Hopewell Museum is a wonderful preservation of village life in America from early Colonial days to the present. In addition to many artifacts on display, the collection also includes furniture, crafts, and other items. Area history is presented in the galleries of a handsome brownstone building through period rooms once inhabited by Hopewell resident, Sarah D. Stout.
Howell Living History Farm
Step back into history and get ready to work because everything on this farm is exactly as it was in the year 1900. See horses and buggies travel the roads as you help plant and harvest crops, tend to the animals, make soap, butter and ice cream and dream of what the future may hold.
New Jersey State Museum
From fossils to fine art, the New Jersey State Museum is four museums in one and offers a galaxy of experiences for every member of the family. Treasures collected since the early 1800s are housed in a modern main building overlooking the Delaware River in Trenton while additional programs are offered in an adjoining 150-seat planetarium and a remodeled 400-seat auditorium.
Old Barracks Museum
The only original French & Indian War Barracks still standing in America, the Old Barracks Museum is famous for its role in Washington’s victory over Hessian troops during the Revolutionary War. The museum is the site of the famous day-after-Christmas battle during the Revolutionary War’s Battle of Trenton which is re-enacted each year on the Saturday after Christmas. Open daily year-round.
Hopewell Valley Vineyards
Hopewell Valley Vineyards is a winery dedicated to producing hand-crafted wines through the technique of blending Old World flair with New World style. Three generations of Tuscan winemaking experience combine to create incredible wines and old-world hospitality.
Sesame Place
All the fun, furry friends from Sesame Street are here to play with kids of all ages. Special events, rides, shows and play areas abound at this magical place where Sesame Street comes alive. Located in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, Sesame Place is only 15 miles southwest of Trenton, NJ.
Black River and Western Railroad
The Black River & Western Railroad operates one-hour scenic train excursion between Flemington & Ringoes, New Jersey. Charters are also available for hosting special events.
Rutgers Gardens
Rutgers Gardens is comprised of a series of horticultural collections arranged in garden settings and spread over fifty acres east of U.S. Route 1 in New Brunswick, New Jersey. The garden’s objective is to educate both students and the general public about the culture and identification of plant materials and the role these plants play in the garden and the natural environment.
Trenton Recreation & Leisure
Trenton Thunder Baseball Team
This AA affiliate of the New York Yankees calls the beautiful Trenton Waterfront Park its home during playing seasons which run from April through September each year.
Trenton Titans Hockey Team
A member of the Eastern Conference Hockey League, the Trenton Titans hockey team plays at the fabulous Sovereign Bank Arena with a playing schedule that runs from October through April each year.
Bear Creek Mountain Resort
The 330-acre Bear Creek Mountain Resort features skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing during the winter months and hiking, biking, fishing and boating for its summertime activities. The Inn at Bear Creek offers luxurious accommodations with indoor pool and indoor/outdoor hot tubs.
Mercer Oaks Golf Course
Mercer Oaks Golf Course is an 18-hole championship golf course which opened to the public in the fall of 1991. The 7,000-plus yard course design complements the landscape of Mercer County Park and the tranquility of Lake Mercer. A putting green, teeing area and driving range can accommodate 40 golfers.
Rancocas State Park
The idyllic setting of the Rancocas State Park includes a network of trails that wanders through upland and lowland hardwood forest, leading hikers along the North Branch of the Rancocas Creek and an extensive freshwater tidal marsh. Wildlife programs are sponsored by The Audubon Society which operates a nature center within the park. A replica of the Powhatan Indian village of the 1600s has been reconstructed on this site which hosts an annual Powhatan Indian festival of music, performances, and crafts.
Princeton Battlefield State Park
The site of what is considered the most intense fighting of the American Revolution now welcomes visitors to its expanse of woodlands and hiking trails and the experience of living history through the information provided in the Visitor’s Center.
Washington Crossing State Park
The Washington Crossing State Park is the site of nature trails and exhibit galleries that explore the many facets of America’s revolutionary conflict with an emphasis on the military campaign known as “The Ten Crucial Days.” The events of these ten days, December 25, 1776 through January 3, 1777, include Washington’s Continental Army’s crossing of the Delaware River and the Battles of Trenton and Princeton.
Arts in Trenton NJ
Music, dance and theater abound to add to the cultural enrichment of the residents of Trenton and the surrounding Mercer County area.
Greater Trenton Symphony Orchestra
Founded in 1921, the Greater Trenton Symphony Orchestra is New Jersey’s oldest professional symphony orchestra. In the 80-plus years of its existence, the Greater Trenton Symphony Orchestra has introduced the experience of live orchestral music to generations of New Jersey audiences numbering in the hundreds of thousands.
Boheme Opera
This renowned company, under the direction of Joseph Puciatti, is entering its 17th season of performances at the historic Patriots Theater at the War Memorial in downtown Trenton.
Cybis Gallery
Cybis porcelain has long been recognized by collectors and connoisseurs throughout the world for its unsurpassed beauty. Visitors to the gallery can view individually handcrafted porcelain pieces hand-decorated in America by the skilled Cybis artisans.
Boehm Porcelain Studio
The Boehm Porcelain company designs and manufactures open-collection and limited-edition porcelain handcrafted sculptures. Boehm masterpieces can be found in the world’s foremost museums and institutions, including the White House, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Hermitage, Smithsonian Institute, John F. Kennedy Center and the Vatican.
Princeton Ballet Society
The American Repertory Ballet and the affiliated Princeton Ballet School are housed under the prestigious Princeton Ballet Society. Founded in 1954, the Princeton Ballet School is one of the largest ballet schools in America, enrolling 1200 students each year. The American Repertory Ballet has been in existence since 1963 and provides its patrons with excellence and artistic achievements on a continual basis.
Grounds for Sculpture
This 35-acre sculpture park and museum has been in operation since 1992 and its popularity increases each year as more people discover the unique pieces of art created and displayed in this tranquil environment.
New Jersey State Council on the Arts
As an agency of the New Jersey government, the New Jersey Council on the Arts operates as a division within the Department of State with its sole purpose of supporting art initiatives throughout the state. Encouragement and financial support are provided to artists, arts organizations and projects which share the arts with audiences exceeding 15 million annually.
Trenton Dining
National franchise restaurants, as well as independent neighborhood establishments, promise something for every palate in the Trenton and Mercer County region. Well-known restaurants include Joe’s Crab Shack, Applebee’s, Starbucks, International House of Pancakes, Pizza Hut, Carvel Ice Cream, Cracker Barrel, and Olive Garden. Locally owned and operated establishments cater to every ethnic group and taste with Chinese, Thai, Mexican, Italian and Greek restaurants among the most popular in the city.
Trenton Communities
Trenton’s metro area includes many smaller communities in this history-rich area of Mercer County. Some of the cities and towns include Ewing, Hamilton, Hopewell, Lawrence, Lawrenceville, Mercerville, Pennington, Princeton, Princeton Junction, Robbinsville, Titusville, Washington Township and West Windsor.