Monmouth Battlefield State Park - Manalapan Township, New Jersey

Joe H.

So much history here amid a beautiful state park.

The grounds are expansive and there are many trails to walk. Some trails are woodland trails, easily navigated and well marked. Others are through the open fields where once history was made in 1778.

The woodland trails start near the museum. There is one large loop trail with two opportunities to cut across. These are typical eastern wooded areas, with many species of native trees and bushes. These trails are a perfect short walk with family or alone, a nice respite from the hustle and bustle.

There are also trails that take you through the orchards and fields where the Battle of Monmouth took place June 28, 1778. Lots of wide open views and interpretive signs that help you envision where the battle lines were drawn and the cannons lined up.

Make sure to check out the museum. The battle of Monmouth was pivotal in the revolutionary war, the first Washington and the Continental troops fought after the hard winter at Valley Forge (note: Valley Forge National Park is about 90 minutes away in PA, well worth the visit. Go there first - it will help put Monmouth in context).

The museum is very well done and shows the details of how the troops were placed in the fields around you. There are many dioramas and maps. Make sure to see the movie - the ending is particularly powerful.

Each year on the anniversary of the battle there are re-enactors at the park all day. This is a wonderful experience and brings history alive.

The park has picnic tables in shady settings around, and a covered pavilion for large gatherings. There is a very nice playground for the kids by the pavilion, and many tables have charcoal grills. There is a seasonal restroom by the pavilion and the building opposite the museum has restrooms open year round. Make sure to check the hours of the museum especially during the off season.

There are guided walking tours of the battlefields. We’ve done these and they are excellent programs to learn the history of the place while standing in the middle of it.

Stop by, enjoy the trails, bring the family or find solace in the quiet woods. This is a great park.

Mamish G.

Really nice Hidden Gem for walking and taking pictures. The history behind it is extremely intriguing as well. Nice small museum and cute gift shop!

RGSOUNDF

Even though it is mostly known and named after the historical Battle of Monmouth in June 1778 during the American War of Independence, the park serves as a vast recreational area with vast stretches of preserved nature land offering walking, hiking, and picnic activities.
There are several parking lots, both at the entry and inside the State Park.
Certain amenities, such as benches, Porta Potties, a children's playground with slides, and picnic areas with smaller grills are offered.
Of course, there are historical components, such as historical farmhouses, among them the Craig House (1746), and the Battle of Monmouth free lectures (2nd Sunday every month) and the free Battlefield tours (1st Sunday every month) are the inherent part of the State Park.
Our only issue was with the apparent absence of adequate signage and well, the park itself is not that picturesque, and the small lake is not well-maintained neither it's properly cleaned, to tell you the truth.

Erica T.

Beautiful scenery. Many trails to choose from to explore this historic place. Lots of history and exploring the battlefield gives you that chance to follow the footsteps of the Revolutionary War Soldiers. Recommend it! Lots to see! There are grills, picnic tables, etc.

Andrew G.

Nice place to see a reenactment every June a lot history in the museum and great re-enactments there

Nadeem B.

I was utterly unprepared for how breathtaking Monmouth Battlefield State Park would appear from above. Having recently acquired my first DJI drone, I was eager to test it out. Fortuitously, it was autumn—the season of vibrant foliage. Regrettably, I began my excursion rather late in the day, leaving little time to fully capture the splendour of this historic park. Operating the drone proved challenging; I found myself wishing for a larger screen to better appreciate and frame my captures.

Monmouth Battlefield State Park is a site steeped in history, commemorating the pivotal Battle of Monmouth during the American Revolutionary War in June 1778. Today, it offers a picturesque landscape adorned with meadows, orchards, and reconstructed elements of the battlefield. During autumn, the park transforms into a canvas of fiery reds, oranges, and yellows, making it an ideal destination for photography and exploration.

Having recently travelled abroad, I am now planning a return visit in late spring or summer of 2025. I hope to better explore and document the park's vastness under different seasonal hues. Spring promises blooming flowers and lush greenery, while summer offers long days perfect for capturing the park’s serene beauty.

I am delighted to share some of the photos and videos I managed to capture during my visit using both my drone and mobile phone. I hope you find them as enchanting as I did.

Bill D.

An interesting piece of American Revolutionary War history! The Battle of Monmouth (or Battle of Monmouth Court House) was fought on this site in the colony of New Jersey on June 28, 1778. The Continental Army, commanded by General George Washington, faced off against the British commanded by General Charles Lord Cornwallis. The battle inflicted heavy casualties on both sides, but more through heat exhaustion than combat. In the end the battle was inconclusive with the British slipping away to reach New York City without further harassment from the Continental Army. The countryside at the battlefield is beautiful and the displays are interesting nonetheless.

Richard B.

Amazing displays.
This was my last American Revolutionary War site to visit.
Well planned out. Great paths.
If you go in the summer, bring plenty of water. No shade on the trails.