Thanks to advances in mapping technology (“Street View” in Google Maps can take you almost anywhere) and the invention of the GPS, you can technically find most of these places on a map…but they’re all unique, lesser known New Jersey gems. If you’re local, you may know about a few, but I’m hoping you discover something new.

  1. Museum Of Early Trades & Crafts - 9 Main Street, Madison

Facebook/Museum Of Early Trades & Crafts This charming museum preserves the past in a unique way. Learn all about life in New Jersey, with a focus on the skills needed to survive - like woodworking, farming, pottery making and more. See tools of the trade and enjoy interactive programs for both children and adults.

  1. Yankee Doodle Tap Room - 10 Palmer Square E, Princeton

Facebook/Nassau Inn The Nassau Inn is a lovely place to stay, but perhaps lovelier is its on-site restaurant. The Yankee Doodle Tap Room is loaded with history and is home to the world’s largest Norman Rockwell mural.

  1. Statue Of Liberty Replica - 10 High Street, Butler

Image/Google Maps Why is there an 8-foot Statue Of Liberty standing on the balcony of Butler’s police station? It may have something to do with the fact that the town’s namesake, Richard Butler, was good friends with the statue’s builder and designer - Frederic August Bartholdi. The rubber magnate also raised money to construct Lady Liberty’s base.

  1. Diggerland XL - 100 Pinedge Drive, West Berlin

Facebook/Diggerland USA I’ve mentioned Diggerland in the past, but you probably haven’t heard of its newest attraction. Diggerland XL is made especially for adults, offering full size, unrestricted construction equipment. You’ll get 1 on 1 instruction from a heavy machinery foreman… and the ride of your life. Of course, this is also an amazing place to take kids, and they’re even offering a Boyscout overnight in April.

  1. Ballantine House - 49 Washington Street, Newark

Wikipedia/dmadeo Part of the Newark Museum, this 1885 home is a National Historic Landmark. It features a mix of galleries and restored rooms and is an absolute delight during the holiday season. Step back in time and enjoy a historically accurate 19th century Christmas.

  1. Howling Woods Farm - 1371 W Veterans Highway, Jackson

Facebook/Howling Woods Farm I’ve already sung the praises of Lakota Wolf Preserve, but we’ve got another incredible rescue in the Garden State. Howling Woods Farm is home to stunning wolf/dog hybrids, some of which are up for adoption. Guests are able to interact with these beautiful animals and even pose for pictures. Tours are available by appointment only and they are able to accommodate groups.

  1. Winslow Junction - Spring Road, Winslow Township

Flickr/Bob Jagendorf Just minutes from Hammonton, the blueberry capital of the world, lies an eerie train graveyard. Featured in “The Station Agent,” this was a bustling depot until 1922, when a tragic accident killed 7 and injured dozens. There are train cars scattered about, in various states of disrepair.

  1. Grover Cleveland Birthplace & Museum - 207 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell

Wikipedia/DavidT8 You’ll find the nation’s largest collection of Grover Cleveland artifacts right here in New Jersey. This state historic site is open year-round (Wednesday-Sunday), free of charge and offers informative tours that will delight any history buff. See Grover Cleveland’s crib, learn about his life and play authentic 1830s games. A fun fact about Grover Cleveland… Grover was his middle name. Visit this house museum to find out his first. (Okay, it’s Stephen…but, you should still visit.)

  1. Aviation Hall Of Fame - 400 Fred Wehran Drive, Teterboro

Facebook/Aviation Hall Of Fame You may be familiar with the aviation museum at Naval Air Station Wildwood, but you may not yet know about this intriguing museum tucked away behind a local airport. Learn all about the technology behind and history of flight and get up close to aircraft. Visit during an open cockpit day for a truly unique experience, book a party or take a scouting group for an overnight they won’t forget.

  1. Pub 199 - 199 Howard Boulevard, Mount Arlington

Facebook/Pub 199 This dining-hall style eatery decked out in hunting trophies isn’t anything fancy… but it IS delicious and affordable. All the seafood is fresh, portions are generous, the king crab is epic and the service is spectacular. Reviewers can’t stop raving about this seafood spot - see why for yourself. One visit and you’ll be…hooked.

  1. Peters Valley School Of Craft - 19 Kuhn Road, Layton

Facebook/Peters Valley School Of Craft What started as a small artist’s colony decades ago grew into a spectacular non-profit, managed in part by the National Park Service. Peters Valley offers classes covering eight different disciplines, helping to preserve history and fine craftsmanship. Enjoy a self guided studio tour or visit to the gallery - they’re free from May - September. An open house on May 7th will also feature live music and artist demonstrations.

  1. The Biggest Buddha In The Western Hemisphere - 4299 Route 27, Princeton

Image/New Jersey Buddhist Vihara and Meditation Center This stunning sculpture located at the New Jersey Buddhist Vihara and Meditation Center is believed to be the largest statue of Buddha in America and all of the western hemisphere. They encourage visitors of all faiths and offer classes in Buddhism, guided meditations and a variety of celebrations.

What other unique, lesser-known attractions would you add to this list? For more to explore, check out this list of 12 Roadside Attractions In New Jersey.

Facebook/Museum Of Early Trades & Crafts

This charming museum preserves the past in a unique way. Learn all about life in New Jersey, with a focus on the skills needed to survive - like woodworking, farming, pottery making and more. See tools of the trade and enjoy interactive programs for both children and adults.

Facebook/Nassau Inn

The Nassau Inn is a lovely place to stay, but perhaps lovelier is its on-site restaurant. The Yankee Doodle Tap Room is loaded with history and is home to the world’s largest Norman Rockwell mural.

Image/Google Maps

Why is there an 8-foot Statue Of Liberty standing on the balcony of Butler’s police station? It may have something to do with the fact that the town’s namesake, Richard Butler, was good friends with the statue’s builder and designer - Frederic August Bartholdi. The rubber magnate also raised money to construct Lady Liberty’s base.

Facebook/Diggerland USA

I’ve mentioned Diggerland in the past, but you probably haven’t heard of its newest attraction. Diggerland XL is made especially for adults, offering full size, unrestricted construction equipment. You’ll get 1 on 1 instruction from a heavy machinery foreman… and the ride of your life. Of course, this is also an amazing place to take kids, and they’re even offering a Boyscout overnight in April.

Wikipedia/dmadeo

Part of the Newark Museum, this 1885 home is a National Historic Landmark. It features a mix of galleries and restored rooms and is an absolute delight during the holiday season. Step back in time and enjoy a historically accurate 19th century Christmas.

Facebook/Howling Woods Farm

I’ve already sung the praises of Lakota Wolf Preserve, but we’ve got another incredible rescue in the Garden State. Howling Woods Farm is home to stunning wolf/dog hybrids, some of which are up for adoption. Guests are able to interact with these beautiful animals and even pose for pictures. Tours are available by appointment only and they are able to accommodate groups.

Flickr/Bob Jagendorf

Just minutes from Hammonton, the blueberry capital of the world, lies an eerie train graveyard. Featured in “The Station Agent,” this was a bustling depot until 1922, when a tragic accident killed 7 and injured dozens. There are train cars scattered about, in various states of disrepair.

Wikipedia/DavidT8

You’ll find the nation’s largest collection of Grover Cleveland artifacts right here in New Jersey. This state historic site is open year-round (Wednesday-Sunday), free of charge and offers informative tours that will delight any history buff. See Grover Cleveland’s crib, learn about his life and play authentic 1830s games. A fun fact about Grover Cleveland… Grover was his middle name. Visit this house museum to find out his first. (Okay, it’s Stephen…but, you should still visit.)

Facebook/Aviation Hall Of Fame

You may be familiar with the aviation museum at Naval Air Station Wildwood, but you may not yet know about this intriguing museum tucked away behind a local airport. Learn all about the technology behind and history of flight and get up close to aircraft. Visit during an open cockpit day for a truly unique experience, book a party or take a scouting group for an overnight they won’t forget.

Facebook/Pub 199

This dining-hall style eatery decked out in hunting trophies isn’t anything fancy… but it IS delicious and affordable. All the seafood is fresh, portions are generous, the king crab is epic and the service is spectacular. Reviewers can’t stop raving about this seafood spot - see why for yourself. One visit and you’ll be…hooked.

Facebook/Peters Valley School Of Craft

What started as a small artist’s colony decades ago grew into a spectacular non-profit, managed in part by the National Park Service. Peters Valley offers classes covering eight different disciplines, helping to preserve history and fine craftsmanship. Enjoy a self guided studio tour or visit to the gallery - they’re free from May - September. An open house on May 7th will also feature live music and artist demonstrations.

Image/New Jersey Buddhist Vihara and Meditation Center

This stunning sculpture located at the New Jersey Buddhist Vihara and Meditation Center is believed to be the largest statue of Buddha in America and all of the western hemisphere. They encourage visitors of all faiths and offer classes in Buddhism, guided meditations and a variety of celebrations.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.