Monmouth Battlefield State Park — Attraction in Manalapan Township

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...

So sorely disappointed with this park. I went with my kids today and we got to the hill behind the museum and center, The view on top of the hill isn't very scenic. I knew that it isn't the battlefield itself, so we frantically searched to find the site of the battlefield, my son desperately wanted to see it. I checked the map again and again but I could not figure out where it is. There were lots of trails, but everyone told me they don't lead anywhere, just in the woods. I don't know why there is no clear indication how to get to the battlefield, or where it is. After an hour long search I gave up, I decided to check out the playground, let the kids have some fun at least, we get there and it is literally smaller than your schoolyard playground. What a joke. And the pond is more like a swamp than anything.

It's true that I went on a Tuesday when the museum and center were closed. Most probably would have enjoyed it more if I went on a Wednesday. But for anyone considering a visit to the park, you should probably go on a day when the museum is at least open. Secondly, that little hill behind you is just where the Americans stationed their artillery, it's not the actual battlefield. It's somewhere down the hill, but I don't know where. I wonder if the battlefield itself get's any more exciting than the little hill behind the museum. I'm guessing you don't see much there either. But this frustrating search of mine could have been avoided if there was a map or sign indicating where the site of the...

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...