Free Entry At NJ National Parks On MLK Day

NEW JERSEY— Often viewed as a federal holiday or a day to give back to communities, Martin Luther King Jr. Day also offers something special to those hoping to spend a day outdoors in the Garden State in 2022.

The National Park Service is waiving fees at all parks on Monday for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The three New Jersey national parks that are open don't have a fee normally, so there isn't a cost savings — but it's still a good opportunity to visit.

The following Garden State parks are open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day:

• Morristown National Historical Park, which quartered Continental Army soldiers in the winters of 1777 and 1779. Activities here include biking and hiking; buildings are closed through Feb. 19. (17 Washington Place, Morristown, 07960). This park does not normally collect an entry fee unless specifically noted.
• New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve in New Lisbon, which spans 1.1 million acres of land across seven counties. Dozens of rare plants and animals call the reserve home. In 1978, the Pinelands became the first national reserve in the United States. (15 Springfield Rd., New Lisbon, 08064) The reserve does not normally collect an entry fee unless specifically noted.
• Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park, the site of America's first planned industrial city. Alexander Hamilton founded the city with the goal of harnessing water power to cultivate a booming industrial hub. (72 McBride Ave., Paterson, 07501. The park is open daily, sunrise to sunset.) This park does not normally collect an entry fee unless specifically noted.

Other fee-free days in 2022 are:

• April 16: First day of National Park Week
• Aug. 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
• Sept. 24: National Public Lands Day
• Nov. 11: Veterans Day

Thomas Edison National Historical Park in West Orange is closed to the public for the winter season. The park features the famous inventor's home and laboratory. Admission to the park is normally $15. (191-203 Main St., West Orange, 07052)

See the full list of national parks in New Jersey. The National Park Service lists online all parks requiring entrance fees and the amount of the fees.