Why You Should Explore The Meadowlands In New Jersey

When most people hear the word, “New Jersey Meadowlands” images of football stadiums, converging highways and unruly traffic come to mind. What if we told you those things were only a small portion of what the meadowlands actually are? Want to know more?

Here are the top reasons why you should explore the New Jersey Meadowlands.

There is a state of the art observatory

A state of the art observatory right outside of New York City? That’s right. The William M. McDowell Observatory in the meadowlands’ Richard DeKorte Park can view objects over a million light years away, despite the area’s light pollution. The observatory is open to the public only on certain days, so check their website for more information.

A combination of natural and manmade efforts made the meadowlands what it is today. From the 1950s until 1989, illegal garbage dumping made the shores of Lyndhurt’s ecologically diverse wetlands nearly unsalvageable. Thanks to the restoration efforts made by conservationists, the area is now a thriving and resilient nature reserve with parks, wooded and boardwalk trails, natural flora and fauna and a beautiful escape from a crowded urban area.

Enjoy panoramic city skyline views

The meadowlands offers visitors a front row seat to some of Manhattan’s most spectacular skyline views. It’s far enough away that you don’t have to travel down into the busy waterfront area, but close enough to take in the views from a secluded and natural spot. Visit Richard Dekorte Park or Mill Creek Park around dusk for an impressive light show as the sun sets and reflects off the city’s skyscrapers.

Discover the Flyway

One of the most unique features of the meadowlands is that it’s located directly in the path of the Flyway, a major migratory path for many birds. For this reason, it is a stopover spot where visitors can catch a glimpse of many different bird species while walking around the area. Also, be sure to keep an eye out for the bird-watching enthusiasts who tote around their telescopic lens cameras throughout the area.

Go for a canoe or kayak ride on the Hackensack River

One of the most popular ways to explore the Meadowlands is to paddle your way through them! Sign up for a guided canoe tour along the Hackensack River and learn all about the local estuaries and inhabitants of these brackish tides or go out on your own. Check out the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority’s (NJSEA) guide for folks who want to solo adventure complete with a tide chart, proper loading areas and more.

Pontoon boat tours

Some of the best kept secrets of the area can only be seen by boat. NJSEA offers guided pontoon boat tours of the meadowlands that will take you through the Hackensack River to explore the marshes and learn all about the local wildlife. Plus, get some background on this culturally and ecologically diverse location all while relaxing on a boat. Not too shabby, huh?

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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