Official: Liberty State Park

Heading to Liberty State Park this weekend? Ride the park-wide shuttle running on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and extended hours on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

SHUTTLE STOPS📍
🚍 NJ TRANSIT Light Rail Station
🚍 Liberty Science Center
🚍 Statue of Liberty & New York City ferries, Liberty Landing Marina
🚍 North Picnic Area & Playground
🚍 Nature Center
🚍 South Picnic Area & Park Office

🔗 Learn more: https://dep.nj.gov/parksandforests/urban-state-parks-initiatives/liberty-state-park-revitalization-program/park-shuttle/

Shuttle service throughout Liberty State Park is provided on weekends, holidays and special-event days through Sept. 6, 2026.

Upcoming June Nature Programs at Liberty State Park!

Join us for another month of public programs featuring guided walks, hands-on crafts, and educational activities that highlight the park’s natural habitats.

Pre-registration is required for all programs and space is limited. To register or for more information, contact Liberty State Park at 201-915-3400 (press #4 for the Nature Center) or email [email protected]. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Schedule subject to change.

ABOUT 🗽
Liberty State Park opened 50 years ago on June 14, 1976, as New Jersey’s bicentennial “gift to the nation.” Since then, the park has been in a constant state of development and revitalization – transforming areas from an abandoned rail yard and illegal dumping ground into cherished parkland. New Jersey’s first urban state park, Liberty State Park welcomes an average of 5 million visitors from across the country and around the world annually. Through , the park is looking back on the past five decades by highlighting its history, upcoming events, highlights from the nature center, along with the people that have shaped one of New Jersey’s most iconic public spaces.

Atlantic horseshoe crabs can be found along the east coast on shallow, muddy intertidal flats. Protected from the rough waves of the open ocean, these prehistoric arthropods comb the shoreline, preying upon worms, clams, and mussels.

The horseshoe crab is known as a “living fossil,” because its body plan has not changed in millions of years. Named for its horseshoe shape, the body is divided into two parts with six pairs of legs and a pointy tail that is used like a boat rudder when the crab is swimming. Two eyes on top of the head can only see shadows. Horseshoe crabs can grow up to two feet in length, and females are larger than males.

High tides between mid-May and mid-June are prime horseshoe-crab spawning season. The female will dig a hole in the sand and lay her clutch of tiny, pale blue eggs, which the male will then fertilize. A month later, the eggs will hatch into tiny replicas of the adult crabs, growing up sheltered in shallow coastal waters.

Just us for our upcoming Horseshoe Crab Walks, during which we’ll take a walk over to Caven Point Beach to seek out these amazing creatures and learn about the important roles they play in the natural world.

📅 Saturday, May 30, 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. & Sunday, June 7, 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.

📍 Meeting location: Lot 1 — 300 Morris Pesin Drive

🥾 Dress for outdoors

🦀 All ages welcome

Pre-registration is required. Contact Liberty State Park at 201-915-3400 #4 or email [email protected].

ABOUT 🗽
Liberty State Park opened 50 years ago on June 14, 1976, as New Jersey’s bicentennial “gift to the nation.” Since then, the park has been in a constant state of development and revitalization – transforming areas from an abandoned rail yard and illegal dumping ground into cherished parkland. New Jersey’s first urban state park, Liberty State Park welcomes an average of 5 million visitors from across the country and around the world annually. Through , the park is looking back on the past five decades by highlighting its history, upcoming events, highlights from the nature center, along with the people that have shaped one of New Jersey’s most iconic public spaces.

She has always stood tall, but for one year, she reclined. 🗽

From 2022-23, Liberty State Park was home to Reclining Liberty, a 25 foot long sculpture by artist Zaq Landsberg. Inspired by reclining Buddha sculptures in Asia, the piece brought a relaxed twist to the iconic symbol.

Located between the Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial and the Terminal Plaza, park visitors climbed on the sculpture, took photos and soaked in the views of the New York City skyline and the Statue of Liberty right alongside her. ✨

Did you get to recline alongside Reclining Liberty? 👇

ABOUT 🗽
Liberty State Park opened 50 years ago on June 14, 1976, as New Jersey’s bicentennial “gift to the nation.” Since then, the park has been in a constant state of development and revitalization – transforming areas from an abandoned rail yard and illegal dumping ground into cherished parkland. New Jersey’s first urban state park, Liberty State Park welcomes an average of 5 million visitors from across the country and around the world annually. Through , the park is looking back on the past five decades by highlighting its history, upcoming events, highlights from the nature center, along with the people that have shaped one of New Jersey’s most iconic public spaces.

Celebrate Liberty State Park’s 50th anniversary on Sunday, June 14, with a full day of FREE community events! From a 5K run to history and nature programs to live music there’s something for everyone! 🗽✨

Here’s what’s in store:
🏃Run LSP 5K x John E. Nagel Foundation 8am – 12 pm: A free 5K run followed by a kids run!
📍Flag Plaza - 200 Morris Pesin Dr
🚗 Parking Lot 4

🌊 Seining at Caven Point Beach 9am – 12pm: Meet the marine life of the NY Harbor up close! Seining is a method of fishing using a large net to capture and observe aquatic life, it’s hands-on educational experience for all ages!
📍Lot 1 - 300 Morris Pesin Dr
🚗 Parking Lot 1

🪁Kite Festival 11am – 7pm: Large scale kites along with sport-kite demonstrations!
📍Green Ring
🚗Parking Lot 6 & 7

🚂CRRNJ History & Architecture Tour 2 – 3:30pm: Explore the history and architecture of the iconic CRRNJ Terminal and its connection to Liberty State Park
📍CRRNJ - Terminal 1 Audrey Zapp Dr
🚗Parking Lot 9

🎶Brass Ensemble Concert 5pm: Live performance by the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra’s Brass Ensemble!
📍North Field - 1 Audrey Zapp Dr
🚗 Parking Lot 9

Come for one or for all, we’ll be celebrating all day! 🎉

ABOUT 🗽
Liberty State Park opened 50 years ago on June 14, 1976, as New Jersey’s bicentennial “gift to the nation.” Since then, the park has been in a constant state of development and revitalization – transforming areas from an abandoned rail yard and illegal dumping ground into cherished parkland. New Jersey’s first urban state park, Liberty State Park welcomes an average of 5 million visitors from across the country and around the world annually. Through , the park is looking back on the past five decades by highlighting its history, upcoming events, highlights from the nature center, along with the people that have shaped one of New Jersey’s most iconic public spaces.

Heading down the shore this Memorial Day weekend? 🌊

Back in the day, the ride to the shore looked a little different. From 1929 to 1941, the Blue Comet train ran from Jersey City to Atlantic City carrying passengers from the New York City metropolitan area straight to "America's Favorite Playground" in style. 🚂

Over the course of a three-hour trip, passengers could indulge in the dining car, relax in the observation car or settle into a coach seat, all with upholstered seats and carpeted floors. With the color scheme inspired by the Jersey Shore, packard blue, jersey cream and royal blue, the ride was almost as good as an experience as the destination itself.

With the stock market crashing in October 1929, very few could afford the trip to Atlantic City. In 1941, the Blue Comet ended its service.

"Like many comets, the Blue Comet ran its course and eventually burned out." ☄️

Swipe through to explore the full story of one of the Central Railroad of New Jersey's most iconic trains in celebration of ! 👉


ABOUT 🗽
Liberty State Park opened 50 years ago on June 14, 1976, as New Jersey’s bicentennial “gift to the nation.” Since then, the park has been in a constant state of development and revitalization – transforming areas from an abandoned rail yard and illegal dumping ground into cherished parkland. New Jersey’s first urban state park, Liberty State Park welcomes an average of 5 million visitors from across the country and around the world annually. Through , the park is looking back on the past five decades by highlighting its history, upcoming events, highlights from the nature center, along with the people that have shaped one of New Jersey’s most iconic public spaces.

A sign of spring that can be both seen and heard the red-winged blackbird, is a bird with a very easy to remember common name. The male of the species is, as the name says, a black-feathered bird with red coloring on its wings, whereas female plumage is dark, brown-and-white streaked. Literally, it is a “red-winged black bird.”

Red-wings are a very abundant species in New Jersey; they are found here year-round in grasslands and near bodies of water. They become very vocal in the spring as nesting season starts, known for a loud, distinct call that sounds like they are speaking the words, “Honk-a-rheee!” During breeding seasons, males will display their brightly colored wing patches to attract females.

After breeding season, red-winged blackbirds gather together and forage in flocks. They will eat a variety of things based on what is available to them, such as insects, seeds, grasses, and fruit. They may also occasionally stop by a backyard bird feeder for a snack.

📷 Carl Emont

ABOUT 🗽
Liberty State Park opened 50 years ago on June 14, 1976, as New Jersey’s bicentennial “gift to the nation.” Since then, the park has been in a constant state of development and revitalization – transforming areas from an abandoned rail yard and illegal dumping ground into cherished parkland. New Jersey’s first urban state park, Liberty State Park welcomes an average of 5 million visitors from across the country and around the world annually. Through , the park is looking back on the past five decades by highlighting its history, upcoming events, highlights from the nature center, along with the people that have shaped one of New Jersey’s most iconic public spaces.

Before fireworks lit up the sky, Daryl Hall & John Oates lit up Liberty State Park 🎶🎆

On July 4, 1985, more than 60,000 spectators gathered right here at the park for the “Liberty Concert,” a benefit show headlined by Daryl Hall & John Oates to raise funds for the centennial restoration of the Statue of Liberty.

Gary U.S. Bonds and Til Tuesday opened the show.

“You make my dreams come true.” And for one night at Liberty State Park, they really did!✨

Were you there for this piece of history? Let us know below! 👇

ABOUT 🗽
Liberty State Park opened 50 years ago on June 14, 1976, as New Jersey’s bicentennial “gift to the nation.” Since then, the park has been in a constant state of development and revitalization – transforming areas from an abandoned rail yard and illegal dumping ground into cherished parkland. New Jersey’s first urban state park, Liberty State Park welcomes an average of 5 million visitors from across the country and around the world annually. Through , the park is looking back on the past five decades by highlighting its history, upcoming events, highlights from the nature center, along with the people that have shaped one of New Jersey’s most iconic public spaces.

Shuttle service throughout Liberty State Park returns Memorial Day weekend!

Two shuttle buses, including one equipped with a wheelchair lift, will run Saturdays and Sundays between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. from May 23 through Sept. 6, 2026.

Additional service will be provided on holidays and special-event days in celebration of .

SHUTTLE STOPS📍
🚍 NJ TRANSIT Light Rail Station
🚍 Liberty Science Center
🚍 Statue of Liberty & New York City ferries, Liberty Landing Marina
🚍 North Picnic Area & Playground
🚍 Nature Center
🚍 South Picnic Area & Park Office

🔗 Learn more: https://dep.nj.gov/parksandforests/urban-state-parks-initiatives/liberty-state-park-revitalization-program/park-shuttle/

ABOUT 🗽 �
Liberty State Park opened 50 years ago on June 14, 1976, as New Jersey’s bicentennial “gift to the nation.” Since then, the park has been in a constant state of development and revitalization – transforming areas from an abandoned rail yard and illegal dumping ground into cherished parkland. New Jersey’s first urban state park, Liberty State Park welcomes an average of 5 million visitors from across the country and around the world annually. Through , the park is looking back on the past five decades by highlighting its history, upcoming events, highlights from the nature center, along with the people that have shaped one of New Jersey’s most iconic public spaces.

It's confirmed. Birding is definitely in🪶

What an incredible turnout at our 4th Annual Big Day at Liberty State Park – a day dedicated to identify as many bird species as possible!

Together we identified over 60 different species of birds in celebration of 🤩. Crowd favorites included the Oriole, Osprey and Yellow Warbler!

Thanks to everyone (and the birds) for celebrating Big Day 2026 with us.

Can’t wait for next year! 🦆

ABOUT 🗽
Liberty State Park opened 50 years ago on June 14, 1976, as New Jersey’s bicentennial “gift to the nation.” Since then, the park has been in a constant state of development and revitalization – transforming areas from an abandoned rail yard and illegal dumping ground into cherished parkland. New Jersey’s first urban state park, Liberty State Park welcomes an average of 5 million visitors from across the country and around the world annually. Through , the park is looking back on the past five decades by highlighting its history, upcoming events, highlights from the nature center, along with the people that have shaped one of New Jersey’s most iconic public spaces.