Nature and History in Gloucester County

In Gloucester County, visitor attractions range from lakes and wetlands to historic homes, museums, and a Methodist settlement. The nature and cultural destinations offer different experiences, such as recreation on the water, trails through a variety of habitats, or insights into the region’s history.

Nature at Lakes and in Wetlands

Scotland Run Park spans more than 1,300 acres and is the largest county park in Gloucester County. Wilson Lake offers opportunities for low-impact recreation, including fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. Walking trails are located behind the Nature Center and along the lakeshore. The Nature Center offers year-round programs for children and adults. It features live animals such as snakes and frogs and provides insights into aquatic ecosystems. Canoes and kayaks are available to rent in the park during summer; check current availability before you arrive.

Greenwich Lake offers a different natural setting: the 40-acre lake is spring-fed. The wetlands around the lake are home to a wide variety of plant and animal species. The landscapes described here are therefore distinct: Wilson Lake focuses on recreation on the water, while the lake and wetlands define the character of Greenwich Lake.

Trails, Wildlife Viewing, and Golf

The Glassboro Wildlife Management Area covers 2,337 acres of lowland hardwood swamp forest, with streams, ponds, and some cleared areas. Walking trails pass through woods, along streams, and across fields. Sandy, unpaved trails offer opportunities to observe a variety of habitats. Here, you can pay attention both to the landscape and to the diversity of habitats.

James G. Atkinson Memorial Park has 1.5 miles of biking and jogging trails. Pitman Golf Course in Mantua Township is a public 18-hole course. It has a driving range; golf lessons are available by appointment.

History in Homes and Settlements

At Red Bank, Ann and James Whitall established a 400-acre plantation in 1748. The James and Ann Whitall House served as a field hospital on October 22, 1777. Tours of the house are offered from April through October, Thursday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Check the seasonal schedule before you arrive.

The Gloucester County Historical Society Museum is housed in the Hunter-Lawrence-Jessup House, built in 1765. The building was added to the New Jersey Register and the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 for its significance in military history, education, and politics. The museum houses more than 30,000 artifacts. The Edelman Fossil Park & Museum offers a different kind of exhibition, including life-size dinosaur reconstructions and interactive discovery areas.

Pitman Grove is a Methodist camp meeting settlement dating from the late 19th century. At its center stands the Camp Meeting Auditorium, built in 1882. Twelve footpaths radiate from it, lined with small frame houses built between 1870 and 1900. Trinity Episcopal “Old Swedes” Church also tells the story of the area: it is the country’s third-oldest Swedish church.

Regional Experiences and Walks

Gloucester County promotes walks through historic downtown districts, with a focus on Victorian architecture. The availability of individual tours may vary. The South Jersey Wine Trail offers another regional perspective: visitors can sample local wine at wineries along the trail. Check with individual wineries if you are planning a tasting.

Discover more destinations: Swedesboro, Woodbury, Mantua Township, Deptford, Monroe Township, West Deptford, Gibbstown, Glassboro, Newfield.

For the broader travel overview: New Jersey.