3 Cool Landmarks Near Flemington, NJ

Sep 13, 2018

A small borough in New Jersey, Flemington has a rich history that began back in 1712. Since then, the area has become home to several notable sites that have found their way into history books. Find out what makes three landmarks near Flemington worth checking out.

Northlandz

Found on U.S. Route 202 in Flemington, Northlandz is home to the world’s largest model railroad. Opened in 1997 by Bruce Williams Zaccagnino and his wife Jean, the 16-acre attraction features hundreds of trains and more than 400 bridges. There are more than 8 miles of track, and the tallest mountain reaches 30 feet high. The entire building took two years to construct and more than four years to create the indoor museum. Visitors can also check out more than 200 dolls from around the globe and a 94-room dollhouse. There’s also a 2,000-pipe organ, which Bruce plays occasionally.

Typically open Thursday through Monday, Northlandz stays open on Wednesdays from July through the first week of September. Children under the age of 2 are free, while children 2 and older are $10.75. Admission for adults is $15.75, and for seniors, it’s $13.50.

Princeton Battlefield State Park

A national historic landmark in nearby Princeton, Princeton Battlefield State Park spans 85 acres. On Jan. 3, 1777, the fields and woods saw one of the fiercest fights of the American Revolution. American troops led by Gen. George Washington defeated the British army, marking the first victory for Washington against the British Regulars. This battle took place at the end of the Ten Crucial Days, which included the famous Delaware River crossing and two battles in Trenton.

The famous Mercer Oak, which once stood at the middle of the battlefield, was near the spot where Gen. Hugh Mercer fell during the Battle of Princeton. The tree collapsed in 2000 after living more than 250 years, but the stump remains. The Clarke House served as a sanctuary for Gen. Mercer, who died there nine days later. Today, you can visit the house and participate in numerous park activities, such as cross-country skiing, hiking, and birdwatching. There is no cost for the state park.

Samuel Fleming House and Museum

Also known as the Flemington Castle, the Samuel Fleming House and Museum is the oldest surviving house in the borough. Built in 1756, the house sits on Bonnel Street just off Park Avenue. Around 1740, Samuel Fleming, his wife Esther, and two children emigrated from Ireland to Amwell in New Jersey. He received a land grant of 201 acres, and in 1756 built a three-story frame house for his growing family, which now included 10 children.

The house and museum now belong to the Borough of Flemington. Free tours and programs occur on the second Saturday of every month from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. Group and private tours are available on request.

Whether you want to check out the world’s largest model railroad, the site of a famous battle, or one of the oldest houses in the area, Flemington has you covered. Bring your entire family to check out any of these reasonably priced landmarks.

Image viaBruno Sanchez-Andrade Nuño | Licensed by CC BY 2.0