WASHINGTON CROSSING STATE PARK
On December 25, 1776, the icy waters of the Delaware River provided the setting for one of the pivotal events of the American Revolution. The Continental Army had little to celebrate that Christmas and seemed beat by hunger and cold. After crossing the rough winter river at night, General George Washington and the Continental Army landed at Johnson?s Ferry, at the site now known as Washington Crossing State Park. At 4 am, they began their march to Trenton where they defeated the Hessian troops in an unexpected attack. This battle was quickly followed by the Second Battle of Trenton on January 2, 1777, and the Battle of Princeton on January 3, 1777.
Originally preserved for its historical significance, the park is also well known for its trails and wildlife habitat. A wide variety of migrating birds use the stream and ravine as a resting place and for nesting. Many bird species winter in the park, creating a perfect location for bird observation year round.
The park supports an interesting assortment of plants including mixed hardwoods, red cedar forests, plantings of Eastern white pine, Japanese larch, Norway spruce and red pine. A splendid variety of spring and summer wildflowers can be found throughout the park. Among the most notable species of wildlife are whitetail deer, fox, raccoon, great-horned owl, screech owl, red-tailed hawk, red-shouldered hawk and Eastern bluebird. The park also is popular for picnicking and, in the winter, for cross-country skiing on existing hiking trails.
On December 25, 1776, the icy waters of the Delaware River provided the setting for one of the pivotal events of the American Revolution. The Continental Army had little to celebrate that Christmas and seemed beat by hunger and cold. After crossing the rough winter river at night, General George Washington and the Continental Army landed at Johnson?s Ferry, at the site now known as Washington Crossing State Park. At 4 am, they began their march to Trenton where they defeated the Hessian troops in an unexpected attack. This battle was quickly followed by the Second Battle of Trenton on January 2, 1777, and the Battle of Princeton on January 3, 1777.
Group campsites: Four group sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and portable toilets; total capacity: 115. Open April 1 through October 31.
Washington Crossing State Park is located near Abington, Belle Mead and Bensalem
The park offers a Group Picnic Area at the Green Grove for larger groups. It can accommodate 125 people, provides shelter, playfields and playground equipment. It may be reserved for a fee:
Group Picnic Cancellation Fee: 50 percent of Fee.
*Groups of 20 or more people shall reserve picnic facilities at least five days in advance. Such group use is not permitted on Holidays except as authorized by the Superintendent. Reservations for picnic areas are handled by the individual park area offices.
There are 15 miles of moderate trails to enjoy throughout Washington Crossing State Park. These trails are not ADA accessible.
Open Air Theatre: The theater is operated by the Washington Crossing Association of New Jersey from June through August. A summer festival of music and drama is presented on an open outdoor stage. View this summer's schedule of performances. For more information, call (609) 737-1826.
Washington Crossing Visitor Center Museum:The Center's exhibit galleries explore the many facets of America's revolutionary conflict with an emphasis on the military campaign known as "The Ten Crucial Days." The events of these ten days, December 25, 1776 through January 3, 1777, include the Continental Army's crossing of the Delaware River and the Battles of Trenton and Princeton. The Center is open Wednesday through Sunday, year round. For more information, call (609) 737-9303. Check the Calendar of Events for current programs offered by the Washington Crossing Visitor Center Museum.
Swan Historical Foundation Collection: The Swan collection represents a living military history laboratory of the American Revolution. Over 700 original objects interpret the era, circa 1745 through 1789. Open Wednesday through Sunday, year round. For more information, call (609) 737-9303.
Johnson Ferry House:This early 18th-century gambrel roof farmhouse and tavern near the Delaware River was owned by Garret Johnson, who operated a 490-acre colonial plantation and a ferry service across the river in the 1700s. The house was likely used briefly by General Washington and other officers at the time of the Christmas night crossing of the Delaware. The keeping room, bedchamber and textile room are furnished with local period pieces, probably similar to the furniture used by the Johnson family from 1740 to 1770. The site also includes an 18th-century kitchen garden. Living history demonstrations are frequently held on weekends. The Johnson Ferry House will be open weekends only this July and August. Please call the Ferry House for further information on their summer schedule at (609) 737-2515.
Interpretive Center:Outdoor nature education programs are offered for schools, youth groups, community organizations and visitors to the park. Open Wednesday through Sunday, year round. For information, call (609) 737-0609.
Check the Calendar of Events for current programs offered by the Interpretive Center at Washington Crossing State Park. Keep up to date of what is going on at Washington Crossing State Park by downloading the latest edition of Nature's Grapevine.
Washington Crossing Natural Area (140 acres): Trails leading from the Interpretive Center take visitors through a mature mixed oak-hardwood forest, young woodlands and successional fields. A nature blind offers quiet observation of birds, deer and other mammals. The natural area supports the spring avens, a rare woodland herb of the rose family.
H L Live Bait & Tackle
78 E Bridge St
Morrisville, PA
(215) 295-1400
Bent Creek Preserve
786 Country Ln
Trenton, NJ
(609) 259-9501
Clover Rod & Gun Club Inc
18 Dover Ave
Trenton, NJ
(609) 883-2408
Fishing and Hunting Licenses: Division of Fish Game & Wildlife
501 E State St # 3
Trenton, NJ
(609) 292-2965
Stanley Rose Charters
Newtown, PA
(215) 968-8765
Bathroom by Steve London
212 Bradley CT
Southampton, PA
(215) 968-8765
Lafayette Yard Marriott Hotel
1 W Lafayette St
Trenton, NJ
(609) 421-4000
Sheraton Bucks County Hotel
400 Oxford Valley Road
Langhorne, PA
(215) 547-4100
A M Resorts
7 Campus Dr
Newtown, PA
(610) 359-8130
From Interstate 95, take Route 29 north. Follow the signs to the park.
just saw an article that there were once again open air plays last summer. I missed it! Will there be this summer, 2011?
This park has consistently been one of our favorites. 
Are they ever going to bring the Open Air Theater back?
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