New Jersey is a Mid-Atlantic state with a unique history and geography that largely consists of a peninsula, and as such is home to many historical sites. Below is a list of New Jersey’s most unusual attractions and activities.
Sterling Hill Mine Fluorescent Rocks
These glowing rocks can be found within the Mining Museum of Sterling Hill. Hundreds of them are present, giving the facility the largest fluorescent rock collection on Earth. This museum was opened by the Hauck brothers in 1990 at the site of the old zinc mine, which had been shut down a few years prior. The mine had been one of America’s oldest, having initially been opened in 1739, and over the last two centuries produced over ten million zinc ore tons. Today thousands of visitors come to the museum every year, to check out the rocky objects which are capable of emitting electron beams, UV lights and X-rays, all in dazzling color.
Central New Jersey Railroad Terminal
This railroad station is distinct not only for its age (it was built in 1889), but for the Romanesque style brick which was incorporated into its structure. The building sits in close proximity to the Hudson River, and the nearby train shed was abandoned during the 1960s. Since then nature has taken over, with foliage, trees and bushes sprouting through the roof where light extends down onto the long abandoned tracks. Recently however the building was subject to restoration, and today acts as a departure point for ferries which are traveling to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. This is a historical site that you will definitely want to visit if you happen to be in the area.
Paranormal Museum
Located about three blocks away from the boardwalk of Asbury Park, this museum is designed to showcase everything that resides between the realms of reality and imagination. Opened in 2008, it contains an array of unusual artifacts such as the Glory Hand (which is said to be a holder for candles designed from an actual human hand that was severed), dolls which are reputed to be haunted, and a skull which is said to belong to the legendary Jersey Devil itself. This museum is associated with Paranormal Books and Curiosities, and specializes in a variety of supernatural objects.
Grounds for Sculpture
This is a park which used to be within the State Fairgrounds of New Jersey. It is forty two acres and today has been transformed into a sculpture park which was conceived by J. Seward Johnson II, a noted philanthropist and designer. Opened in the early 1990s, the park attracts visitors from all over the state and beyond due to its fabulous sculpture collection and exceptionally designed landscape, which features more than 1,500 rose bushes, large numbers of flowers and shrubs, and over a thousand trees. This is a great place for families to visit and anyone else who appreciates art and nature.
