Washington Crossing State Park in Titusville, Mercer County, New Jersey preserves the site on the Delaware River's eastern bank where George Washington and 2,400 Continental Army soldiers crossed the icy river on the night of December 25–26, 1776, to launch the surprise Battle of Trenton. The park encompasses 3,575 acres along the Delaware, including the historic ferry road corridor Washington's troops marched down toward Trenton. The visitor center presents a detailed interpretive exhibition on the crossing and its strategic significance, with period artifacts and a scale model of the operation. The Johnson Ferry House — a 1740 Dutch Colonial stone structure standing at the crossing point — is open for guided tours and provides context on the ferry service that operated here before the revolution. An adjacent nature center and 15 miles of hiking trails extend through the park's wooded upland sections. The park's most dramatic annual event is the Christmas Day reenactment — held December 25 since 1953 — when volunteers in period costume recreate the crossing in Durham boats, drawing thousands of spectators to the riverside. The park is accessible from I-295 and Route 546 and requires a car to reach; parking is free on weekdays and $5 per vehicle on weekends from spring through fall.
Good to know
- Hours
- Park grounds open daily 8am–8pm; visitor center Wed–Sun 9am–4pm
- Best time
- December 25 for the annual reenactment of Washington's crossing; spring and fall for hiking
Location
355 Washington Crossing-Pennington Rd, Titusville, NJ 08560
40.2929, -74.8715 View on map
Highlights
- Historic Delaware River crossing site: where Washington's forces launched the surprise Battle of Trenton, December 25–26, 1776
- Johnson Ferry House (1740): Dutch Colonial stone structure at the crossing point, open for guided tours
- Annual Christmas Day crossing reenactment: volunteers recreating the operation in period Durham boats since 1953
- 15 miles of hiking trails through wooded upland terrain along the Delaware River corridor
- Visitor center with scale model, period artifacts, and exhibits on the Battle of Trenton
Tips for visiting
- Visit on December 25 for the reenactment — arrive by 1pm for the best riverbank viewing position; the crossing begins mid-afternoon
- The visitor center (open Wed–Sun) provides essential historical context before exploring the grounds
- Trails are well-marked and suitable for families; the riverfront path from the visitor center to the Johnson Ferry House is flat
- Parking is free on weekdays and $5/vehicle on weekends; the lot near the visitor center is most convenient
- Combine with a stop at Washington Crossing Historic Park on the Pennsylvania side for the full crossing story
When to visit
December 25 for the reenactment is the most dramatic visit, though crowds are large. Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) offer pleasant hiking and the full visitor center program. Summer is comfortable with riverside scenery.
Accessibility
The visitor center and its exhibits are fully accessible to wheelchair users. The Johnson Ferry House exterior and grounds are accessible; interior access depends on current tour configuration. The riverside path from the parking area to the ferry house is flat and paved. Upland hiking trails are natural-surface and not wheelchair suitable.
Frequently asked questions
What happens at the Christmas Day reenactment at Washington Crossing State Park?
Each December 25, volunteers dress in period Continental Army uniforms and cross the Delaware River in replica Durham boats. The event has run since 1953 and draws thousands of spectators. Arrive by 1pm for riverbank viewing; the crossing typically begins around 3pm.
How long does a visit to Washington Crossing State Park take?
The visitor center and Johnson Ferry House tour take 1–1.5 hours. Adding a hike on the riverside trails extends the visit to 2–3 hours. The Christmas Day reenactment adds several hours including arrival and waiting time at the river.
Is Washington Crossing State Park free?
The park grounds and visitor center are free year-round. Parking is free on weekdays and $5/vehicle on weekends from spring through fall. The Johnson Ferry House tour is free but may require a reservation on major event days.