Historic Colonial Park, situated in Franklin Township, provides a wide range of attractions and activities for park visitors. With picturesque frontage on historic Delaware and Raritan Canal and the Millstone River, this 685-acre site purchased in 1965 is a treasure.
Recreational amenities, award-winning floral displays, and pure natural areas are interspersed among the sprawling lawns and ponds of this unique Somerset County park’s diverse landscape. Spooky Brook Golf Course, located inside Colonial Park, is an 18-hole championship course with a wide-open layout and vast fairways and greens. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Areas for Picnicking
There are two accessible picnic spaces for parties of 20 or more people in Colonial Park, which may be reserved. The Knob Hill Pavilion picnic area, which can hold up to 150 people, is just off the main park road, next to a recently erected playground and other family activity amenities, making it a convenient stop for visitors. The Pine Grove Pavilion picnic area, which can seat up to 100 people and is close to a softball field, is a popular destination for locals.
You’ll find other picnic tables and grills throughout the park that you may use casually. In addition, the Morgan Pellowski playground is equipped with cutting-edge, barrier-free play equipment. For further information about picnic permits, don’t hesitate to contact Karen Behr at 908-722-1200, ext. 5225.
Areas for Sports & Athletic Activities
A paved route, utilized by walkers, joggers, and bikers, has been set up as a 1.4-mile fitness course for you to enjoy. Three ponds, supplied annually by the New Jersey Division of Fish, Game, and Wildlife, provide excellent fishing opportunities for anglers. A softball field is accessible for leagues, tournaments, and individuals who want to play a pickup game by making a reservation.
It is a must-see for everyone visiting the area since it is a relic of the ancient oak, hickory, and beech forests that formerly covered the majority of this region. Tourists may go along an extensive route and countless more minor branch routes that lead them through places rich in plant and animal life. Supervised ice skating and cross-country skiing are provided during the winter months when the weather permits.
The front part of the Colonial Park dog park was closed for a season on November 8, 2021, and was reopened the following day. The tiny dog park and the rear half of the dog park will continue to be open.
