The One New Jersey Town Everyone Should Visit At Least Once
Found within Hunterdon County, Clinton is a wonderful little town that contrasts deeply with the bustling cityscapes closer to the coast. With a tightly laid-out, vibrant downtown core, it offers a mix of unique cultural attractions, outdoor recreation, and small-town character, all within a short drive of New York City and Philadelphia.
Whether you're keen to explore its museums, hiking trails, or local culinary scene, Clinton is sure to provide a memorable experience that captures New Jersey's lesser-known history and landscapes, a must-visit for anyone looking to get off the beaten path for their next weekend adventure.
From an Industrial Hub to a Cozy Getaway
Formed in 1841 and incorporated as an independent town in 1865, Clinton originally developed as an industrial base along the South Branch Raritan River. European settlement in the region began even earlier in the 1700s, but the town’s growth really accelerated during the nineteenth century, when a number of gristmills, sawmills, and iron-related industries began popping up to harness the river's power
The Red Mill, built in 1810, became the most recognizable symbol of the area's economy, with its bright red paneling beside the river in the heart of town reflecting the vigor of the mill economy. Nearby, Union Forge then helped establish Clinton as a regional center for iron production, too, attracting even more resident workers and commerce.
The arrival of the railroad further strengthened the local economy by linking Clinton to larger markets along the fast-growing Atlantic seaboard of the United States and beyond. But as manufacturing declined in the twentieth century (a trend that many other northeastern towns and cities saw too), Clinton strategically transitioned toward preservation and tourism.
Today, Clinton's many remaining historic landmarks do an excellent job of reflecting this cozy community's storied past, while other, newer draws anchor its still productive position within a much quieter side of New Jersey.
Red Mill Museum Village
As mentioned, the Red Mill is widely regarded as the most recognizable historic icon in Clinton and a clear centerpiece of the town’s identity. The complex now centers on its onsite museum, open to the public year-round.
Functioning as an open-air attraction featuring preserved industrial buildings, historic machinery, and exhibits focused on Clinton’s blue-collar past, this is a great first stop once you arrive in town. The museum also includes the adjacent Mulligan Quarry and a restored railroad station, offering insight into the area’s transportation history as well. Throughout the year, Red Mill Museum Village also hosts several festivals, craft fairs, and seasonal events that draw visitors from across Hunterdon County.
This locale is especially picturesque in the fall, when the area's hardwood forest pops with color, accentuating the mill's already bright red paint against the cool, flowing river below. Definitely bring your camera if you plan to come around late September or October.
Hunterdon Art Museum
The Hunterdon Art Museum is also located downtown, just steps away from the Red Mill, inside a converted nineteenth-century stone mill overlooking the river. Founded in 1952, the Hunterdon is one of New Jersey’s oldest art museums, hosting an impressive collection of contemporary art, crafts, and design. Its exhibitions feature rotating works by regional, national, and international artists, often emphasizing ceramics, works on paper, and modern sculpture. The gallery also schedules artist talks, educational programs, and workshops for all ages.
Moreover, large windows and lots of outdoor space for riverside views add to its idyllic setting, making this spot both an important cultural institution and a must-visit architectural landmark within Clinton’s historic core.
The Clinton House
Also a quick stroll from the riverfront, The Clinton House is a historic restaurant and inn serving up high-end lunches and dinners, as well as mouthwatering baked goods from its on-site bakery. Based in a structure built back in 1743, the building originally served travelers as a stagecoach stop along one of the region’s primary routes. Over time, it evolved into a social center for the growing mill town.
These days, The Clinton House is known to tourists and residents alike for its classic tavern-style atmosphere, ornate dining rooms, and event spaces housed within a tangible slice of rural New Jersey history.
Spruce Run Recreation Area
Spruce Run Recreation Area is a major outdoor destination located just minutes from town. This wonderful green space centers on Spruce Run Reservoir, a lake that forms a walkable waterfront towards the northern end of downtown Clinton, and is in fact one of the largest bodies of freshwater in the entire state.
This sizable reservoir, covering 1,290 acres, is a hotspot for swimming, fishing, boating, and even seasonal watercraft rentals. On land, the surrounding park includes picnic areas, a network of hiking trails, and shoreline access points popular with anglers targeting bass, trout, and catfish.
If you'd prefer to spend the night under the stars instead of a hotel, Spruce Run Recreation Area also features designated camping areas, making it a convenient base for extended visits in the warmer months.
Other Nearby Towns Worth Checking Out
The area surrounding Clinton boasts several other nearby boroughs worth visiting or even staying in, each with its own character. High Bridge, just a short drive east, features the scenic Columbia Trail, historic ironworks, and various riverside parks, making it ideal for outdoor activities and quiet exploration, whereas Flemington, the county seat of Hunterdon County, combines historic charm with modern amenities, offering a range of mom-and-pop boutique shops, dining, and notable landmarks such as its historic courthouse and an impressive variety of local breweries.
Hackettstown, located directly northeast of Clinton, offers more small-town vibes, with surprising national recognition as the home of Mars Inc., and easy access to surrounding parks like Jenny Jump State Forest and Schooley's Mountain.
Experience Another Side of New Jersey in Clinton
From the iconic Red Mill Museum Village to scenic riverside trails and other cool nearby communities, there’s something for every visitor in Clinton. Its charm, low-key setting, and plethora of underrated attractions make this tight-knit town of around 2,800 residents a destination worth experiencing at least once, leaving a lasting impression of central New Jersey that most tourists (and even some locals) overlook.
