My mom and I have been going here for twenty-one years. We love it! Google rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars.
Smithville Mansion, Mansion History Sign, Conservancy Sign, Industrial Employees' Homes, Factory Building Window, Bicycle Railway History Sign. Photos by Nature Photographer Pam Hirst at PKH Photography. Writing by Freelance Content Writer and Travel Blogger Meghan Hirst at Meghan Hirst, Writer.
If you missed our intro post, I am including it here for your convenience :): https://meghanhirst27.wixsite.com/my-site/post/introduction.
Smithville Park has a lot of history! This place is the best park that was established by the Burlington County Parks System. You can find it on the National and New Jersey Registers of Historic Places. In the 1860s, this area was merely a tiny mill operation. By the 1920s, it had evolved into a crucial industrial plant with hundreds of employees! It was VERY advanced for this time period. Not only was the woodworking machinery cutting-edge (pun intended XD), the Star high-wheeled bicycle and the Smithville-Mt Holly Bicycle Railroad were invented. Furthermore, employers really cared about employees' rights and welfare.
The highlight of this park, in my opinion, is definitely Smithville Mansion. It was constructed by Samuel and Jonathan Shreve in 1840. Greek Revival style architecture was all the rage during that time (hence the white pillars at the entrance). If you want to learn more about the history behind the Mansion, a guided tour is given on Sundays from either 12 PM to 1 PM or 1 PM to 2 PM (pick your time frame). Reservations are required and masks and social distancing rules are being reinforced due to COVID-19. The price is $6 for each individual and there must be no more than six people per group. To schedule a tour or find out more, contact sleinbach@smithvillemansion.org.
Another notable feature is the Smithville Mansion Annex Gallery, which is located on the grounds of the mansion. It is easy to locate because there is a sign right above the door. This a neat, tiny art gallery that displays artwork from local artists. Popular exhibits include the Juried Art Exhibit, the Annual Teen Arts Exhibit, and the Senior Art Show. If you are an artist and are interested in showcasing your work in one of these exhibits, call (609) 265-5858. The hours of operation vary, so it is a good idea to call ahead of time. There are no reservations needed and there is no fee. As with the Mansion tour, masks and social distancing are required. No more than twelve people are allowed inside at a time. An employee will take your temperature and ask you to sanitize your hands before entering the gallery itself.
There are six nature trails at Smithville Park. They stretch for a total of 4.5 miles. Photos of the trail guide and park bulletin board are available on Google Images.
Things to remember:
The park is open from sunrise to sunset all year.
Picking flowers and touching artifacts is prohibited.
No smoking, eating, or drinking inside the historic buildings. No taking photos or filming videos inside either. Outdoor photography and videography are allowed.
It is easy to navigate a stroller through most of the trails.
Dogs are permitted on the trails if they are on a leash.
Horseback riding is only allowed on the Yellow Trail.
Part of the Ravine Trail is very close to someone's house. Please turn around when you see the "No Trespassing" sign. No bikes are allowed on this trail.
Look out for part 2 of Historic Smithville Park next!
This is obviously one of our favorite parks. What is your favorite?
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