6 Best Things to Do in Clinton, New Jersey

By VacationIdea Staff on July 26, 2022 - Updated

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Many locals consider the small town of Clinton, New Jersey to be one of the most picturesque areas in all of Hunterdon County. The town offers great views of the scenic Raritan River that runs through the historic downtown district. Clinton is also home to the Red Mill, one of the most photographed buildings in the state. The charming town also has several historic sites and museums, as well as opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as swimming, picnicking, hiking, boating, and more.

We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.

1.Red Mill Museum Village, Clinton, New Jersey

The Red Mill Museum Village is a non-profit museum in the picturesque town of Clinton that aims to maintain, preserve, and present the industrial, agricultural, and social heritage of New Jersey’s Hunterdon County, as well as the surrounding area. The ten-acre site consists of a dozen historic buildings, which include a number of relocated historic structures, the Mulligan Quarry buildings, and a Grist Mill. SEveral changing and permanent exhibits are displayed within the buildings, showcasing the museum’s collection of artifacts. The Red Mill Museum Village also hosts an array of public programming, such as living history reenactments, workshops, and lectures.

56 Main St, Clinton, NJ 08809, Phone: 908-735-4101

2.The Hunterdon Art Museum, Clinton, New Jersey

The Hunterdon Art Museum aims to engage people through contemporary art, design, and craft in ways designed to inspire, challenge, and educate. The museum showcases changing exhibits of contemporary art and design within a stone mill dating back to the nineteenth century, which is also listed on the country’s National Register of Historic Places. The Hunterdon Art Museum has been a landmark art center for the region since 1952 and offers over three hundred workshops and classes every year for both children and adults alike taught by educators and artists, including classes in glass fusing, photography, painting, sculpture, drawing, and more.

7 Lower Center St, Clinton, NJ 08809, Phone: 908-735-8415

3.Spruce Run Recreation Area, Clinton, New Jersey

The Spruce Run Recreation Area is surrounded by Hunterdon County’s rolling hills and is a popular destination among locals in Clinton, New Jersey for camping, boating, fishing, swimming, and picnicking. The Spruce Run reservoir encompasses approximately 1,290 acres and features around fifteen miles of shoreline available for recreation activities. Activities and facilities in the Spruce Run Recreation Area include basketball courts, playgrounds, a bathhouse, swimming, canoeing, boating, picnicking, hunting for waterfowl, fishing, and camping. There are also open fields for soccer and volleyball, as well as trails for biking and hiking. Cross-country skiing and ice fishing are possible during winter.

68 Van Syckels Rd, Clinton, NJ 08809, Phone: 908-638-8572

4.Things to Do in Clinton, New Jersey: Dickens Jewelers

Dickens Jewelers and Design Studio was founded in the quaint town of Clinton in 1989 and can be found on the charming Main Street. The experienced jeweler has built a reputation as one of Hunterdon County’s most respected and trusted jewelers. The design studio and jewelry shop has a master watchmaker and goldsmith on site and offers professional assistance to customers. Dickens Jewelers is a local family-owned and operated shop that carries watches, accessories, bracelets, necklaces, engagement rings, wedding rings, bridal gifts, specialty jewelry, baby gifts, and much more. Services include custom jewelry design and jewelry and watch repair.

22 Main St, Clinton, NJ 08809, Phone: 908-730-6644

5.Things to Do in Clinton, New Jersey: Clinton Bagel Company

The Clinton Bagel Company is a classic staple in the area of Clinton, New Jersey, offering freshly made bagels every day on premise, as well as a menu of wraps, sandwiches, and more. The bagel shop is a place to go earlier rather than later, as bagels sometimes sell out during busy days. There is a wide assortment of cream cheese available and the specialty spreads are known for being delicious and homemade.

38 Old Hwy 22, Clinton, NJ 08809, Phone: 908-735-9800

6.Main Street Historic Bridge

Designed by Francis C. Lowthorp and built by William and Charles Cowin in 1870, the Main Street Historic Bridge, also known as the Lowthorp Truss Bridge, is a historically significant landmark in Clinton. It is celebrated for being an exceptional example of the use of cast and wrought iron in truss bridges, and for being one of the few bridges of its kind that remain in America today. The Main Street Historic Bridge currently holds a place in the Historic American Engineering Record and is a main feature in the Historic Bridges Project. Beyond its unique design and make, the bridge is also a symbol of economic growth as it was pivotal in allowing trade to come in and out of the town of Clinton.

Main Street, Clinton, New Jersey 08809, Phone: 908-735-8616