One of the largest battles of the American Revolution took place in the fields and forests that now make up Monmouth Battlefield State Park. The park preserves a splendid rural 18th-century landscape of hilly farmland and hedgerows that encompasses miles of hiking and horseback riding trails, picnic areas, a restored Revolutionary War farmhouse and a visitors center.

Through the Carry-In/Carry-Out Program you can help us keep your parks clean and beautiful by carrying out the trash you carry in. Bags are provided throughout the site. Thank you for your cooperation and remember to recycle.

Open daily: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Visitor Center Hours: Open Monday - Saturday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday: Noon to 4:30 p.m.

View the Battle of Monmouth: http://hwcdn.net/a5h8p3i4/cds/dep/monbattle_09.mp4
(You may need to install QuickTime)

The reenactment of the Battle of Monmouth is an annual event at the park in late June. Pass pacing sentries, see enlisted men clean their weapons or idle away their time gambling, and watch the women of the army cook, mend, and wash. You may encounter a drum major drilling his musicians or the courtmartial of a rebel. At the parade ground, watch soldiers drill or artillerists fire their cannon. Keep an eye on your children, or the recruiting sergeant may have them drilling with wooden muskets.

In 2003 Monmouth Battlefield celebrated the 225th anniversary of this triumphant battle. The sale of the Official 225th Anniversary T-shirts helps to support the costs of this annual event and the park. $10 (plus $2 S&H). The t-shirts are tan 100% pre-shrunk cotton. Adult sizes only - available in M, L, XL. Visit the park gift shop online for more information about ordering.

The park offers a variety of interpretive and educational programs. Join us for nature and history hikes, birding and lectures on the bloody details of the battle. Most of the programs are free. Check the Calendar of Events for Monmouth Battlefield State Park's current programs. In case of inclement weather, contact the Visitor Center to determine if a program has been canceled or rescheduled at (732) 462-9616.

During the 1990s, public and private sources funded extensive Battlefield restoration. The Craig farmhouse and the exterior of the 1745 Rhea-Applegate dwelling were restored, and the core of the Battlefield was rehabilitated with the reconstruction of Revolutionary War fences, lanes and a woodlot.

The Battlefield landscape can be explored from parking areas at the Visitor Center and along Monmouth County Rte. 522. Hiking the Battlefield, you will discover that the battlefields remain a working landscape. While one family farm (the Wikoff family) grows corn and soybeans on 285 acres and along Wemrock Road, another (the Applegates) cultivates extensive apple, cherry, peach and nectarine orchards. Grasslands and fallow fields are managed to provide shelter for grassland birds and small mammals.

While strolling the grounds, visitors can learn more about the battle through wayside exhibits located on Perrine Hill, Combs Hill, and the Hedgerow. Or pick up one of two detailed hiking guides in the Visitor Center, produced by the Friends of Monmouth Battlefield.

Battleview Orchards, a local family who has been farming this area since 1908, (the Applegates) manage extensive pick-your-own orchards within the park. From the end of May until the end of October, they have a succession of harvests-strawberries begin at the end of May, pie cherries toward the end of June, and peaches and nectarines in mid to late July. Apples ripen about the beginning of September and pumpkins at the beginning of October. (Call (732) 462-0756 or (732) 462-0970 for picking hours and details.)

During the battle, this farmhouse was the home of John and Ann Craig and their three children. The 1746 kitchen is Dutch-framed, while the two-story addition is English-framed. The barn dates from the 2nd quarter of the 19th century.   The buildings are closed to the public.