New Jersey · Est. 1922
New Jersey Botanical Garden (Skylands)
A historic 96-acre botanical garden surrounding a Tudor Revival manor in the Ramapo Mountains.
Founded
1922
Size
96 acres
Hardiness Zone
USDA Zone 6a
Best Season
May to October
About New Jersey Botanical Garden (Skylands)
The New Jersey State Botanical Garden at Skylands forms the heart of a 4,000-acre parkland in the Ramapo Mountains. It features a stunning Tudor Revival manor house built of native granite, surrounded by formal and naturalized gardens. The site is listed on both the State and National Registers of Historic Places.
History & Heritage
The estate was originally assembled by Francis Lynde Stetson in the late 19th century and named Skylands Farms. In 1922, Clarence McKenzie Lewis purchased the property, built the current Tudor mansion, and engaged prominent landscape architects Vitale and Geiffert to design the extensive gardens. The State of New Jersey purchased the 1,117-acre estate in 1966, and in 1984, Governor Thomas Kean designated the central 96 acres as the state's official botanical garden.
Signature Feature
Skylands Manor and Formal Gardens
The historic Skylands Manor is a 44-room English Jacobean mansion designed by John Russell Pope in the 1920s. It is framed by magnificent copper beeches and surrounded by meticulously designed formal gardens that emphasize symmetry, color, texture, and fragrance.
Photo Gallery
Lush green pathways in the botanical garden
Close-up of blooming lilacs in the Lilac Garden
The historic Skylands Manor surrounded by lush gardens
Notable Collections
Lilac Garden
An extensive collection featuring over 200 varieties of fragrant lilacs.
Peony Garden
A vibrant display of herbaceous and tree peonies that bloom in late spring.
Perennial Garden
A continuously blooming garden showcasing a wide variety of perennial plants.
Winter Garden
Features interesting non-native trees including an Algerian fir, Atlas cedar, and New Jersey's largest Jeffery pine.
Plan Before You Go
Hours, Parking & Accessibility
Hours & Seasonal Timing
8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (EDT) / 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (EST)
Best seasonal window: May to October
Parking & Arrival
Parking is available on-site; state park parking fees apply from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Check the official visit page for event-day parking changes and arrival instructions.
Accessibility
Many of the formal gardens near the manor house are accessible, though some naturalized areas have uneven terrain.
Contact the garden before visiting to discuss route conditions, mobility equipment, or support needs.
Visitor details are reviewed from the garden's public information and were last checked May 2026. Policies, prices, and route conditions can change; confirm final arrangements directly with the garden.
Recognition & Awards
- State Register of Historic Places
- National Register of Historic Places
Editorial Standards
This profile was prepared by the BotanicalGardens.blog editorial research desk using official garden pages and other named sources where available. Hours, admission, and access details can change; confirm them with the garden before a special trip. This profile was last reviewed May 2026. If you notice an inaccuracy, please contact us.
Plan Your Visit
May to October
Address
5 Morris Road, Ringwood, NJ 07456
Phone
(973) 962-9534
Hours
8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (EDT) / 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (EST)
Admission
Free admission to the Botanical Garden; parking fees may apply during summer weekends and holidays.
Parking
Parking is available on-site; state park parking fees apply from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Accessibility
Many of the formal gardens near the manor house are accessible, though some naturalized areas have uneven terrain.
Insider Tips
- 1Visit in mid-May to experience the spectacular Lilac Garden in full bloom.
- 2Take a guided tour of the Skylands Manor to learn about its history and architecture.
- 3Wear comfortable walking shoes to explore the extensive 96-acre grounds.
- 4Bring a camera to capture the stunning Tudor Revival architecture and seasonal floral displays.
Nearby Attractions
- Ringwood Manor (2 miles)
- Shepherd Lake Recreation Area (3 miles)
- Ramapo Mountain State Forest (5 miles)