THE D&R CANAL STATE PARK'S 50th ANNIVERSARY LIST OF PARTNER EVENTS/PROGRAMS
BLACKWELLS MILLS CANAL HOUSE ASSOCIATION PROGRAMS
Click to download the calendar of scheduled programs through June 2024.
D&R CANAL WATCH PROGRAMS
Click to view the current calendar of programs and events for 2024.
D&R Canal State Park 50th Anniversary 8-Mile Paddle Race ~ May 4 @ 10 am
A D&R Canal Slideshow by Captain Bill McKelvey ~ June 16 @ 2pm - 4pm
Kingston Historical Society
Delaware River Greenway Partnership
Historical Society of Princeton
Lewis B. Cuyler Lecture: "The Delaware & Raritan Canal" ~ April 30 @ 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Hunterdon County Cultural & Heritage Commission & D&R Canal Watch
A Screening of Several D&R Canal Short Films ~ April 13 @ 4pm - 6pm
Van Harlingen Historical Society
“A MONUMENT TO FALLEN ROYALTY”: REDISCOVERING JOSEPH BONAPARTE'S POINT BREEZE ESTATE IN BORDENTOWN, NEW JERSEY
Seating will be limited. Registration will be required. Please DO NOT hesitate to add your name to our WAIT LIST even if registration is "SOLD OUT" as we WILL MAKE ADDITIONAL SEATING AVAILABLE to accommodate more attendees IF ANY REMAIN OPEN. Do not assume that being on the wait list assures you a seat. You will be contacted if a spot is available.
Once we are at our full seating capacity, the wait list will be used to generate a working list of potential attendees to whom we can offer seats as cancellations come in. WE DO EXPECT SOME CANCELLATIONS as May 11th draws nearer. Plans always seem to change and some who are now registered will cancel their registration thus opening up seats for those on the wait list. There will be a limit of 15 spots on the wait list. Once that limit is full, it too will be closed.
Mark your calendars and plan to join us for a not-to-be-missed informative presentation about the D&R Canal State Park's most recent property acquisiton - Point Breeze where Joseph Bonaparte once called home. The former estate was located on the bluffs above Crosswicks Creek in Bordentown. While little of Bonaparte's estate remains, the property where it once stood does and is now jointly owned and managed by the State of New Jersey, Bordentown City and the D&R Greenway Land Trust is now called "Point Breeze at D&R Canal State Park" and is open for public access.
Location: Rockingham Barn, 84 Laurel Ave, Kingston, NJ 08528
RESCHEDULED DATE: Saturday, May 11, 2024
Time: 1:00 -3:00 pm
Presenter: Richard Veit, Ph.D., RPA
Co-Sponsor: Rockingham Association
Richard Veit, Ph.D. is Professor of Anthropology and Interim Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Monmouth University. A North American historical archaeologist, his research focuses on the colonial Middle Atlantic Region. He is the author, co-author or editor of eight books and has been the recipient of Monmouth University’s distinguished teacher award. He is a long-time member of the Archeology Society of NJ.
Dr. Veit's recent archaeological excavations at the site have unearthed the remains of Joseph Bonaparte’s palatial estate. Joseph, the elder brother of Napoleon Bonaparte and former King of Spain and Naples, fled to the United States in 1815. He lived in New Jersey from 1816 until 1839. During this period he built two palatial homes, laid out a 1900-acre picturesque landscape, and acted as an unofficial cultural attaché. His home was a center for French refugees in America. His library and art collections were the largest in the country. At Point Breeze, he entertained many of the leading intellectuals, politicians, artists, and military figures of the day. Bonaparte’s passion was landscape architecture, and on his property he created one of the first purposefully-designed picturesque landscapes in America. Archaeological excavations have revealed the remains of Joseph’s first mansion and recovered an intriguing collection of artifacts that provide a unique glimpse of the lifestyles of the rich and famous in 19th century New Jersey. Mark those calendars and do plan to join us to learn about this significant national and internationally significant historic site!
D&R Canal State Park Programs
The following programs are run by the D&R Canal State Park . Please note that our programs begin at varied times and locations which are included in the descriptions below.
Participates will be required to register via the Eventbrite link below each listing (name, contact phone number, email and number of attendees will be required).
Please look through the upcoming walk descriptions, dates, times and locations offered below.
All walks are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather, insufficient interest or other unforeseen circumstances. Registered participants will be contacted if a program is to be canceled. A MINIMUM OF 4 REGISTERED PARTICIPANTS are needed to avoid program cancellation due to lack of interest. Call the park office at (609) 924-5705, or the contact person noted, if in doubt about a program's cancellation.
IMPORTANT REGISTRATION NOTES:
Also note that our walks progress at a consistent pace of about 2.5 miles an hour. Please keep this in mind when registering for any of our walks listed below.
Thank you for your cooperation!
BE ADVISED:
Due to the popularity of our walks, we ask REGISTERED PARTICIPANTS to either CANCEL THEIR TICKET or
NOTIFY US VIA EMAIL 12 HOURS BEFORE THE DAY & TIME OF THE PROGRAM if their plans have changed and can no longer attend. This is a courtesy to those on the wait list and allows us the opportunity to release a ticket to another potential attendee.
Two "no-shows" without prior cancellation notification will generate a "flag" for that registrant resulting in the potential inability to attend future walks this season.
If you join us for a hike (or any other event), please understand that you are responsible for your own preparedness and well-being and will hold no one else liable in case of injury or mishap. You agree not to hold the organizer, its employees, or any other members responsible for any injuries, mishaps, or any other situation that may happen at a planned event. This release extends and applies to, and also covers and includes, all unknown, unforeseen, unanticipated and unsuspected injuries, damages, loss and liability. Your attendance on a walk signifies that you have read and accept the terms of this liability waiver. By signing up for our walks, programs or events you understand that you are attending at your own risk.
2024 After Work Evening Walks: Join us to decompress after a long day of work!
Our 2024 SPRING and SUMMER programs are being scheduled now; check back for updates! Make sure to register to secure your spot (20 participants maximum per walk)!
Our popular After Work Evening Walks are a series of spring into summer leisurely after work ambles along the canal towpath and nearby areas. Each section of the canal has a unique character and history; come enjoy some outdoor time and learn a bit about the historic and natural resources of each location from our our seasonal trail interpreter. These easy mid-week walks will last about 90 to 120 minutes and progress at a consistent pace. All walks will return to the original meeting location (as indicated in each description below). After Work Walkers will meet at the parking areas listed for each of the programs promptly at 5:00 PM.
If there are any questions or concerns please contact the D&R Canal State Park Office at (609) 924-5705 (Tuesday - Saturday 9:00 -4:00) or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
CLICK HERE to view our After Work Evening Walks Collection on Eventbrite and open those walks you are interested in attending. Click the "REMIND ME" button to be automatically notified when registration opens up for that program.
Thur., Apr. 18
Lower Ferry Road To Cadwalader Park - 3.0 Miles
Join our trail interpreter for this walk along the D&R's feeder canal from Ewing Township into the city of Trenton passing aqueducts and open acres of recreational and corporate campuses along the way. The group will meet at Lower Ferry Road in Ewing Township and head south to Trenton's Cadwalader Park which was designed by Fredrick Law Olmstead. The group will pass through the historic Trenton neighborhood of Glen Afton which is dotted with unique architectural styles. Registered participants will meet and park at Lower Ferry Road across from the Trenton Golf Club promptly at 5:00 PM. Click here for map.
Thurs., Apr. 25
Turning Basin Park to Millstone Aqueduct – 3.2 Miles
Join our trail interpreter and discover the bustling canal community that once occupied the area around Turning Basin Park at Alexander Road in Princeton. See the now inoperable turning bridge mechanism for the Dinky railroad spur line into Princeton and hear about the connections between the D&R Canal the small village of Aqueduct and Carnegie Lake. Registered participants will meet at the Turning Basin Parking Lot at 438 Alexander Road in Princeton promptly at 5:00pm.
Click here for map.
This program is fully registered.
Thur., May 2
Lower Ferry Road to Upper Ferry Road - 2.5 Miles
Join our trail interpreter for this walk in Ewing Township that will introduce participants to some of the most tranquil areas along the feeder canal. With the construction and opening of the canal in the 1830s, a small village emerged here that was the center of this Wilburtha neighborhood. Registered participants will meet promptly at 5:00 pm at Lower Ferry Road; Parking is across the road from the Trenton Country Club golf course.
Click here for map.
Thur., May 16
Mapleton Preserve To Lake Carnegie (Kingston) - 3.0 Miles
Join our trail interpreter for a leisurely walk around the former Princeton Nursery trails/grounds then to the D&R Canal, Kingston Canal House, 18th Century stone-arched bridge, 19th century mill and on to Lake Carnegie. The group will return along the canal towpath and connected trails. Learn about this area's historic and natural resources and the former nursery property's current relationship to the D&R Canal State Park. D&R Canal State Park. Registered participants will meet at the D&R Canal State Park's Kingston Office parking lot located at 145 Mapleton Road promptly at 5:00 pm.
Click here for map.
MORE DATES TO COME
CHECK BACK SOON
2024 Weekend Walkers: Plan for a few leisurely weekend morning walks with us! (20 participants maximum per walk)
Our 2024 SPRING and SUMMER programs are being scheduled now; check back for updates!
Join us for our “Weekend Walkers” series of modest hikes along the canal towpath and nearby areas. Each section of the canal has a unique character and history which will be highlighted by our seasonal trail interpreter. We invite you to come enjoy some outdoor time with us and learn a bit about the historic and natural resources of each location listed below. These weekend walks will be moderately paced - at about 2.5 miles/hour - and generally range from 3 to 5.5 miles. These longer walks will take about 3 - 3.5 hours, progress at a consistent pace and return to the original meeting place. Children are welcome but those under 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Weekend Walkers will meet promptly at the designated parking areas at 9:30 AM.
If there are any questions or concerns please contact the D&R Canal State Park Office at (609) 924-5705 (Tuesday - Saturday 9:00 -4:00) or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
CLICK HERE to view our Weekend Walkers Collection on Eventbrite and open those walks you are interested in attending. Click the "REMIND ME" button to be automatically notified when registration opens up for that program.
Saturday, June 1
Bulls Island's Trail Network – 2.1 Miles
Join our trail interpreter and come explore several trails in one morning! We will begin on the Bulls Island’s "Inlet Trail" which offers both towpath and Delaware River views. Here you'll see where the canal’s “feeder” begins the 22-mile trip south to Trenton. After completing the Inlet Trail loop, we will stop at the Visitor’s Center to view the historic photos on display. The group will then proceed with a walk through the "Natural Trail" and then head to the Roebling Pedestrian Bridge to take in the view of the Delaware River (Click here for Bulls Island Trail Map). Registered participants will meet at the Bulls Island parking lot at 9:30 AM.
Click here for map.
MORE DATES TO COME
CHECK BACK SOON
2024 Lunchtime “Walk & Talks”: Join us for a leisurely lunchtime walk! (20 participants maximum per walk)
Our 2024 SPRING and SUMMER programs are being scheduled now; check back for updates!
Join our trail interpreter for a lunch time walk. These are FREE lunch time outings along the canal towpath and nearby areas. These leisurely walks located at various places within the Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park will last about 90 to 120 minutes and progress at a consistent pace. All walks will return to the original meeting location (as indicated in each description below). Lunchtime "Walk and Talk"registrants will meet at the parking areas listed for each of the programs promptly at the scheduled meeting time. For those interested, bring a bag lunch which will be eaten as a group after the walk. Bring your own portable chair, if desired.
If there are any questions or concerns please contact the D&R Canal State Park Office at (609) 924-5705 (Tuesday - Saturday 9:00 -4:00) or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Thursday, June 13
Smell the Roses at Colonial Park Gardens and Walk to East Millstone - 2.0 Miles
The roses are in bloom! Come join our trail interpreter at lunch time, bring a bag lunch and plan to take time to smell the roses! Enjoy these beautiful early summer blossoms with us and then afterward we will walk the D&R towpath to East Millstone to see the bridge tender's house and station. Upon returning to the Colonial Park Gardens, we’ll pass through the area’s outstanding arboretum if time allows. Those who brought a bagged lunch can join us to gather for a post-walk picnic meal and maybe a round of bocce ball! This will be a leisurely mid-afternoon outdoor program, so plan to be with us a few hours. This lunch hour “walk and talk” will begin at Colonial Park in Somerset. This walk begins at Colonial Park in Somerset. Registered participants will meet at Colonial Park Garden’s Parking Lot F, near the Lilac Garden at 10:30 AM. Click here for map.
