Once a flourishing silk production town, Paterson is now one of New Jersey’s most vibrant cities. It serves as the beating heart of Passaic County and is dotted with historic buildings, quirky museums and plenty of green space. Whether you want to stroll around the Old Great Falls Historic District or take a day trip to New York City, Paterson is a fantastic base for your East Coast adventure.
Things to do in Paterson
Nicknamed the “Silk City”, Paterson harbours a rich textile legacy. Lambert Castle is a fantastic introduction to its colourful past, housed in the former home of a 19th-century silk merchant. Today it’s been converted into a museum showcasing period furnishings, artwork and of course, luxury silks.
In the Old Great Falls Historic District you’ll find the quirky Paterson Museum. From its steam train exhibit to Native American artefacts, it celebrates the city’s industrial heritage. Just steps from the museum are the Great Falls themselves, which tumble down a 23-metre-high cliff into the Passaic River.
With more than 222 hectares of parkland, Garret Mountain Reservation feels a world away from the buzz of the “Big Apple”. There are plenty of forested hiking trails to explore, with lookouts that offer sweeping views of the city.
Paterson is one hour from New York City, making day trips a popular activity. From the sprawling Central Park to the world-class exhibits in the Museum of Natural History, Paterson is a great way to experience both small-town New Jersey and big-city Manhattan.
Getting around Paterson
The Old Great Falls Historic District is pedestrian-friendly, so you can easily explored on foot. Local buses also run throughout the city, with most departing from the Paterson Bus Station on Broadway. If you’re heading to New York City, trains can whisk you from Paterson in just over one hour.