Thomas Edison National Historical Park is a great midday excursion in West Orange offering the journey into the life and works of one of America’s greatest inventors and conveniently accessible with a national parks pass. The park is split into two parts: Laboratory Complex and Glenmont Estate. Both can be easily combined for roughly a 3 hour visit.
Laboratory Complex: Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The lab is open to visit for a daily fee or you can use your national parks pass to gain entrance. For this location approximately a 2 hour visit should be fine, depending on your pace. Here you can dive into the world of Thomas Edison’s groundbreaking experiments and inventions.
As you embark on a self-guided tour through various buildings, the main laboratory stands out with three floors showcasing remarkable exhibits, original equipment, and priceless artifacts. Housing one of the largest museum collections within the National Park System, the complex features prototypes, commercial productions, laboratory furnishings, and personal items, offering insights into Edison’s genius and legacy.
The visitor center has a small gift shop, videos to watch, and this is where you pick up your parking pass for the Glenmont Estate Tour.
Visiting the lab is truly a humbling experience; to find out how much Thomas Edison contributed to the modern world.
Tip: Parking is available across the street from the Laboratory Complex.
Glenmont Estate: Book tickets in advance here
Does require advance booking to reserve a spot on the tour. Tickets are $1 per person and you cannot get tickets same day. If it’s a nice day, you can park at the visitor center parking lot and walk or you can drive to the Glenmont parking lot.
The tour itself takes approximately 30 minutes around the house and the estate offers a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the Edison family. The house allows visitors to marvel at the preserved interior of this historic house filled with ornate woodwork, stained glass windows, exquisite furniture, and period housewares. Please note that photography is prohibited inside the house.
After the tour, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the garage, where you’ll find exhibits including an electric car, a charging station, vintage automobiles, and even a Model T still in use during special occasions like the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Restaurant Recommendation: Folklore Tacos
Folkore Artisanal Tacos is a few minutes drive from the lab. We ate in and had a delicious meal! I enjoyed the Tajin Pastor and Chicken Chipotle Tacos and he got steak costa de queso. This food was slamming! That crispy cheese on the bottom was the best thing I had in awhile.
Other things to do in the area:
Light Bulb Coffee Shop
Turtle Back Zoo
Eagle Rock Reservation
South Mountain Reservation
Capsule Customs Travel 