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Trip Planner:   USA  /  New Jersey  /  Trenton  /  Cadwalader Park

Cadwalader Park, Trenton

2.4
#11 of 14 in Things to do in Trenton
Park · Hidden Gem · Nature / Park
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Cadwalader Park is a city park located in Trenton, Mercer County, New Jersey, United States. The nearly 100 acres (0.40 km2) green space is Trenton's oldest park. It is named for Thomas Cadwalader, who lived for a while near Trenton where he became the chief burgess in 1746. Trenton's "central park" was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted.

Work on the park was begun in 1887, following the purchase of Ellarslie Mansion from George Farlee. a committee of the Common Council for the city of Trenton sought a location for what would become the City Park, and contacted Olmsted. Though perhaps best known for his design of Central Park in New York, Olmsted applied the same approach in the design of Cadwalader Park. The Mansion, which houses the Trenton City Museum, is at the center of the park.

At one time the park had a train stop along the long gone Belvidere-Delaware Railroad.

The park has a deer paddock, a stream, a small lake and hundreds of trees, including some that are rare at this latitude. An arm of the Delaware & Raritan Canal flows through the park. Neighborhoods bordering the park include Cadwalader Heights, Hiltonia, Hillcrest and Parkside.

The park contains a memorial to the fallen of the Civil War and the column of the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument, erected in 1903. At one time this included a number of artillery pieces, now reduced to the plinthed barrel of the 'Swamp Angel', an 8 inch breech-loading Parrott rifle used to bombard Charleston in 1863. The gun burst on the 36th shell to be fired, which can still be seen today.
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Cadwalader Park reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 3.0
43 reviews
Google
4.2
TripAdvisor
  • There is a lot to see and take in across the seasons. This visit featured the first appearances of crocuses and the pruning and felling of the parks massive trees. Each time there is something new.....  more
    There is a lot to see and take in across the seasons. This visit featured the first appearances of crocuses and the pruning and felling of the parks massive trees. Each time there is something new.....  more »
  • This beautiful park is within walking, jogging distance to my home. I never, ever have felt unsafe and often encounter others walking their dogs or with children. I have fond memories of visiting... 
    This beautiful park is within walking, jogging distance to my home. I never, ever have felt unsafe and often encounter others walking their dogs or with children. I have fond memories of visiting...  more »
Google
  • Beautiful playground, unique equipment for all ages. Would get 4 stars if not for lack of accessibility (parking lot a walk from playground; only one accessible swing; no ramps on equipment--most equipment requires mobility; wood chips instead of accessibility surface). Not the best swing equipment -- deep ruts, as happens with wood chips, and swings very high off ground. Not sure about bathrooms. Excellent for climbing.
  • Very nice and safe park with running trails and museum. Park security posted and super informative and helpful. Good to see Trenton continually improving.

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