Are you looking for unusual attractions in New Jersey that offer discovery, education, a hobby, or just a different form of fun?

New Jersey has many popular leisure attractions and natural wonders that are widely promoted and visited by the masses. This article will provide information on the little known or offbeat places that are of interest to people with special interests, and for school teachers that are looking for a field trip to supplement their children's education curriculum.

The Best of New Jersey's Unusual Attractions

Cowtown Rodeo
780 Route 40, Pilesgrove, NJ
856-769-3200
May-September, 7:30 PM, Saturday nights
Enjoy quality Western Rodeo entertainment by touring professional cowboys. Includes; Bareback Bronc Riding, Calf Roping, Steer Wrestling, Girls Barrel Racing, Brahma Bull Riding.

Franklin Mineral Museum
2 Evans Street, Franklin, Sussex County, NJ
973-827-3481
The Franklin mine is a zinc mine known for its unique display of mineral fluorescence, (glowing rocks) and variety of rare species. They have thousands of mineral specimens on display with a huge fluorescent presentation of brilliant and glowing colorful minerals.

The museum also has demonstrations and examples of the mining methods used during that period of operation. Although the primary focus is mineral science, geology, and local mining history, they also cover the science of archeology and anthropology with field collection and mineral identification. The museum welcomes teachers and school tours and can create a curriculum to fit your schools educational interest.

Grape Expectations
25E Kearney St. Bridgewater, NJ
732-764-WINE (9463)
Create your own quality table wines, using some of the finest varieties of California grapes. Experience the atmosphere of a winery and the enjoyment of the hobby of wine making. You will be involved in the complete process of wine making from the crushing and pressing of your grapes to the racking and bottling of your oak-barreled, specially prepared wine.

Northlandz
495 Highway 202 South, Flemington, NJ
(908) 782-4022
Home of the Great American Railway, Doll Museum & Art Gallery;
They have over a hundred miniature trains and eight miles of track running past mountains and bridges. See the ninety four room dollhouse with many features found in real life mansions. Ride the Raritan River steam Railway replica as it travels through nature filled scenery. Visit the Doll Museum with over two hundred dolls from different countries.

The Pequest Trout Hatchery and
Natural Resource Education Center
605 Pequest Rd. Oxford, NJ
908-637-4125
See a video about the trout hatching process from conception to stocking. Experience a self-instructional tour that shows the trout rearing and an exhibit hall with live fish. Hiking trails and Picnic areas are also available. Great for children and school tours.

Rankokus Indian Reservation
Rancocas, NJ
(609) 261-4747
Situated on 350 acres in the town of Westampton, NJ, is the Indian nation's administrative and educational, cultural, social programs center that has been established to help the people of the State of New Jersey, and school children in particular, to understand the Rankokus Indians and their ways and history through a tour of the reservation, its museum, art gallery, and the many exhibits and nature trails. Learn about Indian history from the native Indians and the true story of the Pocahontas myth. Popular with teachers and school children who are looking for a field trip to supplement their educational curriculum.