Edison is a wonderful town with a rich history and a lot to do. Getting its name from the famous inventor Thomas Edison there are many unique attractions and wonderful things to see in the area.
Thomas Edison Center
Located at Menlo Park, the Thomas Edison Center is a monument, park, and museum honoring the great Thomas Edison and his many contributions to modern technology. Originally built only a few years after Edison’s passing, the Edison Memorial Tower serves to commemorate Edison’s life in the area as the original buildings that he operated in once stood in the very same park. It’s also home to the world’s biggest light bulb which sits atop the tower, an homage to one of his most famous inventions: the incandescent light bulb.
If you take a look in the on-site museum, you’ll find a great deal of information on Edison’s life, especially as it relates to Menlo Park, as this is where some of his most notable inventions came to fruition. This very site is where he invented the phonograph, a once-revolutionary device that opened the door to recording audio and playing it back, as well as the modern concept for the light bulb.
Not only did he invent these things here, but some of his original pieces of work are still on display to this day. If you’re a fan of history, modern technology, or just want to honor one of America’s finest historical figures, the Thomas Edison Center at Menlo Park is an absolute must on your way through Edison.
Rutgers Gardens
No matter what time of year you’re in Edison, the Rutgers Gardens are a beautiful site worth seeing. Open all year long, this location boasts a whopping 180 acres filled with a variety of gardens and protected natural areas. Among those 180 acres, you’ll find 18 different gardens with a variety of flora from across the world-- even a bamboo grove that’s been maintained for nearly a century.
Rutgers Gardens also hosts a variety of festivals and other fun activities throughout the year such as summer and fall-themed festivals, not to mention the community-run farmer’s market on-site for your local produce needs.
Like most places in Edison, New Jersey, the Rutgers Gardens are rich in history. Originally purchased for just one dollar, this plot of land has been expanding and thriving ever since its foundation to the bountiful site it is today. If you’re a nature lover of any kind, there’s bound to be something to please you at Rutgers Gardens.
Roosevelt Park
For a day out with the family, look no further than Roosevelt Park. The oldest park in Middlesex County, this location was established all the way back in 1917 and has since expanded to over 190 acres of nature and recreational activity.
Arguably the park’s biggest highlight, Roosevelt Park is home to an 8-acre lake that the park’s keepers welcome you to fish in. If that’s not your speed, though, there’s still plenty to see and do with more than 10 courts and fields available for various sports and plenty of playgrounds for the kids. There’s also a skating rink on-site, a dedicated picnic grove, plenty of paths for biking and walking, and a great open theater where the park hosts concerts and plays.
Whether you’re after a simple walk or a day out in the sun, Roosevelt Park has plenty to do for you and the family. Be sure to check out the veteran memorial while you’re there as well.