Duke Gardens Are Now Closed To The Public

Where Have All The Flowers Gone?

After 43 years of operation, Duke Gardens were closed to the public in 2008. After an extensive strategic planning process and the beginning of a transitional phase, the 2,740-acre property at Duke Farms has refocused its programs and operations to become an environmental showcase and learning center. Since 2012, visitors have begun their trip to Duke Farms at a newly renovated "green" orientation center, housed in a 22,000-square-foot building known as the Farm Barn. From there, visitors can embark on numerous paths or hop aboard sustainably-powered trams to explore the property's diverse landscapes and habitats. A re-configured version of the display gardens now inhabits a different greenhouse conservatory, renovated to improve the energy-efficiency and environmental sustainability of the gardens. The gardens have expand to include an expansive outdoor component." Read more....

Nearby accommodations and attractions

  • Whippany Railway Museum

    Dedicated to preserving the heritage and history of the railroads of New Jersey through the restoration, preservation, interpretation and operation of historic railroad equipment and artifacts, the museum is open Sundays, April thru October.

    1 Railroad Plaza, Whippany

  • Fairview Farm Wildlife Preserve

    Paths of green, fields of gold!

    2121 Larger Cross Road, Bedminster

  • Cross Estate Gardens

    Part of the Morristown National Historic Park, the formal walled garden, 200-foot wisteria-covered pergola, mountain laurel allee and North American perennials garden was designed by local landscape architect Clarence Fowler.

    Old Jockey Hollow Rd. , Bernardsville

  • Denville Detour: Jonathan’s Woods and More!

    Even today, if you needed a natural hideout—a really good one—Jonathan’s Woods could work.

    Denville

  • Jacobus Vanderveer House

    The Jacobus Vanderveer house is the only surviving building associated with the Pluckemin encampment.

    3055 River Road, Bedminster

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This story was first published: Spring, 1999