Museums hold more than artifacts. They tell stories, spark curiosity, and reveal new ways to see the world. In New Jersey, you can explore them in mines, mansions, boardwalks, and gardens. They each offer a unique way to experience history, science, or art. Some of these aren’t traditional museums, but they still let visitors explore, learn, and connect with the past.
Stacker ranked the state’s top museums using Tripadvisor ratings and reviews as of Aug. 11, 2025. Here are the 10 that rose to the top.
10. Sterling Hill Mining Museum — Ogdensburg
Rating: 4.6 (256 reviews)
Visitors explore a former zinc mine with tunnels and glowing mineral displays, offering a hands-on look at geology.
9. Princeton University Art Museum — Princeton
Rating: 4.8 (729 reviews)
The museum showcases works from around the world, spanning ancient civilizations to modern artists.
8. The Newark Museum of Art — Newark
Rating: 4.6 (297 reviews)
New Jersey’s largest museum combines American art, decorative objects, and science exhibits in one space.
7. Silverball Retro Arcade — Asbury Park
Rating: 4.8 (640 reviews)
This arcade brings classic pinball and vintage games to life, giving visitors a playful museum experience.
6. Emlen Physick Estate — Cape May
Rating: 4.3 (718 reviews)
The Victorian mansion offers tours that reveal daily life in Cape May during the late 1800s.
5. Battleship New Jersey — Camden
Rating: 4.6 (622 reviews)
The decommissioned battleship invites visitors to walk the decks, explore gun turrets, and learn about naval history.
4. Liberty Science Center — Jersey City
Rating: 4.1 (786 reviews)
Families enjoy hands-on exhibits, planetarium shows, and live demonstrations in this interactive science hub.
3. Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum — Cape May
Rating: 4.7 (1,054 reviews)
Set in a World War II hangar, the museum displays restored planes and aviation artifacts.
2. Cape May Lighthouse — Cape May
Rating: 4.6 (2,174 reviews)
Climbers can scale 199 steps for sweeping views of the shoreline and Delaware Bay.
1. Grounds For Sculpture — Hamilton
Rating: 4.8 (1,980 reviews)
The 42 acre outdoor museum features sculptures placed among landscaped gardens for visitors to explore.
New Jersey’s top museums show the state’s variety. From mines to mansions, battleships to sculpture gardens, each one offers a different way to explore and spend a day.
Alondra Cabrera is the Editorial Assistant at New Jersey Digest. She recently graduated from Montclair State University with a degree in Communication and Media Studies. During her time at school, she discovered her passion for journalism and content creation. In her free time, she loves to create and edit videos for her corgis, Rafi and Toffe, and indulge in culinary adventures with her friends. Alondra also enjoys traveling, cooking, and working out. She is excited to embark on her professional journey in media and looks forward to contributing her skill and creativity to her role here at New Jersey Digest.
