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Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park

72 McBride Ave.nue Extension
Paterson, NJ 07501

973-523-0370

Website

Highlights:

Open: Year-Round

Overview

Plunging 77 feet into a chasm 300 feet wide, the Great Falls of the Passaic River has long been a source of inspiration and power. Alexander Hamilton, America's first Secretary of the Treasury, chose this place to begin implementing his ambitious plan to make the United States economically independent of foreign powers. Hamilton founded the City of Paterson in 1792 to create the world's first planned city of innovation built around a hydropower system to encourage manufacturing.

The industrial center attracted entrepreneurs, laborers, and immigrants with diverse talents. They came here to work in the bustling mills that produced everything from textiles and Colt firearms to locomotives and aircraft engines. Today the Passaic River drives turbines in the hydroelectric plant at the base of the falls to provide clean, renewable energy to thousands of homes.
Amenities
- Free Admission
Activities
- Self-guided tours
Map

Get Directions
Nearby:
- Dining
  - Rare The Steakhouse
    3.8 MI
    973-256-6699
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  - Buco Ristorante
    4.3 MI
    973-779-3500
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  - Empanada Spanish Grill
    4.9 MI
    973-272-8202
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  - Sevilla Restaurant
    5.0 MI
    973-777-5827
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  - Eddie V's Prime Seafood
    5.4 MI
    201-518-1558
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  - Pinstripes
    5.4 MI
    551-996-0420
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  - Martini Grill
    6.9 MI
    201-939-2000
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  - Montclair Brewery
    7.0 MI
    973-850-0541
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- Lodging
  - Wyndham Garden Totowa
    2.9 MI
    973-785-9000
    View >
  - Quality Inn Wayne Fairfield Area
    3.7 MI
    973-256-7000
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  - Home2 Suites by Hilton Wayne
    3.9 MI
    973-305-8844
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  - Crowne Plaza Saddle Brook
    4.1 MI
    201-880-8250
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  - Marriott Saddle Brook
    4.2 MI
    201-843-9500
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  - Residence Inn by Marriott
    4.2 MI
    973-872-7100
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  - Courtyard by Marriott Wayne Fairfield
    4.2 MI
    973-646-3377
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  - Hilton Garden Inn Wayne
    4.3 MI
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  View More +
- Activities
  - Paterson Museum
    0.1 MI
    973-321-1260
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  - New Jersey Jackals at Hinchliffe Stadium
    0.3 MI
    973-746-7434
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  - Passaic County Cultural & Heritage Commission
    0.3 MI
    973-684-6555
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  - Broadway, LRC and Hamilton Club Galleries at Passaic Community College
    0.3 MI
    973-684-6555
    View >
  - Poetry Center & Cultural Affairs, Passaic County Community College
    0.5 MI
    973-684-6555
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  - 9/11 Memorial
    0.5 MI
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  - Garret Mountain Reservation
    1.1 MI
    973-881-4832
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  - Lambert Castle Museum
    1.2 MI
    973-247-0085
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- Events
  - Elmwood Park's Spring Festival
    Apr. 27, 2024
    3.4 MI
    201-998-1144
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  - Elmwood Park's Multi-Cultural Street Fair
    Jun. 15, 2024
    3.4 MI
    201-998-1144
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  - Elmwood Park Community Day with Fireworks
    Sep. 14, 2024
    3.5 MI
    201-998-1144
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  - Fair Lawn Street Fair & Craft Show
    Jun. 2 - Oct. 20, 2024
    3.6 MI
    908-654-1400
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  - Glen Rock Street Fair & Craft Show
    Sep. 22, 2024
    4.0 MI
    908-654-1400
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  - Saddle Brook Street Fair & Craft Show
    Sep. 29, 2024
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  - Garfield Fall Family Fun Street Fair
    Oct. 27, 2024
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    201-998-1144
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- - Activities
    
    Paterson Museum
    0.1 MI
    973-321-1260
    View >
  - Activities
    
    New Jersey Jackals at Hinchliffe Stadium
    0.3 MI
    973-746-7434
    View >
  - Activities
    
    Broadway, LRC and Hamilton Club Galleries at Passaic Community College
    0.3 MI
    973-684-6555
    View >
  - Activities
    
    Passaic County Cultural & Heritage Commission
    0.3 MI
    973-684-6555
    View >
  - Activities
    
    9/11 Memorial
    0.5 MI
    View >
  - Activities
    
    Poetry Center & Cultural Affairs, Passaic County Community College
    0.5 MI
    973-684-6555
    View >
  - Activities
    
    Garret Mountain Reservation
    1.1 MI
    973-881-4832
    View >
  - Activities
    
    Lambert Castle Museum
    1.2 MI
    973-247-0085
    View >
  View More +