From Feltsville to Ong's Hat, New Jersey has no shortage of ghost towns - towns that have been completely abandoned for one reason or another. Some of these towns (like Batsto Village) have been brought to life again as tourist attractions. Other towns never completely died.
Welcome to Walpack Center, the heart of Walpack Township.
It has mostly remained unchanged since 1965, when the town became part of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The historic buildings date back to the mid-1800s and include a post office, church, former school used for storage, and six houses; none of these houses are inhabited. One of the homes does serve as a small museum, open to the public on Sundays from May - October.
This town was nearly abandoned, but not quite.
A former farming community established in the mid-1800s, many residents were forced to leave in the 1960s, to make way for a dam at Tocks Island. The dam was never built but the government spent nearly $100,000,000 buying homes and businesses along the Delaware River. Nearly 8,000 people were evicted, though some refused to leave. Now, the town is home to under two dozen residents.
There isn't much to do here other than enjoy peace, quiet and natural beauty but there are some attractions to see.
Don't miss the Van Campen Inn. This Revolutionary War-era farmhouse was once the center of a self-sufficient plantation with farm animals and a blacksmith shop. The Walpack Historical Society hosts Van Campen Day here each October, complete with period actors, tours of the home and surrounding cemeteries and demonstrations of everything from apple cider making to spinning wool. You'll also want to grab a meal at the Walpack Inn, one of the most rustic restaurants in New Jersey.
Outside of town, you'll find unparalleled natural beauty.
Crater Lake is simply stunning and there are plenty of trails that will take you there. You'll also find the breathtaking Buttermilk Falls (wheelchair accessible!), creeks, streams, brooks, wooden suspension bridges, hills, mountains, woodlands and wildlife.
This beautiful (almost) ghost town paints a very different picture of the Garden State than most imagine but here it is - a charming little village surrounded by spectacular scenery. You'll definitely want to visit, and be sure to bring your guests. To learn more about dining at the Walpack Inn, click here.
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