New Jersey

I would love to write a glowing review of the New Jersey State House, but this was at the bottom of my capitol visit experiences. Sorry, New Jersey!

The New Jersey State House is in downtown Trenton on the banks of the Delaware River, right at the border between New Jersey and Pennsylvania. It is the only U.S. state capitol building visible from another state. You’ll get a better view from Pennsylvania at the back because the front of the building hides in plain sight on State Street. Learn more about the New Jersey State House history.

This is the only capitol I visited that does not allow self-guided tours. I love self-guided tours because I want to move at my own pace, but the New Jersey State House requirement to reserve a group tour at set times means you may spend more time here than at other capitols, and you’re on other people’s schedules. Definitely plan your visit wisely.

Part of the Mid-Atlantic and New England Road Trip I took with my uncle, we left Annapolis, MD early that morning with the goal of visiting both the New Jersey State House and Connecticut State Capitol on the way to Rhode Island. Ambitious, yes—but I’ve managed similar itineraries before. Can’t win them all, I guess!

Part of my frustration came from not planning properly because I took it for granted this visit would be as effortless as other state capitols. When you travel, these things happen, so flexibility is often necessary. We did not make it to the Connecticut State Capitol that day, but we did eventually make it there.

Photo opportunities were more limited with the guided tour—or maybe because I was a bit testy and less engaged. The tour guide was excellent and engaging. He made sure we stopped at my usual places for capitol visits, so I’m grateful for that. This includes the New Jersey Governor’s office, the dome interior, and both chambers of the New Jersey Legislature, which consists of the Senate and General Assembly.

The gift shop is in the New Jersey State Museum a block away and is pretty good. We stopped at the museum first since we had time to kill before the State House tour, so if you have time before your tour, it’s worth a stop.

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