Town of Boonton · Morris County

Visit Boonton

Plan a day in Boonton around the Rockaway River and Boonton Falls, historic Main Street, Grace Lord Park, independent shops, local restaurants, galleries, the historical museum and community events.

Boonton's compact downtown makes it especially well suited to a walkable day trip, while NJ TRANSIT and I-287 provide convenient regional access.

Boonton Falls along the Rockaway River in Boonton, New Jersey Boonton Falls — One of the town's signature natural landmarks, accessible through the Grace Lord Park river corridor.
Boonton and Boonton Township are separate municipalities. This visitor guide focuses on the Town of Boonton. Attractions using a Boonton mailing address are not automatically within the Town; nearby Boonton Township destinations are covered separately.

Why Visit Boonton?

Boonton Falls & the Rockaway RiverThe river cuts through town in a dramatic rocky gorge, creating rapids and the waterfall that helped shape Boonton's industrial history.
Historic Main StreetWalk a compact downtown lined with locally owned restaurants, coffee shops, specialty stores, galleries, services and historic buildings.
Grace Lord ParkBoonton's flagship park offers trails along the Rockaway River, a gazebo, playground, swings and places to sit near the river corridor.
Local HistoryThe Historical Society & Museum, railroad heritage and surviving downtown architecture help tell the story of Boonton's iron, canal and industrial past.
Food & CoffeeA surprisingly varied dining scene makes it easy to build breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert into a downtown visit.
EventsFirst Fridays, the seasonal Farmers Market and annual downtown programs bring additional activity to Main Street.

A Walkable Boonton Day Trip

This itinerary keeps most of the day centered in and around downtown. Distances, terrain and river conditions vary, so visitors should choose routes appropriate for their mobility and the weather.

Start on Main StreetPark downtown or arrive by train, then begin with coffee or breakfast and a walk through the historic commercial district.
Browse Local Shops & GalleriesExplore independent retailers, art spaces, records, books, specialty shops and other Main Street businesses.
Visit the Historical Society & MuseumAt 210 Main Street, learn about Boonton's industrial, canal and community history. Check opening hours before your visit.
Walk Toward Grace Lord ParkContinue toward West Main Street and Essex Avenue for trails and Rockaway River scenery.
See Boonton FallsEnjoy the falls and river from established public areas. Use caution around wet rock, steep terrain and fast-moving water.
Return Downtown for FoodFinish with lunch, dinner, coffee or dessert from Boonton's Main Street dining scene.

Grace Lord Park & Boonton Falls

Grace Lord Park, at West Main Street and Essex Avenue, is described in Boonton's current planning documents as the town's flagship park. It includes a gazebo, playground, swings, benches and trails that parallel the Rockaway River.

Waterfall safety: The Rockaway River can be powerful, especially after rain. Stay on appropriate public routes, supervise children closely, avoid climbing wet rock or entering fast-moving water, and do not cross barriers or private property in search of a better view.

On-street parking is available along Essex Avenue. Conditions near the river can change with weather and water flow.

Historic & Cultural Stops

Boonton Historical Society & Museum

210 Main Street
Boonton, NJ 07005
973-402-8840

Currently open to the public on the first and third Sunday of the month from 1–4 p.m., with other visits available by appointment.

Museum Information
Boonton-Holmes Public Library

621 Main Street
Boonton, NJ 07005
973-334-2980

A historic Main Street institution with public Wi-Fi, programs and visitor services.

Library Website
Darress Theatre

615 Main Street

The historic theater is owned by the Town and is being rehabilitated toward a future regional performing arts center. Treat it as a preservation/redevelopment site rather than an operating theater unless the Town announces otherwise.

Darress Theatre Project

Events & Seasonal Visits

Boonton Farmers MarketSeasonal Saturday market programming runs from May into late November, with fresh produce, prepared foods, artisan goods and local vendors.
First FridaysOn selected first Fridays, downtown businesses participate in extended hours, art, music, pop-ups, promotions and family-friendly activities.
Boonton BrewfestA signature downtown event bringing together local brewers, food and live music. Dates vary by year.
Town & Historical ProgramsThe Town calendar and Historical Society offer seasonal programs, community celebrations and local-history events.
Boonton Main Street Events Town Calendar

Parking in Downtown Boonton

Parking rules vary by location. The Town currently provides free two-hour parking on Main Street between Division and Hill Streets during enforcement hours, along with metered side-street spaces and several municipal lots.

Parking OptionVisitor Notes
Main StreetFree two-hour parking during current enforcement hours. Moving a vehicle to reset the two-hour limit is prohibited.
Upper Plane Street LotLarge municipal lot near the downtown/farmers-market area; current Town information lists 100 spaces and a low daily fee.
Boonton Avenue LotShort-term metered spaces between Main Street and Birch Street.
American Legion LotDaily parking near the NJ TRANSIT station and Historical Society.
Side StreetsShort- and long-term meters are found on streets intersecting Main Street, including Division, Mechanic, William, Cornelia and Boonton Avenue.

Parking rates, enforcement hours and rules can change. Check the Town parking page before a visit that depends on a specific lot or long-term space.

Current Boonton Parking Information

Arriving by Train

Boonton Station is served by NJ TRANSIT's Montclair-Boonton Line. Current weekday schedules include service through Boonton toward eastern destinations, but train patterns vary by time and day. Check the current schedule before traveling.

Good for a Car-Free Day TripThe station is close enough to combine rail travel with downtown shopping, dining and historic stops on foot.
Check Return ServiceWeekend and evening service can differ substantially from weekday peak service, so plan the return trip before leaving home.
Check NJ TRANSIT

Lodging Near Boonton

Boonton is primarily a day-trip destination.

Current lodging searches do not show a conventional hotel or bed-and-breakfast inventory within the Town of Boonton itself. The closest concentration of hotels is in neighboring Parsippany, particularly around Route 46 and I-287, only a few miles from downtown Boonton.

Visitors staying overnight should verify the actual municipality and address before booking, since the Boonton 07005 mailing area extends beyond the Town of Boonton.

Camping: No campground is currently identified within the Town of Boonton. Campgrounds promoted under a general “Boonton” search are typically elsewhere in northern New Jersey.

Current Park Project

Canal Side Park improvements: The Town announced a temporary closure beginning July 13, 2026 for construction of new basketball and pickleball courts, with reopening anticipated in early fall 2026. Visitors should check the Town recreation page for the latest status before heading there.
Boonton Recreation Updates

Visitor Tips

Wear Comfortable ShoesMain Street is walkable, but Boonton is hilly and river-trail terrain can be uneven.
Plan Around Museum HoursThe Historical Society & Museum has limited regular public hours, so check before making it the centerpiece of your visit.
Combine Downtown & NatureOne of Boonton's strengths is how easily a downtown meal or shopping trip can be paired with Grace Lord Park and river scenery.
Check Weather After Heavy RainThe Rockaway River and waterfall can look dramatic after rainfall, but trails and rocks may also become more hazardous.

Visitor & Lodging Advertising Opportunities

Hotels in the surrounding area, attractions, event organizers, tour providers and visitor-focused businesses can reach people planning a Boonton trip through paid NJTGO placements.

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Featured AttractionHighlight a museum, gallery, entertainment venue, recreation business or visitor experience.
Event PromotionReach visitors planning around a festival, market, performance or seasonal event.
Visitor Business SpotlightShowcase a restaurant, retailer or service that complements a day trip to Boonton.
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Nearby Communities

Boonton Township Montville Mountain Lakes Parsippany Denville

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