Millburn & Short Hills Visiting & Lodging
Plan a visit to Millburn Township, including Short Hills, with Broadway-caliber theater, walkable downtown dining and shopping, historic commuter villages, nature preserves, regional luxury shopping and easy NJ TRANSIT rail access.
NJTGO uses this Millburn page as the shared visitor guide for both Millburn and Short Hills.
2 Rail StationsMillburn and Short Hills stations serve the Morris & Essex rail corridor.
5–10 Minute WalkMillburn Station is within easy walking distance of Paper Mill Playhouse.
150+ Shops & RestaurantsThe Mall at Short Hills is a major regional shopping destination.
Nature in TownCora Hartshorn Arboretum offers woodland trails in Short Hills.
Why Visit Millburn & Short Hills?
Paper Mill PlayhouseMillburn's nationally recognized professional theater is the township's signature cultural attraction and makes an easy centerpiece for a dinner-and-show visit.
Downtown MillburnRestaurants, bakeries, shops, services, Taylor Park and the rail station create a compact downtown that is easy to explore on foot.
Short Hills VillageThe historic Tudor-style station area around Chatham Road offers a distinctive commuter-village setting with neighborhood businesses and residential architecture.
Cora Hartshorn ArboretumA woodland arboretum and bird sanctuary in Short Hills with trails, environmental education and the Stone House visitor facility.
The Mall at Short HillsA major North Jersey luxury shopping destination with more than 150 shops and restaurants at 1200 Morris Turnpike.
South Mountain ReservationThe large Essex County reservation borders Millburn and provides hiking, scenic areas, carriage roads and access to a much broader regional park system.
Paper Mill Playhouse
Paper Mill Playhouse at 22 Brookside Drive is one of New Jersey's best-known professional theaters. Visitors can make the performance part of a larger Millburn outing by arriving early for Downtown Millburn dining and shopping or by taking NJ TRANSIT to Millburn Station.
Arrive EarlyPaper Mill recommends allowing extra time for parking and ticket pickup. Adjacent paid parking fills quickly on popular performance dates.
Come by TrainMillburn Station is approximately a 5–10 minute walk from the theater on the Morris & Essex rail corridor.
Free Evening ShuttlePaper Mill currently operates a complimentary shuttle from designated Millburn parking areas beginning before performances and continuing after the show.
Dining Before the ShowDowntown Millburn has Italian, contemporary American, Asian, Mexican, bakery, café and deli choices within a compact area.
2026 visitor note: Paper Mill's ticketing and audience-services operation is temporarily located at Paper Mill Studios, 20 Main Street in Downtown Millburn, while work is underway at the main campus. Performance and visitor arrangements can change, so check Paper Mill's current instructions before your visit.
Cora Hartshorn Arboretum & Bird Sanctuary
Located at 324 Forest Drive South in Short Hills, Cora Hartshorn Arboretum offers a quiet contrast to the township's shopping and theater districts. Its trails cross wooded terrain shaped by glacial features and support native plants, trees, birds and other wildlife.
Woodland TrailsThe Arboretum maintains roughly three miles of trails through approximately 16 acres of woodland.
Daily Trail AccessCurrent visitor information lists the trails as open daily from dawn to dusk.
Stone HouseThe visitor building currently operates 9 AM–4 PM daily, although access can be limited during summer camp activities.
Trail RulesVisitors should remain on trails, leave natural materials in place and note that dogs and other domestic animals are prohibited on the grounds.
Shopping & Downtown Experiences
Downtown MillburnWalk Millburn Avenue, Main Street and Essex Street for independent shops, food, personal services and community activity.
The Mall at Short HillsThe regional shopping center at 1200 Morris Turnpike combines luxury retail, national brands, restaurants and the Eataly Short Hills marketplace.
Short Hills Station DistrictExplore the commercial area around the Tudor-style rail station and Chatham Road for neighborhood-scale dining and services.
Upper Millburn AvenueThis Short Hills district combines restaurants, bakeries, wellness, fashion, enrichment and neighborhood services.
Parks, Trails & Outdoor Time
Taylor ParkLocated beside Downtown Millburn, Taylor Park offers lawn space, the pond, recreation facilities, walking and an easy break between shopping or dining stops.
South Mountain ReservationOne of Essex County's major natural areas, with a broad trail network, scenic terrain and connections to regional recreation.
Gero ParkA Short Hills recreation complex with township recreation facilities and seasonal programming.
Hobart Avenue ParkA neighborhood recreation area in Short Hills with play and field space.
Events & Seasonal Activity
Millburn and Short Hills host community events, downtown promotions, live entertainment, family programs, shopping events and seasonal activities throughout the year. Paper Mill Playhouse adds a full professional performance calendar, while Cora Hartshorn Arboretum offers nature and environmental programs.
Downtown ProgramsExplore Millburn-Short Hills organizes district promotions, special events and visitor-focused programming in the township's commercial areas.
Paper Mill PerformancesMusicals, special performances, educational programming and accessibility-focused events draw visitors throughout the theater season.
Arboretum ProgramsFamily, adult, preschool and community-science activities add seasonal nature programming in Short Hills.
Township RecreationCommunity recreation programs, concerts, sports and seasonal activities are offered across township parks and facilities.
Check the calendar: Dates, locations, closures and admission requirements can change. Confirm current event details with the organizing institution before traveling for a specific program.
Getting Here & Getting Around
| Option | Visitor Information |
|---|---|
| Millburn Station | 35 Essex Street in Downtown Millburn. Serves the Morris & Essex rail corridor and is convenient to downtown dining, Taylor Park and Paper Mill Playhouse. |
| Short Hills Station | 25 Chatham Road in Short Hills Village. Serves the Morris & Essex corridor and provides direct access to the historic station district. |
| Arriving by Car | Routes 24 and 78 provide major regional access, with Morris Turnpike, Millburn Avenue and local roads connecting the township's districts. |
| Walking | Downtown Millburn is the easiest visitor district to explore on foot. The Short Hills Station area is also compact, while the Mall, Arboretum and many residential areas are more car-oriented. |
| Bicycles | NJ TRANSIT currently lists bicycle racks or lockers at both Millburn and Short Hills stations. Follow current station and municipal parking rules. |
Visitor Parking
Downtown Pay-by-PlateMillburn uses pay-by-plate stations and mobile payment in designated downtown spaces and municipal lots. Time limits vary by location.
Current Public RatesThe Township currently lists hourly pay-by-plate parking at $0.25 per 30 minutes and designated all-day parking at $10. Always confirm posted signs.
Paper Mill EveningsPaper Mill identifies designated station and town parking areas that can be used for its complimentary performance shuttle during eligible evening and weekend periods.
Overnight ParkingTownship rules generally prohibit parking on streets and in municipal lots from 2 AM to 6 AM except where a valid 24-hour permit or special permission applies.
Parking changes: Visitor spaces, pay-station rules, event restrictions and commuter-lot access vary by location and time. Read posted signs and check the Township parking information before relying on a specific lot.
Where to Stay
Millburn Township has limited conventional hotel inventory, but Short Hills contains a full-service hotel and several additional hotels are available in nearby communities. Downtown Millburn itself functions primarily as a theater, dining and shopping district rather than a hotel district.
In Millburn Township
Hilton Short Hills
41 John F. Kennedy Parkway
Short Hills, NJ 07078 973-379-0100 Full-service Short Hills hotel near The Mall at Short Hills with dining, meeting space, fitness facilities and indoor/outdoor pools.
Short Hills, NJ 07078 973-379-0100 Full-service Short Hills hotel near The Mall at Short Hills with dining, meeting space, fitness facilities and indoor/outdoor pools.
Nearby Hotel
The Grand Summit Hotel
570 Springfield Avenue
Summit, NJ 07901 908-273-3000 Historic hotel near Downtown Summit and Summit Station, southwest of Short Hills.
Summit, NJ 07901 908-273-3000 Historic hotel near Downtown Summit and Summit Station, southwest of Short Hills.
Nearby Boutique Hotel
Archer Hotel Florham Park
130 Park Avenue
Florham Park, NJ 07932 862-286-7000 Boutique hotel with rooms and suites, indoor pool, dining and meeting/event space northwest of Short Hills.
Florham Park, NJ 07932 862-286-7000 Boutique hotel with rooms and suites, indoor pool, dining and meeting/event space northwest of Short Hills.
NJTGO lodging listing policy: A basic lodging listing may include the property name, lodging type, town, address, phone number and a brief factual description. Website links, booking links, expanded descriptions, photos, logos, packages and featured placement are paid enhancements.
Plan a Theater Day in Millburn
Arrive in Downtown MillburnTake NJ TRANSIT to Millburn Station or park in a designated visitor space and begin around Essex Street, Main Street and Millburn Avenue.
Explore DowntownBrowse local shops, walk through Taylor Park or stop for coffee, bakery items or a casual lunch.
Dine Before the PerformanceChoose from Italian, American, Asian, Mexican, deli and other dining options within the downtown area.
Walk to Paper Mill PlayhouseAllow enough time to reach the theater, handle tickets and settle in before curtain.
Plan a Short Hills Day
Start at Cora Hartshorn ArboretumEnjoy a woodland walk and explore the Short Hills natural landscape.
Visit Short Hills VillageSee the historic station area, Tudor-style commercial buildings and neighborhood businesses around Chatham Road.
Shop or DineContinue to Upper Millburn Avenue, Morris Turnpike or The Mall at Short Hills for shopping, dining and specialty food.
Add Nearby Nature or DowntownFinish with South Mountain Reservation or cross the township for dinner or a performance in Downtown Millburn.
Nearby Attractions & Day Trips
MaplewoodNeighboring Maplewood offers a walkable Village center, Memorial Park, restaurants, shopping and its own NJ TRANSIT station.
South OrangeSOPAC, Seton Hall University, a walkable downtown and two rail stations are just northeast of Millburn.
SummitA substantial downtown, NJ TRANSIT station, restaurants, shopping and cultural attractions lie southwest of Short Hills.
West OrangeSouth Mountain Recreation Complex, Turtle Back Zoo and additional Essex County attractions are north of the township.
NewarkNJPAC, Prudential Center, museums, Newark Penn Station and Newark Liberty International Airport are within the broader regional travel area.
New York CityThe Morris & Essex rail corridor makes Manhattan a practical addition to a longer North Jersey stay.
Visitor Planning Tips
Use Rail for Theater VisitsMillburn Station makes it possible to combine downtown dining and Paper Mill Playhouse without relying entirely on a car.
Reserve Lodging EarlyLarge theater weekends, weddings, holidays and regional events can increase demand at the relatively small number of nearby hotels.
Check Paper Mill InstructionsPerformance schedules, box-office arrangements, parking and shuttle operations should be confirmed for your specific date.
Wear Appropriate Trail ShoesCora Hartshorn and South Mountain Reservation include natural surfaces, hills and wooded terrain.
Read Parking SignsCommuter, resident, hourly, all-day and event parking rules can differ between nearby spaces.
Make It a Township-Wide VisitDowntown Millburn and Short Hills offer different experiences and are worth combining when time allows.
Official & Community Visitor Resources
Explore Millburn-Short HillsCurrent events, business districts, visitor information and local programs.
Explore the Five DistrictsVisitor overview of Downtown Millburn, Short Hills Station, Upper Millburn Avenue, Wyoming and Morris Turnpike.
Paper Mill Playhouse Visitor GuideCurrent performances, directions, parking, accessibility and visitor information.
Cora Hartshorn ArboretumCurrent hours, trail rules and visitor information.
Millburn Township ParkingCurrent municipal parking, pay-by-plate, commuter and overnight-parking information.
Millburn StationCurrent NJ TRANSIT rail, parking and station information.
Short Hills StationCurrent NJ TRANSIT rail, parking and station information.
South Mountain ReservationOfficial Essex County park, trail and recreation information.
Promote a Millburn or Short Hills Visitor Business
Hotels, attractions, transportation providers and visitor-service businesses can contact NJTGO to add or correct a basic listing or ask about enhanced placement, photos, website links and promotional visibility across the shared Millburn–Short Hills page set.
Submit or Correct a Listing Advertising Information