Flemington: History, Gardens and Train Rides

In Flemington, local history, a historic criminal case, gardens, and railroad excursions offer different ways to shape a stay. Families can choose their own focus, from historic sites and walking trails to a classic train ride. The Saturday farmers’ market is another specific reason that makes Flemington an interesting destination.

History in Homes and at Historic Sites

The Samuel Fleming House was established in 2005 in Flemington’s first house as the Hunterdon County local history museum. The house’s name connects a visit to the museum with the history of the town; its focus is the county’s local past. The grounds include a garden originally designed in 2007 and maintained since then. It features a gazebo, the Carmen Grimes Memorial Garden, a carefully researched colonial medicinal garden, The Children's Corner, and a hidden seating area beside an arbor. Seasonal rose displays complement the garden design. The garden therefore centers on several named areas and features rather than a single, continuous theme.

Another historic site is the Hunterdon County Historic Courthouse and Jail. It is associated with the “Trial of the Century,” the notorious “Lindbergh Baby Kidnapping Trial.” Free tours of the Historic Courthouse and Jail are available by appointment. The Hunterdon County Historic Courthouse is currently open to the public during exhibitions on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., unless otherwise noted, and during special events. If you’re planning a visit, note the difference between a tour, which requires an appointment, and the stated opening hours during exhibitions.

The “Flemington Raid” historic marker commemorates a skirmish in December 1776 between Copper Hill and Larison's Corner. Captain John Schenck and his men attacked a British raiding party under Captain Geary there; Geary was killed and buried near the site of the skirmish. George Washington passed through the area in November 1780. The marker is on Route 30 at the entrance to Flemington from Ringoes: if you’re driving west, it is on the right, south of the Fleming Estate silhouette sign. This connects the historic commemoration to a precisely described roadside location.

Walks and Different Ways to Spend the Day

The Historic Flemington Trail is a self-guided tour covering one square mile and four centuries of history. It offers those who want to plan their own walk a different way to experience the town’s history than a tour that requires an appointment. There are also designated walking routes of one, two, or four miles through the walkable downtown and scenic parks. The three route lengths offer a clear choice for planning your day; the square mile covered by the Historic Flemington Trail refers to its area, not the length of a walking route.

Groups traveling together can choose among these activities based on their interests: those who want to explore historic events in greater depth can visit the Courthouse or the marker, while those who prefer to explore on their own can choose the Historic Flemington Trail or one of the designated walking routes. The garden at the Samuel Fleming House offers a different focus, with its gazebo, medicinal garden, arbor, and seasonal roses. These differences can help shape your stay around the experiences that matter to your travel group.

Train Rides and the Saturday Market

The Black River & Western Railroad offers another way to experience Flemington: its trains depart from Flemington Station in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. The Black River Limited is a classic round trip between Flemington and Ringoes, New Jersey. If you’re considering a train ride as part of your stay, you can include this clearly named excursion option in your travel plans.

The Stangl Factory Farmer's Market takes place on Saturdays at 50 Stangl Road in Flemington. Along with the historic sites, garden areas, walking trails, and railroad, the market offers another point of interest for your trip. When looking for a vacation rental in Flemington, you can start by asking which of these local experiences you want to shape your stay: historic discoveries, walking, a classic train ride, or a Saturday market visit.

Discover more nearby places: Lambertville, Readington Township, Lebanon, Frenchtown.

Go to the main travel overview: Hunterdon County.