Coolest Underground Attractions in New Jersey

Beneath the bustling surface of New Jersey lies a world of hidden wonders, waiting to be discovered by intrepid explorers and curious adventurers. From forgotten tunnels to secret passageways, the Garden State is home to a wealth of underground marvels that offer a glimpse into its rich history and storied past.

1. Sterling Hill Mining Museum (Ogdensburg):

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Delve deep into the earth's crust at the Sterling Hill Mining Museum in Ogdensburg. This former zinc mine turned museum offers guided tours that take visitors on a journey through underground tunnels and caverns, where they can learn about the history of mining in New Jersey and discover the colorful array of minerals found beneath the surface.

2. Laird's Applejack Distillery (Scobeyville):

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Uncover the hidden history of New Jersey's oldest distillery at Laird's Applejack Distillery in Scobeyville. Beneath the historic buildings and rolling hills lies a network of underground aging cellars, where barrels of apple brandy and whiskey have been aging for generations. Visitors can take guided tours of the distillery and explore the labyrinthine tunnels that house these aging spirits.

3. Sandy Hook Proving Ground (Sandy Hook):

Photo byTom McLaughlin/Burst

Explore the underground bunkers and tunnels of the Sandy Hook Proving Ground, a former military installation dating back to the 19th century. Built to test military munitions and equipment, the proving ground is now a national park where visitors can wander through the abandoned bunkers and discover the secrets of its underground passageways.

4. Abandoned Subway Tunnel (Hoboken):

Photo byPeter Shilling/Burst

Venture beneath the streets of Hoboken to discover the remnants of an abandoned subway tunnel that was once part of a proposed transportation system connecting New Jersey and New York City. Though the project was never completed, the tunnel remains as a haunting reminder of the city's forgotten past, offering urban explorers a glimpse into what might have been.

5. Batsto Village (Hammonton):

Photo byLola Consuela/Burst

Step back in time at Batsto Village in Hammonton, where underground iron mines once fueled the region's economy. Visitors can explore the remnants of these mines, including the underground tunnels and shafts that once buzzed with activity. Guided tours provide insight into the history of mining in New Jersey and the lives of the workers who toiled beneath the earth's surface.