Thomas Edison National Historical Park
Today, the brick buildings on Main Street in West Orange, NJ seem quiet, betraying little evidence of the research, development, and innovation of their heyday.
Photo: NPS Photo / NPS
About Thomas Edison National Historical Park
Today, the brick buildings on Main Street in West Orange, NJ seem quiet, betraying little evidence of the research, development, and innovation of their heyday. Visitors can step back in time to Thomas Edison’s home and laboratory, when machines were run by belts and pulleys and music was played on phonographs. Discover where America’s greatest inventor changed our world forever.
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Driving times from Thomas Edison National Historical Park, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.
Entrance fees
Entrance - Education/Academic Groups
$10.00THIS GUIDED WALKING TOUR IS FOR Elementary, Middle, and College Groups to learn about Thomas Edison’s West Orange Laboratory as a working invention factory where ideas became products, and those products became industries we all enjoy today.
Entrance - Per Person
$15.00Children 15 and under free of charge. Visitors may pay the fee on the day of their visit at the visitor center, or may choose to pay it online via Recreation.gov. Visitors to Glenmont and the Edison home must also pay this entrance fee. Credit or debt card payments only.
Hours
Laboratory Complex
- Mon
- Closed
- Tue
- Closed
- Wed
- Closed
- Thu
- 10:00AM - 4:00PM
- Fri
- 10:00AM - 4:00PM
- Sat
- 10:00AM - 4:00PM
- Sun
- 10:00AM - 4:00PM
Activities
Getting there
Spring and Fall weather can be cool, while summer is usually warm and humid. Winter is frequently snowy and cold. It is recommended that visitors dress for the weather. Visitors may need jackets or rain gear as they will be walking between buildings as they tour the park during inclement weather. Please keep any rain gear/umbrellas with you during your visit.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to enter Thomas Edison National Historical Park?
- Entrance to Thomas Edison National Historical Park starts at $10. See the fees section above for each pass and vehicle type.
- What is there to do at Thomas Edison National Historical Park?
- Popular activities include Guided Tours, Junior Ranger Program, Self-Guided Tours - Walking.
- Which national parks are within a day's drive of Thomas Edison National Historical Park?
- Within about a day's drive you can reach Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park (26 min), Castle Clinton National Monument (28 min), African Burial Ground National Monument (28 min), Stonewall National Monument (29 min), National Parks of New York Harbor (29 min), Lower East Side Tenement Museum National Historic Site (30 min).