Hartshorne Woods Park  

200 Hartshorne Road, Locust (Middletown Township), NJ 07760  

732-842-4000, ext. 4312   
Grounds and parking lot open at 7 a.m. daily, year round.  
Closing time is 8:30 p.m. through April 28; 9 p.m. April 29-May 26; and 9:30 p.m. May 27-July 21.
      

Welcome to Historic Portland Place   

Once a 200-acre farm, and later a summer home, Portland Place was owned by the Hartshorne family for most of its long history. Portland Place is closely interwoven with the early settlement of the Navesink Highlands, the Hartshorne family, and the lands that are now Hartshorne Woods Park. Located on a magnificent site overlooking the Navesink River, the restored 18th century house, furnishings, art and exhibits help tell the story of the region’s history and the Hartshorne family legacy in Monmouth County.

Early Settlers   

Richard Hartshorne (1641-1722), an English Quaker, arrived in New Jersey in the late 17th century, and began his acquisition of nearly 2,400 acres of the Navesink Highlands, Bayshore and the Sandy Hook peninsula. Richard Hartshorne’s son William acquired the 200-acre farm that became known as Portland Place.

Cabin to Country Place   

The original cabin, now the dining room, was a 1½ story Dutch framed pioneer house built around 1720. It was expanded and altered incrementally over its long history, becoming a large farmhouse and then transformed into a handsome country place. The historic character of the house and grounds remain intact.
   

Preserving a Legacy     

Historic Portland Place is listed on the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places. The buildings and gardens have undergone extensive restoration and public access improvements by the Park System, with funding assistance from the Daniel Ward Seitz Bequest and a donation to the Friends of the Parks from the Estate of Doris Scheuing. Adjacent properties, which were historically part of Portland Place, have been acquired resulting in a 15-acre County Park Historic Site within Hartshorne Woods Park.

Visitor Center   

The Visitor Center is next to the house in a 19th century restored barn adapted for new use. Interpretive panels illustrate the story of Portland Place and the Hartshorne family along with the early settlement of the Navesink Highlands, its growth as a destination for vacationers and artists, and the area’s rich agricultural and maritime history.

 

Artistic Inspiration   

The scenic beauty of the Navesink Highlands, with its forested bluffs and coastal light reflected off the surrounding river and bay, has long inspired artists and writers. The Hartshorne family collected and commissioned artwork by several prominent American and British painters. Examples are on view in the house and Visitor Center.

Coastal Forest and Vistas  

Visitors may relax and enjoy the expansive views of the Navesink River from several vantage points along the bluff. River access is not permitted from the property. Eight adjacent acres of century forest, historically part of Portland Place, thrive today as habitat for sensitive wildlife and stately tulip trees. Currently, there is no pedestrian trail access in this area.

Public Programs   

Programs focusing on history, preservation, art, literature, horticulture, and passive recreation inspired by the site, will be offered. Registration will be limited; please check our Programs & Registration page for listings.
    

Access  

Portland Place Visitor Center, patio, walkways, and main floor are accessible to visitors of all abilities. Accommodations, using interpretive materials, will be available for the second-floor rooms, which are only accessible by stairs.

On-site Parking  

Limited on-site parking is available for visitors to Portland Place. Ride sharing is encouraged.  If you are planning to hike in Hartshorne Woods Park, please park at Rocky Point, Claypit Creek, or Buttermilk Valley access points.

Volunteer with Us   

Volunteer docents and greeters are welcome to work alongside staff to assist visitors on site. If you are interested in training to become a volunteer, please contact the Park System volunteer office at 732-842-4000, ext. 4283, or visit the Volunteers in Parks page.

In accordance with New Jersey’s Smoke Free Air Act, all Monmouth County parks are tobacco free. The ban applies to cigarettes, pipes, cigars, e-cigarettes, and vaporize cigarettes, as well as smokeless tobacco such as snuff and chew.  

Directions   

State Hwy. 35 to Navesink River Rd. (north of Cooper Avenue Bridge, Red Bank.) Northbound, turn right. Southbound, use jug handle to make left turn. Travel east on Navesink River Road and continue on Locust Point Road. Turn right onto Locust Avenue and cross the bridge. At the intersection (landmark – All Saints Memorial Church), turn onto Navesink Avenue, then quick right onto Hartshorne Road. Park entrance is at 200 Hartshorne Road on the right.

From points North: Garden State Parkway to Exit 117. Follow Route 36 East to Valley Drive East. At intersection (landmark – All Saints Memorial Church), turn left onto Navesink Avenue, then quick right onto Hartshorne Road. Park entrance is at 200 Hartshorne Road on the right.