Would you like to to explore scenic, historical or cultural Princeton? Indoors, outdoors or virtual, we have something for everyone, whether you plan to spend an hour or the entire day.
Find information on events, shopping, and more via Experience Princeton.
Walking Tours
Visit the Historical Society of Princeton’s website to take a walk through the Witherspoon-Jackson Historic District on “The Albert E. Hinds Memorial Walking Tour: African American Life in Princeton,” narrated by Shirley Satterfield, a longtime Princetonian and local historian. You can also explore Hamilton’s Princeton and more as virtual tours.
Take the Witherspoon-Jackson Historical and Cultural Society’s Heritage Plaque tour of the historic Witherspoon-Jackson district.
There are a number of university walking tours available through GuidiGo, online or through the app. Topics include stories of women, traditions, African American life, “Firsts,” and Asian American life. You can also explore tours of outdoor art with the University Art Museum.
Visit the many sites that are part of the Arts Council of Princeton’s Tour of the Public Art Around Town.
Just for Kids
For little ones who need to blow off some steam, Maggie’s Park on Spruce Street and the playground at the Princeton YM/YWCA on Paul Robeson Place are within walking distance of the library. Also nearby, a short drive will take you to Marquand Park which features open fields and large sandbox. A more comprehensive list of Princeton parks can be found here. After exploring our third floor collections, you may also want to visit the Cotsen Children’s Library on the Princeton University Campus. You can find their hours here.
Princeton Cemetery
The historic cemetery of Nassau Presbyterian Church was established in 1757. Located across Wiggins Street from the library, the entrance is on Greenview Avenue. Use the brochure and map, available online to locate the final resting places of some notable Princetonians such as Aaron Burr and Grover Cleveland. You can also search digitized interment records and view an interactive map.
Princeton University Art Museum
The world class art museum, is centrally located on the Princeton University campus. A new museum building is scheduled to open Oct. 31, but the virtual museum is always available. The museum features permanent collections as well as special exhibitions, free virtual programs, and in-person Campus Collections outdoor walking tours. Visit the historic Bainbridge House on Nassau Street to visit the museum’s gallery project Art@Bainbridge.
Morven Museum & Garden
Library cardholders can reserve a free pass to visit Morven Museum and Garden through our Museum Pass Program. Built by one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, Richard Stockton, this was his family home as well as the home of five New Jersey governors. Visit the permanent exhibits, tour the gardens, or see the current exhibitions. There is a modest entrance fee.
Films, Performances and More
In addition to events happening at the library, you can find many programs, talks, concerts and more at locations throughout town, including The Garden Theatre, McCarter Theatre Center, Princeton Symphony Orchestra, Arts Council of Princeton and others. Various University departments, clubs and other groups host events on the Princeton University campus as well. Additional events calendars are available through Experience Princeton and Princeton Online.
Revolutionary War Princeton
Learn about Princeton’s role in and contributions to the Revolutionary War. Visit Princeton Battlefield State Park, Princeton Battle Monument, Nassau Hall and the statue of John Witherspoon on the University campus, and the Morven Museum & Garden.
Get Outdoors
Take a walk along the Delaware-Raritan Canal towpath, stroll around Carnegie Lake, explore the trails in the Institute Woods, Herrontown Woods Arboretum or in the Mountain Lakes Open Space Area. These locations are a short drive from the library. Parking is available.
Check out Nature Explorer backpacks for adults and kids through our Library of Things.
Paul Robeson
The actor, singer, athlete and social justice activist Paul Robeson grew up in the Witherspoon-Jackson neighborhood, and his childhood home, at 110 Witherspoon St., is the future site of a museum honoring his legacy. A statue of Robeson sits in front of the Arts Council of Princeton at the intersection of Witherspoon Street and Paul Robeson Place. The library also has a bust of Robeson in the Princeton Room, sculpted by his friend Antonio Salemme.
Albert Einstein
Einstein’s residence at 112 Mercer St., where he lived from 1935-1955, is a private home and can be viewed from the street. A bust of Einstein can be found at the Princeton Battle Monument Park located at 55 Stockton St.
Gargoyles & Tigers
Princeton University features a variety of gargoyles (mostly grotesques) and tigers (and more tigers) on and around buildings on campus.