Originally, the Minisink Indians called this area, “Alamatunk” which meant “black earth bottom” for Black River, which was the original name for Chester.  By the time 1799 came, the Black River settlement was stable and prosperous.  With more than 8,000 residents, Chester Township continues to emphasize the preservation of open space, with more than 30 percent of its land designated as such. Most of the town’s undeveloped land falls under large-lot zoning in an attempt to protect it from encroaching urbanization.

Martha Brookes Hutcheson was one of the first American female landscape architects in the U.S. She lived here on 100 acres which she and her husband named Merchiston Farm. She transformed the property into an oasis with a five-acre garden that included a reflecting pool, waterfalls and collections of colorful flowers. She had a distinct style, incorporating native plants in all of her designs and, in 1923, she published The Spirit of the Garden, a book about gardens she designed to showcase her principles of landscape architecture. Merchiston Farm remained her home until her death in 1959. The property was donated to the Morris County Park Commission in 1972 and is now known as Bamboo Brook. The gardens were placed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places in 1989.

Area farms sell luscious berries, apples, peaches, strawberries, vegetables and baked goods. Shoppers can choose to visit places like Alstede’s Farms, Hacklebarney Farm Cider Mill, Riamede, Stony Hill Farms and Greenhouses and others to pick their own or just enjoy all of the wonderful produce from these farms.  Many of the farms offer corn mazes and hayrides in the fall and other special events throughout the year. Set on the Black River, the Cooper Grist Mill is a working, water-powered, historical mill. They produce flour and run guided tours/events. Their parking lot provides access to Patriots Path.  Morrisparks.net

Chubb Park is the site of the 4H fair every summer.  Black River Park, home to the Nathan Cooper Gristmill, is popular for biking, hiking and jogging in Chester Township.  Of course, there are the shops and restaurants in nearby Chester Borough, with over 100 retail establishments that serve the local residents and tourists. The Streets of Chester shopping mall is located on U.S. Route 26.  Here’s a helpful website I LOVE CHESTER

There are two gardens well worth the visit: Bamboo Brook and Willowwood Arboretum, both operated by the Morris County Park Commission. The Elizabeth D. Kay Environmental Center, formerly Hidden River Farm, is also open to visitors.  Morrisparks.net

For a complete list of Chester parks, visit this site.

Read about Chester Township and 38 other great Morris County towns in our Towns Blog