Rutgers University Google Maps Travel Guide

Introduction

Rutgers University is a premier educational institution located in New Jersey, USA. It is also a prime destination for travelers seeking adventure, history, culture, and natural beauty. This comprehensive travel guide will help you explore the best that Rutgers has to offer, from top attractions to hidden gems, food scene to budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures to family-friendly activities, and much more. So, let’s get started!

Top Attractions

1. Rutgers Gardens

Rutgers Gardens is a 180-acre botanical garden that offers a range of experiences, from formal gardens to natural woodlands, ponds, and streams. You can take a guided tour, attend a workshop or event, or simply stroll around and enjoy the beauty of nature.

2. Zimmerli Art Museum

The Zimmerli Art Museum is one of the largest and most prestigious university museums in the country. It houses collections of American, European, and Russian art, as well as contemporary art, prints, and photographs. Admission is free, and there are always new exhibitions to explore.

3. Old Queens

Old Queens is the oldest building on Rutgers’ campus and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was built in 1809 and has served as the administrative hub of the university ever since. You can take a guided tour of the building and learn about its rich history.

Hidden Gems

1. Scarlet Knight statue

The Scarlet Knight statue is a hidden gem located near the football stadium. It is a bronze sculpture of a knight on horseback, and it is a popular spot for photos and selfies.

2. Passion Puddle

Passion Puddle is a scenic pond located near the Livingston campus. It is a popular spot for picnics, walks, and relaxation. The name comes from a tradition where couples who kiss at the pond are said to be blessed with a long and happy relationship.

3. Kirkpatrick Chapel

Kirkpatrick Chapel is a beautiful Gothic-style chapel that is located on the College Avenue campus. It was built in 1873 and is now used for weddings, concerts, and other events. It is also a popular spot for photos.

Food Scene

1. Stuff Yer Face

Stuff Yer Face is a popular restaurant that serves Italian food and is famous for its stromboli. It has been a Rutgers institution since 1977 and is a favorite spot for students and locals alike.

2. Harvest Moon Brewery & Cafe

Harvest Moon Brewery & Cafe is a brewpub that serves craft beer and American food. It has a cozy atmosphere and is a great place to hang out with friends.

3. Hidden Grounds Coffee

Hidden Grounds Coffee is a specialty coffee shop that serves high-quality coffee and tea. It has a laid-back vibe and is a great place to study or work.

Budget-Friendly Tips

1. Free Campus Tours

Rutgers offers free campus tours that are led by current students. You can learn about the history and culture of the university, as well as get a sense of what it’s like to be a student there.

2. Free Museums

As mentioned earlier, admission to the Zimmerli Art Museum is free. Additionally, the Jane Voorhees Zimmerli Art Museum and the Geology Museum are also free to the public.

3. Discounted Movie Tickets

The Rutgers Cinema offers discounted movie tickets to students and faculty. It is a great way to catch the latest blockbuster without breaking the bank.

Outdoor Adventures

1. Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park

The Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park is a 70-mile-long park that offers hiking, biking, fishing, and boating opportunities. It is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of campus life.

2. Rutgers Ecological Preserve

The Rutgers Ecological Preserve is a 360-acre nature reserve that is located on the Livingston campus. It offers hiking trails, birdwatching, and other outdoor activities.

3. Johnson Park

Johnson Park is a 473-acre park that is located near the College Avenue campus. It offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and a lake for fishing and boating.

Historical Landmarks

1. Kirkpatrick Chapel

As mentioned earlier, Kirkpatrick Chapel is a beautiful Gothic-style chapel that is located on the College Avenue campus. It is a historic landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

2. Old Queens

Old Queens, as mentioned earlier, is the oldest building on Rutgers’ campus and is also a historic landmark. It has played a significant role in the history of the university and the state of New Jersey.

3. Henry Rutgers Statue

The Henry Rutgers Statue is a bronze sculpture of the university’s namesake, Henry Rutgers. It is located near the Old Queens building and is a popular spot for photos.

Family-Friendly Activities

1. Rutgers Gardens Children’s Programs

Rutgers Gardens offers a range of children’s programs, including nature walks, garden tours, and art workshops. It is a great way to introduce kids to the beauty of nature.

2. Rutgers Geology Museum

The Rutgers Geology Museum is a family-friendly museum that offers interactive exhibits and displays of fossils, minerals, and rocks. It is a great place for kids to learn about the earth and its history.

3. Rutgers Recreation Kid’s Camp

The Rutgers Recreation Kid’s Camp is a summer camp program that offers a range of activities, including swimming, sports, arts and crafts, and more. It is a great way for kids to stay active and make new friends.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

1. Rutgers Ecological Preserve Night Hike

The Rutgers Ecological Preserve offers a night hike program where you can explore the preserve after dark and learn about nocturnal animals and their habitats.

2. Rutgers Farm Markets

The Rutgers Farm Markets are a series of farmers’ markets that are held on campus throughout the year. They offer fresh produce, baked goods, and other local products.

3. Rutgers Muddy Marathon

The Rutgers Muddy Marathon is an annual event that takes place on the Livingston campus. It is a 5K obstacle course race that is designed to test your endurance and strength.

Natural Wonders

1. Raritan River

The Raritan River is a 90-mile-long river that flows through central New Jersey. It is a beautiful natural wonder that offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and hiking.

2. Sourland Mountain Preserve

The Sourland Mountain Preserve is a 4,000-acre nature reserve that is located near the Rutgers campus. It offers hiking trails, birdwatching, and other outdoor activities.

3. Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

The Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is a 7,800-acre wildlife preserve that is located near the Rutgers campus. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and foxes.

Vibrant Nightlife

1. The Olive Branch

The Olive Branch is a popular bar and restaurant that is located near the College Avenue campus. It offers a range of drinks and food, as well as live music and events.

2. Scarlet Pub

The Scarlet Pub is a classic Rutgers bar that has been around since 1963. It offers a range of beers, food, and events, and is a favorite spot for students and alumni.

3. Old Bay Restaurant

The Old Bay Restaurant is a Cajun-style restaurant that offers a range of seafood, drinks, and events. It has a fun and lively atmosphere and is a great place to hang out with friends.

Local Markets

1. Rutgers Farm Markets

As mentioned earlier, the Rutgers Farm Markets are a series of farmers’ markets that are held on campus throughout the year. They offer fresh produce, baked goods, and other local products.

2. Highland Park Farmers Market

The Highland Park Farmers Market is a local farmers’ market that is held on Fridays from May to November. It offers a range of fresh produce, baked goods, and other local products.