The elevator at Thomas Edison's Laboratory Complex is out of service. The 2nd and 3rd floors of the Main Laboratory - Building 5 can still be accessed by staircases on either end of the building.





Thomas Edison National Historical Park
New Jersey
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.
About Thomas Edison National Historical Park
Thomas Edison National Historical Park is a national historical park located in New Jersey. 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.
From the Garden State Parkway take exit 145 or from the New Jersey Turnpike take Exit 15W to Route 280 West. Take Route 280 West to Exit 10. Turn right onto Northfield Avenue. At second light turn left onto Main Street. Go about 0.75 mile to parking on left and Laboratory Complex on the right. From Route 280 East take exit 9. Turn left onto Mt. Pleasant Avenue. At second traffic light turn left onto Main Street. Go about 0.50 mile to parking on left and Laboratory Complex on the right.
💰 Entrance Fees & Passes
The general entrance fee for Thomas Edison starts at $10 (which commonly covers entry for a single private vehicle and passengers for up to 7 consecutive days). The park offers several fee options: Entrance - Education/Academic Groups ($10), Entrance - Per Person ($15). If you plan to visit multiple national parks this year, purchasing the America the Beautiful National Parks Annual Pass ($80) is highly cost-effective, as general entry to most parks will quickly offset the pass cost.
🥾 Things to Do
Thomas Edison National Historical Park offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Guided Tours, Self-Guided Tours - Walking, Junior Ranger Program, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.
📦 Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist
Custom items selected for activities at Thomas Edison
📋 Visitor Planning Tips for Thomas Edison
- →Beat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of Thomas Edison before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
- →Monitor Active Alerts: There are currently 1 active alerts for Thomas Edison. Keep an eye on the alert notifications at the top of this guide for crucial information regarding closures or safety issues.
- →Leave No Trace: Help protect the delicate ecosystems of Thomas Edison. Stay on marked trails, pack out all of your waste, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Thomas Edison
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.
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