This Little Known Natural Oasis Is Hiding In New Jersey… And You’re Going To Love It

When you think of an outdoor oasis in New Jersey, one of our beautiful beaches or spectacular state parks probably comes to mind. Buttermilk Falls is a favorite, along with Wharton State Forest, but both of these lovely landscapes are well-known to most New Jerseyans. While I adore our more popular places, I also enjoy discovering new spots to explore. We have quite a few hidden natural gems, but one of the most surprising is located in the heart of one of our largest cities.

Wikipedia/Hgutierrez

An iconic landmark in the distance (slightly left of center, a barely visible Empire State Building) serves as a clue... It's Jersey City. Mere miles from Manhattan, this bustling city offers a thriving downtown, towering skyscrapers and a diverse population of nearly 260,000 residents. It also offers Reservoir No. 3.

Flickr/WallyGobetz

The 14-acre reservoir was completed in 1874 and was used to provide drinking water to the surrounding area until the 1980s. The reservoir was initially drained and abandoned, but nature reclaimed the space. It now acts as an urban wildlife preserve and is home to numerous plant and animal species including a thriving falcon population.

The reservoir is tucked away behind 20-foot stone walls and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is home to a stunning 6-acre lake and the once magnificent Mayan Gatehouse. The structure (pictured) was meant to mimic a Mayan temple with dual stairways, stunning glass windows and a slate roof with wrought iron detailing. The original roof is now gone, but the building is still a unique sight to see.

Facebook/Jersey City Reservoir

The Reservoir hosts a wide variety of activities including free kayaking days, a fishing club (for JC residents), Wild Jazz Adventure (captivating performances in a beautiful, natural setting), and more. Visitors can also enjoy hiking and endless photo opportunities.

JCReservoir/Bilyana Dimitrova.

Currently, only a portion of the reservoir is protected and some areas can still be snatched up to build businesses, condo complexes and more. The Jersey City Reservoir Preservation Alliance actively works to preserve this natural treasure, the three structures associated with it and the Egyptian Revival-style stone walls surrounding it. To learn more about their mission, click here.

For an aerial view of the reservoir with a focus on the urban surroundings, enjoy this 6-minute video from Project Reservoir, directed by STEM Expeditions and captured by a drone. It gives you a sense of the area and helps you see what a hidden gem it really is.

To visit the reservoir, head to the intersection of Summit and Reservoir Avenues, where you will find the main gate. This is typically where tours depart and most guests enter. There is a second entrance on Jefferson Avenue. The reservoir is currently open for the season on Saturdays from 10-4, weather permitting. Admission is free.

Were you aware of the reservoir or what currently lies within it? Are you ready to explore? What is your favorite hidden natural oasis in New Jersey?