A day at the park just does the soul good, doesn’t it? It doesn’t matter what time of the year we get outdoors, we can never go wrong with breathing in the fresh air and reconnecting with nature. Fortunately, we have plenty of parks from which to choose when we’re up for a bit of exploration or relaxation. Duke Island Park in New Jersey, for example, feels like one of the state’s best kept secrets.

Discover a hidden gem when you make your way to Duke Island Park in Bridgewater Township, a 343-acre park that’s been delighting park-goers since the late 1950s.

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Bring your bike along or simply slip on a pair of comfy walking shoes, so you can explore one of the scenic trails that wind through the park.

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You never know what you’ll run across - maybe a family of deer who pause when they see you biking or strolling by? The park is also popular for birdwatching.

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If you’re up for a bit of fishing, bring your gear along for angling in the Raritan River. In the winter, when the water’s frozen over, it becomes a magical ice skating rink.

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No matter the time of year you visit, you’ll find something to do - from admiring colorful wildflowers in the spring to cross-countrying skiing after a fresh snowfall in the winter.

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The park is also home to five picnic areas, including one that is wheelchair accessible.

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If the kids are coming along, kick back and relax as they play at the playground that features all of the favorites, including a winding slide.

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Find more information about Duke Island Park on the official website of Somerset County Park Commission.

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Have you been to Duke Island Park in New Jersey? What’s your favorite activity? Share your experience in the comments! Ready for some more outdoor fun? Here are 12 state parks in New Jersey that will knock your socks off.

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Address: Duke Island Park, 191 Old York Rd, Bridgewater Township, NJ 08807, USA