Summer is well underway but there is still time to visit Warren County’s unique attractions. Warren County Commissioner Director James R. Kern III did just that, touring Lakota Wolf Preserve and Camp Taylor Campground in Knowlton Township.

Since opening in 1998, Lakota Wolf Preserve, a nonprofit dedicated to the care of, and education about, wolves, bobcats, foxes, and lynx, has attracted thousands interested in seeing these animals in a natural setting. It is located on part of the 400-acre Camp Taylor, a family campground that opened in the mid-1960s and now has about 150 sites as well as rustic and deluxe cabins.

“Tourism in Warren County enriches our region by highlighting attractions like the Lakota Wolf Preserve and Camp Taylor,” Kern said, adding, “These destinations not only boost our local economy but also promote an appreciation for wildlife and outdoor adventures, making our region a cherished destination for all. I encourage people near and far to Explore Warren!”

Other top attractions in Warren County include the family amusement park Land of Make Believe in Hope; Delaware River Railroad Excursions in Phillipsburg, with scenic rides along the river in vintage train cars pulled by a steam engine from Phillipsburg; and Jersey Ridge Soaring, offering glider rides from the Blairstown Airport.

Warren County is alive with activities, like this week’s 86th Annual Warren County Farmers’ Fair featuring the Hot Air Balloon Festival; the Day Out with Thomas weekend April 16-18 when Thomas the Tank Engine visits the Delaware River Railroad Excursions; the Knowlton Twp. Fire & Rescue Food Truck Festival on August 24; and the Warren County Antiques Show on August 24-25.

Plus, the wineries and breweries on the Warren County Grains & Grapes Trail are great to visit any time, hosting special events and entertainment, while local fresh produce – including our renowned sweet corn and Jersey tomatoes – is in season right now at Warren County’s many farm stands and farm markets.

Art Charlton, Director of the county’s Explore Warren tourism program, said attractions like these are great destinations for making summer memories.

“Our ExploreWarren.org website lists attractions as well as upcoming events, places to eat, unique shopping destinations, and entertainment offerings to fill your summer,” Charlton said.

Live entertainment venues including Centenary Stage Company’s Lackland Performing Arts Center, located at Centenary University in Hackettstown, and Roy’s Hall in Blairstown, an intimate venue that brings top touring bands in a wide variety of genres, have shows scheduled this month and beyond. There also are many outdoor summer music series throughout the county, including concerts at Shippen Manor in Oxford , Ramseysburg Historic Homestead in Knowlton, Lopatcong Music in the Park, and Phillipsburg’s weekly concert series in Shappell Park.

And Warren County charming downtowns of Blairstown, Hope, Hackettstown, Belvidere, Washington and Phillipsburg provide unique dining experiences and shopping opportunities.

Tourist season continues beyond the summer with:

• Belvidere’s Victorian Day on September 7
• Phillipsburg Railroad Festival on September 14
• Washington Borough’s Festival in the Borough on September 21 with the Warren County Hot Air Balloons, Fun & Games Festival at Warren Community College on September 21st and 22nd.
• Hackettstown’s Oktoberfest September 28-29.

Then pick-your-own apple season is just around the corner, followed by corn mazes, pumpkin-picking and other fall farm fun activities.

Find out about all these and more on our county’s tourism website, www.ExploreWarren.org.