Step Back in Time at Howell Living History Farm
In the picturesque landscape outside Lambertville, New Jersey, just a short drive from New Hope, Pennsylvania, lies Howell Living History Farm. This unique attraction provides a vivid depiction of farm life between 1890 and 1910, offering visitors not just a glimpse, but a full immersion into the past. The farm's history stretches back nearly 300 years, with its last owner, Inez Howell, generously gifting the property to Mercer County in 1974. Today, it is operated by the Mercer County Park Commission and attracts around 65,000 visitors annually.
Spanning 126 acres within the 267-acre Pleasant Valley Historical Park, Howell Farm is part of a larger historical district that includes a one-room schoolhouse, a late Revolutionary War period farmhouse, a cemetery, and archaeological sites of a blacksmith shop, gristmill and two sawmills. Unlike traditional museums or reenactments, Howell Farm functions as a living, breathing farm, preserving and practicing the agricultural methods of the early 20th century. Visitors can engage directly with history, aided by knowledgeable volunteers in charming period attire.
Howell Farm's calendar is packed with special Saturday events that run throughout the year. These events provide hands-on experiences that reflect the seasonal rhythms of a historic farm. In winter, guests can harvest ice blocks from a frozen pond and participate in maple tapping and sugaring. Springtime activities include garden work, corn planting, and beehive tending. The fall season invites visitors to make apple cider, thresh wheat, and harvest corn, all using traditional tools and methods powered by human and animal labor.
Among the many attractions at Howell Farm, the annual corn maze stands out. This 4-acre maze features 2 miles of winding paths, a bridge and a lookout tower, challenging visitors with a maze game full of hidden clues. The surrounding courtyard buzzes with seasonal fun, including a pumpkin patch, food tents and hayrides, making it a must-visit place for old fashioned fall fun.
Additionally, Howell Farm offers educational programs led by expert naturalists. These programs provide an up-close look at essential ecosystem inhabitants such as swallows, bats, owls and various insects. Understanding these creatures' roles in the environment deepens visitors' appreciation of the delicate balance that farmers maintain to raise crops and animals successfully.
When you stay with us at the Inn at Bowman's Hill in quaint New Hope, Pennsylvania, cross over the Delaware River into New Jersey and take a trip back in time with a visit to Howell Living History Farm — a vibrant, interactive experience where the past comes to life. Whether harvesting ice in winter, planting corn in spring or exploring the corn maze in autumn, you'll find a unique and educational adventure waiting for you at Howell Farm.
