Take A Walking Tour of the Village of Toms River

This walking tour is in beautiful downtown Toms River.  Here is where you will visit and see the architecture of the buildings and learn the history of Toms River, NJ. This tour is seven blocks and takes approximately an hour if no stops are made.

Begin at the Toms River Township Municipal Building located at 33 Washington Street. Usually there are publications at the reception desk of general interest. Be sure to pick-up a copy of the Historical Toms River Waterfront Walking Tour, a self-guided walk pointing out historic, privately owned homes along the Toms River Waterfront District on East Water Street. It starts in the area where this tour ends.
Town Hall is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (732) 341-1000

(2). Next door at 39 Washington Street is Bishop Memorial Library at the Ocean County Library headquarters. It houses a wealth of information about Ocean County and Toms River Township as well as genealogical materials. It is a most pleasant way to spend an afternoon relaxing and learning about the history of the area. On another day be sure to return to visit the Headquarters of the award winning library next door.
The Bishop Memorial Library is open Mondays through Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. On Mondays and Wednesdays, it also is open evenings until 9 p.m. (732) 349-6200

Cross the street north to 54 Washington Street where the Toms River High School Hall of Fame is located within the administrative offices. The hallway is lined with photographs, biographical information and other memorabilia about leading alumnus of Toms River High School. 
It is usually open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays. (732) 505-5545

Head east to the most imposing structure in the area, the 1850 Ocean County Courthouse at 118 Washington Street. It is easily identified by its five majestic columns styled in the "Greek Revival" fashion.
Today the Courthouse houses the offices of the Ocean County Clerk, the Ocean County Surrogate and the courts and their associated offices. The County Clerk's office frequently has materials of interest in the reception area. Enter at the door left of the columns as you look at the building. You also might stop to read the war memorials which are located throughout the grounds.
The offices are open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays. (732) 929-2018

Continue east and cross Hooper Avenue. Take note of the modern County Administration Building on your left at 101 Hooper Avenue. This is home to the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders who govern the county's affairs. Additional information is available in the lobby and in Room 114 from the Ocean County Cultural & Heritage Commission, Public Affairs Department, and Tourism Advisory Council. The lobby is open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm on weekdays. (732) 929-2138.

Continue your walk on Washington Street for one block, turn left onto Hadley Avenue and stop at number 26 -- the Ocean County Historical Museum. The museum, a former Victorian home, offers the most comprehensive history of this area, from Indian artifacts to furnishings and clothing depicting life during the Victorian period. In the new addition to the building, a special room features the industries of the past.
The Museum and Research Center are open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 pm to 3 pm and Saturdays from 10 am to 1 pm. The Research Center also is open Wednesdays from 1 pm to 4 pm. (732) 341-1880

Retrace your steps to the Washington Street/Hooper Avenue intersection. Cross the street and explore the Old Methodist Cemetery on the southeast corner. Find the tombstones of soldiers who fought in the Revolutionary War.

Head south on Hooper Avenue toward the Toms River. If being near the water is what drew you to the area, be sure to stop at the Toms River Seaport Society Maritime Museum at the corner of Hooper Avenue and West Water Street across from the Toms River. It is a working museum and you will find a number of boats indigenous to the area under restoration. Some of the "fleet" have very special histories of their own, such as the 12-foot sneakbox that the late F. Slade Dale sailed from New Jersey to Florida in the 1920's.
The Museum is open Saturdays and Tuesdays, 10 am to 2 pm. (732) 349-9209

Cross the street to the river on your left, you will pass Stoutenburgh Park, named after a 1920's Commodore of the Toms River Yacht Club. Be sure to enjoy the view along Water Street as you head west to Huddy Park located just before the Main Street intersection. You will find a block house built in modern times to serve as a historic memorial of a Revolutionary skirmish with the British. Read the sign in the park which details how the hanging of Captain Joshua Huddy caused an international incident during the war. Walk across the picturesque bridge which is named after Thomas Luker, an early European settler in the area, and a person, whom many suspect, is the individual after whom Toms River is named.

Here is where your tour ends. You have earned a rest in Huddy Park where you can relax and watch the picturesque boats glide by.

Thank you!