May is an exciting month in Wharton State Forest! You can attend the Spring Antique, Glass and Bottle Show, take an extended tour of the Batsto mansion, join a nature hike or stop by the Batsto Store for some exciting new merchandise!

May 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30: Mansion Mysteries in May – Extended Tours of Batsto Mansion 

Even if you’ve already taken a tour of Batsto Mansion, there is still more to discover! Each Friday in May, join Wharton State Forest’s interpretive staff on an extended guided tour of the impressive South Jersey home. Explore more of Batsto Mansion, including rarely seen “behind-the-scenes” areas! Once inside, visitors will dig into the hidden histories of the house and learn how historians piece together the clues that help us understand how people lived and worked in the past.

Tours are approximately 90 minutes and are available each Friday in May. Tours begin promptly at 2 PM on the mansion porch and are $5 per person. Tickets can be purchased in the Visitor Center or over the phone. Space is limited and interested visitors are encouraged to buy their tickets in advance to secure a spot!

For more information, please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024.

Batsto Village Historic Site is located at 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037. 

 

May 17: The Sand and Water Trail Nature Hike 

Join Wharton State Forest’s Naturalist for a hike on the Sand and Water Trail. Participants will walk about 1.7 miles, at a moderate pace, through sandy uplands and some mixed Atlantic White cedar swamp habitat, stopping periodically to talk about different habitats in the Pine Barrens and some of the species that live there. Very little elevation change and sandy soil makes this an easy hike, but participants should be prepared to walk across multiple, uneven wood bridges, step over shallow roots and some fallen trees.

The hike will begin behind the Batsto Visitor Center at 10 AM. Please wear appropriate clothes and shoes and bring plenty of water. This hike is not ADA accessible and will be canceled if there are thunderstorms or heavy rain in the area.

This hike is free and open to the public, but it is recommended for adults and children over the age of 12. Registration is required and opens at 10 AM on May 7. Registration will close once we reach capacity.

Microsoft Forms

For more information, please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024.

Batsto Village Historic Site is located at 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037

 

May 17: Public Star Watch & Batsto Village Evening Walking Tours 

Star Watch 

You’re invited to a Free Public Star Watch at Batsto, organized by the West Jersey Astronomical Society (WAS). Members of the Society will have telescopes available for the public to view objects in the night sky. The event is weather permitting, and visitors are encouraged to check the WAS website (https://www.wasociety.us) after 1 PM the day of the event to confirm it is still happening should there be cloudy skies. 

The Star Watch Begins at 8:00 PM. At 8:30 PM in the Batsto Visitor Center Auditorium there will be a Comet Demonstration and at 9:30 PM there will be a Laser-Guided Constellation Tour in the telescope observation field. 

For this month’s star watch, Mars shinning in the constellation Cancer will be the planet to see. Take a look at the asteroid Vesta currently in the constellation Virgo through one of the telescopes. The Big Dipper asterism of Ursa Major (the Big Bear) can be found upside down above Polaris the North Star as well! 

Batsto Village Evening Walking Tours 

Historic Interpreters will also be on hand to lead evening walking tours through the village. Tours are open to all ages and are free of charge. Visitors interested in walking the village should meet behind the Visitor Center (near the Ore Boat). Tours are 45-55 minutes and are offered at 7 PM and 8 PM.

For more information on both these events, please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024. 

Batsto Village Historic Site is located at 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037. 

May 18: Spring Antique, Glass and Bottle Show at Batsto 

Visit Batsto Village Historic Site on May 18 and join us for our annual Spring Antique, Glass and Bottle Show presented by the Batsto Citizens Committee, Inc. View Pine Barrens treasures, search for that rare find to add to your own collection, or simply take a stroll through historic Batsto Village!

The Spring Antique, Glass and Bottle Show takes place from 9 AM to 3:30 PM, rain or shine.

While in the village, be sure to stop by Batsto Mansion for “open house” entry to the home. The first and second floors will be open to the public from 10 AM to 3 PM. Wharton State Forest staff will be on hand to answer questions and guide visitors through the history of the house. The Batsto Post Office will also be open from 10 AM to 3 PM to send post cards and letters, hand canceled in the historic building!

For more information, please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024.

Batsto Village Historic Site is located at 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037

 

May 24, 25 & 26: Memorial Day Weekend Walking Tours 

Historic Interpreters will be on hand to lead walking tours through the Batsto Village this Memorial Day Weekend (Saturday, Sunday, and Monday). Tours are open to all ages and are free of charge. Visitors interested in walking the village should meet behind the Visitor Center (near the Ore Boat). Tours are 45-55 minutes long and are offered at 10 AM and 2 PM

For more information, please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024.

Batsto Village Historic Site is located at 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037

 

Happening Throughout May

Atsion Mansion Tours

Have you ever wanted to see inside the Atsion Mansion? Guided tours are available each weekend in May! Come see one of the most significant examples of Greek Revival architecture in South Jersey. Never “modernized” with plumbing or electricity, the house stands largely as it did when it was constructed in 1826. 

Tours of Atsion Mansion are offered on Saturdays and Sundays, beginning at 1 and 2 PM. Each tour is approximately 45-55 minutes long and begin outside, between the mansion and office.    

Tour tickets can be purchased at the Atsion Office and are $3 for visitors over the age of 12, $1 for visitors ages 5-11 and free for visitors under 5-years-old. 

Atsion Mansion is located at 744 US 206, Shamong, NJ 08088.   

For more information or to confirm Atsion Mansion Tour availability, please call the Atsion Office at 609-268-0444. 

 

Batsto Mansion Tours

Enjoy the cool spring breeze this May on Batsto Mansion’s porch and then step inside for a guided tour! Originally built in the eighteenth century as a small ironmaster’s house, the mansion now stands as it appeared after Joseph Wharton renovated the home in 1878. Serving as a vacation home for his family, the Batsto Mansion is an excellent example of the Italianate and Eastlake styles, both popular with the Victorian upper class.

Tours of Batsto Mansion are offered at the following times throughout May:

• Wednesday through Friday: 11 AM, 1 and 2 PM

• Saturday and Sunday: 10 and 11 AM; 1, 2 and 3 PM

Tours are approximately 45-55 minutes long and begin on the mansion porch. Scheduled events and public programming may impact Batsto Mansion’s tour schedule, so visitors are encouraged to call ahead on the day of their visit to confirm tour times and availability.

Tickets can be purchased at the Batsto Visitor Center and are $3 for visitors over the age of 12, $1 for visitors ages 5-11 and free for visitors under 5-years-old.

Batsto Mansion is located at 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037 in Historic Batsto Village.

For more information or to confirm Batsto Mansion Tour availability, please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024

Shopping at Wharton State Forest

This month, we’re thrilled to introduce a stunning new collection by local artist Lisa Dealy, whose handmade creations beautifully capture the spirit of the Pine Barrens. Born and raised in Indian Mills, New Jersey, Lisa’s deep connection to the natural world shines through in every piece. Lisa’s work tells a story—one of heritage, nature, and artistic devotion. A multiple time Best in Show winner at the Burlington County Farm Fair, her art speaks to the soul of South Jersey.  

Featured in Lisa Dealy’s Collection: 

Handmade Baskets crafted from locally sourced materials, each adorned with laser-cut nature scenes of the Pine Barrens and its wildlife. 

Pottery Trinket Trays that echo the same woodland elegance. Perfect for holding your favorite keepsakes. 

Wood and Pottery Charm Necklaces, handmade with natural elements like driftwood and antique findings, blending rustic beauty with whimsical charm. 

Our shelves are now filled with cuddly and educational stuffed animals from Wild Republic, representing some creatures native to the Pine Barrens! Stop by and check out our black bears, foxes, raccoons, coyotes, owls, turtles, snakes, chipmunks and more!

 

Plus, a special Audubon Society bird collection that look and sound like real bird species! These plush birds sing true-to-life songs and come with informative tags for curious minds. Come support local art, celebrate Pine Barrens wildlife, and enjoy the beauty of this season at the Batsto Museum Store!

Batsto Museum Shop is located at 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037 in Historic Batsto Village.

The Atsion General Store is located at 744 US 206, Shamong, NJ 08088.

For more information or to confirm inventory availability, please call the Atsion General Store at 609-268-0444 or the Batsto Museum Shop at 609-561-0024.

Save the Date! The Batsto Snack Stand Reopens for Special Events 

On May 18, during the Spring Antique Glass & Bottle Show, stop by the Batsto Snack Stand at the General Store! Grab snacks, sodas, water, and

 merchandise inspired by Batsto and Wharton State Forest.

 You can purchase t-shirts, books, mugs, and more! The Batsto Snack Stand will be opened during special events throughout summer and fall.  

 

Camping & Cabins

Camping in Wharton State Forest is available year-round, but spring camping in the New Jersey Pine Barrens is filled will fascinating evening sounds.  

Camping is permitted in developed campgrounds with a permit at Atsion Family, Batona, Bodine Field, Buttonwood Hill, Godfreys Bridge, Goshen Pond,

Hawkins Bridge, Lower Forge and Mullica River. 

Atsion Cabins will reopen May 1, 2025! It’s time to plan a 2025 trip and reserve your cabin! Availability is limited.