Clinton is a small town that is located within the charming rural countryside of Hunterdon County, New Jersey — you may know it from its landmark, the Red Mill. Explore the history of this this quaint town with us.
Whether you’re looking to tour the Red Mill Museum Village, admire art at the Hunterdon Art Museum, or are just looking to relax and unwind and get lost in shopping and dining, Clinton has everything to offer for the ideal day trip. The small town charm will amaze and inspire you once you travel there on your first visit and time after time again!
Clinton’s Landmark
Let’s begin at the Red Mill — arguably one of the most photographed structures in New Jersey! It’s even one of our top spots in New Jersey: check it out on the map.
The Red Mill is a historic museum village comprising of twelve structures and buildings that lay across the land adjacent to the town center of Clinton and Old Main Street.
The museum village dates back to the 19th century when the earliest section of the building was built by Ralph Hunt around 1810 to process wool and cotton. The Red Mill was a primary industry and manufacturing giant of the time when business was beginning to grow and the economic boom of the Industrial Revolution was on the rise.
You can wander the grounds and take photographs on your own or take a guided tour of the village by a local historian. See hours of operation here.
Hunterdon Art Museum
Cross the bridge to visit the Hunterdon Art Museum, a former 19th century stone mill that exhibits contemporary art and design along with workshops and special events during the year.
The structure itself dates back to the time of the wool and cotton industry as well and was eventually converted to an art museum by the town of Clinton in March of 1953.
The museum showcases local artists and contemporary legends in its exhibitions. See hours of operation here.
Downtown Clinton
In the Center of Old Main Street, you can find a vast array of shopping, dining, and coffee! For breakfast or lunch, Towne Restaurant is a simple and classic option for comfort food and Greek bites.
Riverside Coffee & Tea is your place for a great cup of coffee because it comes with sweeping views of the Red Mill and the rest of Old Main Street. Sit inside in its colonial interior or enjoy your beverage outdoors and relax as you view the Red Mill and the town of Clinton around you.
Clinton is an amazing town to discover a place of history and charm — where you’ll want to come back time and time again to see the magic of this area unfold!
