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Jackson is a large township of about 60,000 people in Ocean County, New Jersey, about an hour from both New York City and Philadelphia. Covering roughly 100 square miles, it is one of the biggest municipalities in the state by area, with suburban neighborhoods, farms and large tracts of pine forest at the northern edge of the Pine Barrens.
Jackson is best known as the home of Six Flags Great Adventure, one of the largest theme parks in the country, along with the Six Flags Wild Safari and Hurricane Harbor water park. The township also has a distinctive heritage: in the 20th century Russian immigrants settled around Cassville, where the golden domes of St. Vladimir's Memorial Church still rise above the trees.
Beyond the parks, visitors can learn about New Jersey's forests at the Forest Resource Education Center, fish and walk at Prospertown Lake Wildlife Management Area, explore the historic Cassville crossroads and shop at Jackson Premium Outlets. The Jersey Shore beaches of Point Pleasant and Seaside Heights are about 30 minutes east.
One of the largest theme parks in the United States, famous for its roller coasters, including the wooden giant El Toro, the hypercoaster Nitro and the Jersey Devil Coaster, plus family rides, shows and seasonal events like Fright Fest. Arrive at opening, use the app for wait times and consider a season pass.
A large safari park next to Great Adventure where visitors see giraffes, rhinos, elephants, bears, lions and many other animals roaming wide habitats from a vehicle. It is a hit with children and animal lovers. Check the current tour format and tickets, go early in the day when animals are active and allow about two hours.
A large water park beside Six Flags Great Adventure with high-speed slides, a wave pool, a lazy river and splash areas for small children. It is open in summer, with combo tickets available for both parks. Arrive early to claim lounge chairs, bring water shoes and sunscreen, and consider a cabana on busy days.
A striking Russian Orthodox church in Cassville built by Russian emigres in the mid 20th century as a memorial, with white walls, golden onion domes and a peaceful wooded setting. It is the centerpiece of Jackson's Russian heritage. Visitors may view it from outside; dress modestly if attending a service.
A small historic district at the old Cassville crossroads with 19th century buildings that recall Jackson's rural past, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a short stop, best combined with a visit to nearby St. Vladimir's Church and the area's Russian heritage sites. Drive carefully on narrow roads.
A New Jersey Forest Service center on the Toms River with an exhibit building on forest ecology, a tree nursery and several miles of easy trails through pine and oak woods. Admission is free, and it runs school and family programs. It is a great quiet counterpoint to a busy theme park day.
A state wildlife management area near Six Flags with an 80-acre lake known for bass and pickerel fishing, a boat launch for small craft and woodland trails. It is a peaceful place for birdwatching and paddling. Facilities are basic, and a valid New Jersey fishing license is required for anglers.
An open-air outlet center near Interstate 195 with dozens of brand-name stores, a food court and seasonal sales. It is convenient to combine with a visit to Six Flags, which is only a few minutes away. Weekends and holiday sales are busy, so come early and check the center's website for coupons.
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Log in to add photosPhoto: Famartin, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo: Russian Orthodox Cathedral of St John the Baptist from Washington DC, United Sta, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Russian Orthodox Cathedral of St John the Baptist from Washington DC, United Sta, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Russian Orthodox Cathedral of St John the Baptist from Washington DC, United Sta, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Russian Orthodox Cathedral of St John the Baptist from Washington DC, United Sta, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Jonathan Schilling, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Jonathan Schilling, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Jonathan Schilling, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Jonathan Schilling, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
