Kip’s Castle Park

Wow the kids at this real life castle. Built between 1902 and 1905 by wealthy textile inventor Frederic Ellsworth Kip and his wife Charlotte, Kip’s Castle rests atop First Mountain on the Verona-Montclair border. The 9,000-square-foot, four-story mansion was later owned by a cult and also served as the offices of a local law firm before the Essex County Department of Parks, Recreations and Cultural Affairs purchased it in 2007 and turned it into a park. Take the scenic drive from your short term leases in New Jersey, self-guided tours are available Tuesday – Friday from noon to 3 pm.