Allaire State Park
| Allaire State Park | |
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Pine Creek Railroad at Allaire State Park
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| Location | Howell and Wall Township, New Jersey, United States |
| Coordinates | 40°09′44″N 74°07′54″W / 40.162111°N 74.131561°WCoordinates: 40°09′44″N 74°07′54″W / 40.162111°N 74.131561°W |
| Area | 3,199 acres (1,295 ha) |
| Operated by | New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry |
| Open | All year |
Allaire State Park is a park located in Howell and in Wall Township in Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States, near the borough of Farmingdale, operated and maintained by the New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry and is part of the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail Route. The park is known for its restored 19th century ironworks, Allaire Village, on the park premises. It is named after James P. Allaire, founder of the Howell Works at the same site. The park also hosts the Pine Creek Railroad, a tourist railroad.
The park, which is located in the coastal plain geographic region of New Jersey, is an example of podzolic soils. These soils are high in iron particle content and are fairly acidic.
Picnic facilities including charcoal grills, tables, playgrounds and sanitary facilities are available within the developed area of the park. The Manasquan River flows eastward through the park, seasonal canoe rentals are offered offsite by private vendors. The Manasquan River is classified as fresh water within the park and requires a fishing license. The park charges an entrance fee on weekends in the summer.
The park's signature feature is the Allaire Village, originally named Howell Works in the early 19th century. It was a prosperous industrial town producing pig iron and cast iron from the surrounding bog iron deposits. The buildings which remain and have been restored today include a general store, blacksmith shop, carpenter's shop, manager's house, foreman's house and a church. One of the workers' row house buildings has been recreated and now houses a Visitor Center and Museum (free). The historic village is run by a non-profit organization independent of the park and charges a nominal fee to enter the buildings
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