Honestly, if you’re just passing through Phillipsburg on your way to Pennsylvania, you’re missing out. Big time. Most people see the bridges, the old industrial bones, and maybe the fast-food signs along Route 22, but the "Stateliner" town has a soul that's hard to find in the cookie-cutter suburbs of Central Jersey. It’s gritty, sure. But it’s also incredibly scenic, sitting right where the Lehigh and Delaware Rivers meet.
When looking for things to do in Phillipsburg NJ, you have to embrace the history. This isn't a town that tries to hide its past behind glass cases; it lives it. Whether you're a train nut, a river rat, or just someone who wants a cheesesteak that actually tastes like it was made with love, Phillipsburg has these pockets of magic that feel like a time capsule.
The Trains are Basically the Town's Personality
You can't talk about Phillipsburg without talking about the Delaware River Railroad Excursions. It’s not just for kids, though the Polar Express and Day Out With Thomas events are huge. If you’re here in the summer or fall of 2026, you've got to hop on the Warren County Winery Train.
It’s exactly what it sounds like. You board a vintage train at 38 Market Street, rumble along the river with some of the best views in the county, and eventually end up at Villa Milagro Vineyards. You get off, do a wine tasting, and then the train brings you back. It’s a very "Jersey" way to spend a Saturday.
👉 See also: Red Bank Battlefield Park: Why This Small Jersey Bluff Actually Changed the Revolution
For the real history buffs, the Phillipsburg Railroad Historians site is a must. They’ve got the Centerville & Southwestern miniature railroad which is just... cool. It’s a 9.5-inch gauge scale railroad that they’ve restored. It’s quirky, it’s niche, and the volunteers there know more about locomotive engines than most people know about their own kids.
Get Out on the Water
If the weather is even remotely nice, get to the river. Twin Rivers Tubing is the go-to if you want to basically do nothing for three hours while the current pulls you toward Riegelsville. You can also kayak or canoe, but tubing is the local sport of choice.
Hidden Parks and River Views
- Walters Park: This is the big one. It has the pool, the fitness equipment, and a half-mile walking track. It’s where the town actually hangs out.
- Delaware River Park: Go here for the skate park or if you have a dog. The walking track here is peaceful, especially when the morning mist is still sitting on the water.
- Shappell Park: Right in the heart of downtown. In the summer, they do movies in the park and concerts. It’s small, but it’s the community's living room.
The Food Scene is Surprisingly Deep
Forget the chains. If you want the real Phillipsburg experience, you go to Joe’s Steak Shop. They’ve been around since 1938. Get the cheesesteak with their "secret sauce." Is it actually secret? Who knows. Is it delicious? Absolutely. It’s a South Main Street staple for a reason.
✨ Don't miss: Why the Map of Colorado USA Is Way More Complicated Than a Simple Rectangle
Then there's the Bake House on Main. It’s a hidden gem in the truest sense. Flaky pastries, fresh bread, and that "old world" bakery smell that hits you before you even walk through the door. Just a heads up—they are cash only. Don't be that person trying to swipe a card for a $3 cannoli.
For something a bit more modern, check out Gnarly Brews on Stockton Street. It’s a taproom and bottle shop that usually has a killer selection of local NJ and PA crafts. It’s where the younger crowd tends to drift on Friday nights.
Walking Through History at Union Square
Union Square is the historic heart of the town. You can take an audio tour of the district, which stretches down South Main. You’ll see the Union Square Hotel (built in 1810) and the Roseberry-Gess House, which dates back to the late 1700s.
🔗 Read more: Bryce Canyon National Park: What People Actually Get Wrong About the Hoodoos
There's something a bit haunting about the architecture here. You can see the prosperity of the canal and railroad eras in the stone work. It’s not polished like a museum; it’s lived-in history. The Phillipsburg Area Historical Society does a lot of work to keep the Roseberry House standing, and it’s worth a look just to see the Georgian style that was popular before the American Revolution even finished.
Quick Stops for the 2026 Season
- The Indoor Winter Market: If you're here in January or February, hit this up. It’s great for local honey, crafts, and meeting the people who actually make the town tick.
- The Susquehanna Mining Company: Part of the railroad excursion, you can pan for gemstones. Kids lose their minds over this, but honestly, it’s strangely therapeutic for adults too.
- Harkers Hollow Golf Club: Just on the edge of town, it’s one of the better-maintained courses in the area with some challenging elevation changes.
Why People Get Phillipsburg Wrong
People often write it off as an "old industrial town." And yeah, the Morris Canal doesn't carry coal anymore. But that industrial backbone created a town that is walkable, dense, and full of character. It’s not trying to be a fancy destination like New Hope or Lambertville. It’s more authentic.
You’ve got the Crayola Experience right across the bridge in Easton, but staying on the Jersey side for dinner or a walk by the river gives you a much quieter, more grounded experience.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you're planning a trip, check the Delaware River Railroad schedule first. Their big events (like the winery train) sell out weeks in advance. If you’re coming for the river, show up at Twin Rivers Tubing before 11:00 AM on weekends or you’ll be waiting in a long line.
Park your car near Union Square and just walk South Main. You'll find the antique shops, the small galleries, and the random pizza joints that make this place feel like home. Bring cash—a lot of the older, better spots still prefer it. Phillipsburg isn't a place you "do" in twenty minutes; it's a place you wander through until you find a view or a sandwich that makes you want to stay.