If you’ve ever driven past Garret Mountain in Woodland Park and wanted to stop and see the inside of the picturesque castle perched at the top, we have good news. After being closed for several years to undergo major renovations, Lambert Castle has reopened. The newly restored National Historic Landmark offers tours Wednesdays through Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm. The last tour starts at 4 pm, and the site closes at 5 pm.
Whether you’re a history buff, are taken by the splendor of a real-life castle or appreciate an amazing view (Garrett Mountain has sweeping views of New York City), Lambert Castle is a must-see for those reasons and more. Historically known as Bella Vista, Lambert Castle was commissioned in 1892 by silk manufacturer Catholina Lambert and designed to reflect European architectural influences.
Four years later, Lambert expanded the estate with the addition of an art gallery and observation tower, known as Lambert Tower. The original 53-acre estate included the mansion, gatehouse, carriage and greenhouse complex, and formal Italianate gardens, and remains one of the few fully developed examples of castellated residential architecture in the United States.
The Castle was purchased by the Passaic County Parks Commission in 1927. In 1934, the Passaic County Historical Society began operating a museum within the Castle. Lambert Castle is listed on the Paterson Register of Historic Places (1991), the New Jersey State Register of Historic Places (1975) and the National Register of Historic Places (1976).
After being closed since May 2021 to undergo comprehensive renovations, the Castle has been meticulously restored to preserve its character. Structural repairs, interior restoration, accessibility upgrades and a new visitor center are among the improvements made. The project also extended beyond the main building to include the surrounding site, carriage house complex and Lambert Tower. The restoration project prioritized preservation along with safety and accessibility needs for visitors.
“This reopening represents an important moment for Passaic County,” said Passaic County Commissioner John Bartlett. “Lambert Castle belongs to the public and we are proud to welcome residents back to this extraordinary landmark. By offering free admission opening weekend, we want everyone to have the opportunity to experience the Castle’s beauty, history and the care that went into restoring it for future generations.”
What to Expect During Your Visit
Part of Garret Mountain Reservation, a 310-acre recreational area that goes through Clifton, Paterson and Woodland Park, Lambert Castle is filled with unique antiques and European and American art. Inside the castle you’ll find period rooms, curated exhibits and Lambert’s art and artifacts that make it feel like a European landmark in northern New Jersey. Over the years, Lambert filled the Castle with art, and eventually expanded the estate to include an art gallery and the 70-foot Lambert Observation Tower.
After you’ve finished exploring the turrets, you can climb the tower for a spectacular New York City view. In warmer weather, head up the hill into the reservation for hiking and bird-watching.
Lambert Castle
3 Valley Rd., Paterson
All visits to Lambert Castle are guided. Admission is $10 for adults ages 18 and up, $5 for children ages 7–17, and free for children under 6.
Lambert Castle is a Blue Star Museum, which means veterans, active-duty military members and their families receive free admission. Call ahead at (973) 706-6640 to arrange tickets.
The castle and its grounds are ADA accessible. To help preserve the castle’s original historic floors, guests will be asked to wear shoe covers during the tour.
Photography and filming are not permitted.
Pets are not allowed on tours, but certified service animals as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are welcome.
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