Please scroll down or click the appropriate link to find answers to common questions regarding Ringwood Manor

When is Ringwood Manor open for tours?
Our last day of guided interior tours for 2024 will be Sunday, November 3rd. 
The Manor will be open again for self-guided tours during our annual holiday event,
​Victorian Christmas at Ringwood Manor. 
​After the event is over, the Manor will be closed for the winter season. Check back for information on spring 2025 information.

​2024 Schedule of Guided Tours for Ringwood Manor:

We always recommend that you call the morning of the day you intend to visit to confirm that the Manor is open for tours and to find out what the tour schedule will be that day. 973-962-2240. 

​Beginning on May 1st, Ringwood Manor is scheduled to be open for guided tours Wednesday through Sundays. 

On days the Manor is open for guided tours, tours are offered between the hours of 10am to 3pm. Visitors may only view the interior of the Manor by taking a guided, timed tour. The public is not permitted to walk through Ringwood Manor on their own. It is highly recommended that you arrive at least 15 minutes early in order to purchase your tickets and to ensure you do not miss the scheduled tour times. Late visitors are not permitted to join tours in progress.  

Tours are limited to 20 people per tour. General Admission tours are approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. 

Groups of 10 or more must schedule a group tour at least two weeks in advance. See the Group Tours page on this website for additional information. 

The Manor is closed on the following holidays in 2024: New Year's Day (January 1); Martin Luther King Day (January 15); Presidents' Day (February 19); Columbus Day/Indigenous People's Day (October 14); Election Day (November 5); Veteran's Day (November 11); Thanksgiving (November 28); Christmas (December 25). When a designated holiday falls on a Monday or Tuesday, Ringwood Manor is closed the Wednesday following. 
What is the fee for Ringwood Manor tours?

​The fee for the General Admission tour of the Ringwood Manor is : $10 Adults; $8 Seniors (ages 62 and up); $5 Children (ages 6-12); Children ages 5 and under are free. Other fees may apply for specialty tours or special events. 

Please note: on weekends starting the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, there is a per car parking fee to enter the park. In-state residents are charged $5 per car to enter, out-of-state residents are charged $7 per car. 

New Jersey residents that are 62 years of age or older may obtain a New Jersey State Park Senior Pass at the park office. This pass waives the parking fee but does not waive the Ringwood Manor tour fee.
Are there any age restrictions for the general Manor tour?

No! We welcome visitors of all ages and backgrounds to Ringwood Manor and try to adapt each of our Manor house tours to the interest and age level(s) of our group. Please note that children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult during the tour.  
How long is the tour?

​Tours are approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes long, however, depending on the size and interest of the group, tours may run longer than 1 and a half hours.  

Please note there are no public restrooms inside the museum portion of Ringwood Manor. Public restrooms are located at the rear of the building.
How accessible is Ringwood Manor to those with mobility issues?

The first floor of Ringwood Manor is ADA accessible. Please let Ringwood Manor staff know if you or a member of your group needs to use the ADA entrance and we would be happy to assist. 

The second floor of Ringwood Manor is not ADA accessible as there is no elevator or lift device installed inside the historic structure. The second floor is only accessible by utilizing the historic staircases. Additionally, there are no chairs or benches to rest on within the museum section of Ringwood Manor.  

There is a digital tour available to the public in the Ringwood Manor office which displays images and information about all the interior spaces of the museum should anyone wish to use it. 
Does Ringwood Manor allow group or school tours?

​Yes! Those interested in booking a group tour should call the Ringwood Manor offices at least 2 weeks in advance of the date they would like to visit. More information about scheduling a group tour may be found under our Group Tours page. More information about scheduling a field trip may be found under our School Tours page. 

Please note that while the staff at Ringwood Manor attempts to accommodate all group tour requests, staffing levels may not permit us to do so.   
Are there restrictions regarding photography at Ringwood Manor?

​Interior photography and videotaping of Ringwood Manor is not permitted for the general public due to security and conservation issues. Equipment that is prohibited to be used inside Ringwood Manor includes flash and non-flash cameras, film or digital cameras, cellphones and other smartphone devices, scientific data recorders, and other electronic equipment as determined by staff. Recording (both film and audio) the interior of Ringwood Manor using these items is also prohibited. Public caught using these items inside the manor may have their equipment confiscated at the staff's discretion. 

Qualified researchers looking for specific images of interior spaces or collections at Ringwood Manor should contact the staff to obtain permission to use such photographs. 

Amateur Exterior Photography of the grounds and gardens of Ringwood Manor is permitted for personal use only without any permits or fees needed. *We ask that you please help to preserve this unique historic site by not climbing or sitting on historic objects that are found around the property. Thank you! 

Paid Professional Photography: Wedding, engagement, family photos, photography of models, etc. taken by paid professional photographers require a Paid Photography Permit.  Paid Photography Permits can be obtained at the Ringwood State Park office. Permits cost $150 for in-state photographers and $200 for out-of-state photographers and cover up to 10 sessions per permit. Additional information such as proof of liability insurance is required. For more information call 973-962-2240 or email [email protected] *We ask that you please help to preserve this unique historic site by not climbing or sitting on historic objects that are found around the property. Thank you! 

Commercial Photography: those wishing to photograph or film around the exterior of Ringwood Manor for commercial purposes must apply and be approved for a Special Use Permit (see question and answer below). Examples of commercial photography include photography for print advertising, magazine, books, items for sale, exhibition, or internet promotions.  

Drone or aerial photography: As per state park policy 2.38, the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), also known as drones or remotely piloted aircraft (RPA), is prohibited in all state parks and historic sites. This includes to use of drones for aerial photography. 
Can I use the interior or exterior of Ringwood Manor for a commercial film or still photo shoot? Or a non-park sponsored event?

​All commercial films or photography must apply for a Special Use Permit through Ringwood State Park. Please email Kristen Brandt at [email protected]  or call 973-962-2240 at least 6 weeks prior to the anticipated date(s). Kristen will be able to provide the information regarding the application process, fees, insurance requirements, and general information and guidelines. Special Use Permits are approved on a case by case basis.

Non-park sponsored events looking to use the grounds of Ringwood Manor must also apply for a Special Use Permit as described above. Again, events are approved on a case by case basis and generally any non-cultural or non-historic events are considered consumptive use of the historic resource and not permitted in the Ringwood Manor section of Ringwood State Park.  
When are the grounds of Ringwood Manor open?

​The grounds of Ringwood Manor are open seven days a week, year-round, from 8 am to 6 pm. There are hiking and mountain biking trails throughout Ringwood State Park. Guides to these trails are available at the State Office located at the side of Ringwood Manor.
Can I bring my pet to Ringwood Manor?

​Pets are permitted on the grounds of Ringwood Manor, but must remain on a leash at all times. This is for the safety and enjoyment of all visitors to the park, including the pet. Please remember to pick up your pet's waste and dispose of it in the receptacle in Parking Lot A.  

Only qualified service animals are allowed inside Ringwood Manor. All other animals are not permitted inside the museum.
Can I picnic at Ringwood Manor?

​Yes!

Picnic tables and charcoal grills are located near parking lot B at the rear of Ringwood Manor. These tables and grills are available to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis. We do not take reservations for this area and tables and grills cannot be "held" for others who have not yet arrived. 

Want to bring a blanket and picnic basket? You can do that, too! 

*Please remember, Ringwood Manor is a carry-in, carry-out park: you must take all of your garbage home with you at the end of the day. Garbage that is left behind attracts animals such as raccoons and bears.  Alcohol is not permitted in any areas of Ringwood State Park. 

Large picnic groups may wish to contact the Ringwood State Park offices to confirm that there are no pre-scheduled park events taking place that will limit access to this area on the day they are coming to visit.
Are weddings or other private events permitted at Ringwood Manor?

​Yes and no. 

Because Ringwood Manor is a National Historic Landmark and museum, weddings and other private functions are not permitted inside the house.

However, wedding ceremonies are permitted on the grounds of Ringwood Manor. A Wedding Permit must be completed and approved by the park. These permits are found HERE, or you may call the offices at 973-962-2240 and request one be emailed or mailed to you. The permit fee for a wedding ceremony is $60 for in-state residents and $75 for out-of-state residents. The permittee can only reserve one date for the wedding. There are no rain dates or alternate venues available in cases of inclement weather. Receptions may not be held on the grounds. Permittee must make arrangements for rentals of chairs if so desired. Tents and canopies can not be utilized. No alcohol is permitted on State Park property at any time. 

Skylands Manor, which is also administered by and within the bounds of Ringwood State Park, is just minutes from Ringwood Manor and located within the New Jersey State Botanical Gardens. Weddings, receptions and special events are permitted at Skylands Manor. However, all arrangements must be made through Frungillo Catering Co. Please contact them at 973-962-9370 for more information and pricing, or visit their website. 
Are paranormal investigations of Ringwood Manor permitted?

​No. 

The staff at Ringwood Manor is aware of the many stories and legends about the site, which are now found on various internet sites and published in books and magazines. These myths only serve to lessen the more important historic aspects of the home and property. 

Numerous requests to have investigations are made each year by many different groups, all of which are turned down. The staff does not wish to promote the "haunted" legends that have been perpetuated over many years by inaccurate sources which have lead to incidents of vandalism at Ringwood Manor, its outbuildings, and cemetery along with trespassing on the site after park hours. 

Investigators are permitted to walk the site and cemetery, but only during regular park hours. 

​An object or antique:
        Because Ringwood Manor was fully furnished with the family's original furnishings, we cannot accept antiques or other historic objects unless they came from Ringwood Manor, are directly associated with the Ryersons, Cooper & Hewitt families, or families/employees that worked for the estate. Under very rare circumstances the site may be able to accept item(s) that relate(s) to local history. Unfortunately, antiques that are period pieces but have no direct connection to the estate or family cannot be accepted into the museum collection. For more detailed information, please contact Sue Shutte at 973-962-2240 or [email protected] 

Photograph(s) or image(s):
        Photographs or images of the estate, the employees, the ironworks, the family, and the buildings on the property are very useful! They often show how the property evolved and help us to restore the property to the way it looked when the Cooper & Hewitt families stayed here. If you have images that relate to Ringwood Manor, we would love to see them. Scanned images are just as useful as physical images, so if you would rather not part with the original, we can make a scanned copy for our records. If you have images that are already digitized, you may email them to Sue Shutte at:  [email protected] ​
 
Monetary Donations:
        If you would like to make a monetary contribution to the restoration and preservation of Ringwood Manor, we ask that you please do so using the North Jersey Highlands Historical Society (NJHHS). This group is a 501(c)3 non-profit that has been the friends organization for Ringwood Manor for over 50 years. Over this time period, NJHHS has raised a great deal of money for various conservation & preservation projects, educational programs, events, and other efforts at Ringwood Manor. Please visit their website at www.northjerseyhistory.org  

I am a descendant of the Cooper and Hewitt families. Do you have a family tree or updated genealogical information?

​Ringwood Manor staff attempts to keep up-to-date with relevant Cooper & Hewitt genealogical information, and you can help! If you are a descendant of the Cooper & Hewitt families, or think you might be, please email Sue Shutte at [email protected] ​ or call 973-962-2240.  The current family tree has over 400 entries and can be seen here. 

The staff also attempts to track of Ryerson descendants, though the records for that family are much less complete due to a variety of factors.   
I am doing research on my ancestors and have discovered he/she worked for the Ringwood estate. Do you have any information on that person?

​Unfortunately, the collections at Ringwood Manor does not have an archive pertaining to the various employees of the estate. The Cooper-Hewitt & Co. archives were given by the family to the Library of Congress. At this time, there is no comprehensive list or information on the various employees and families that worked at and lived on the Ringwood Manor property. But we would love to know more about the name(s) of your family and date(s) they were at Ringwood Manor. If you would like to share that information for our records, please email Sue Shutte at [email protected] ​ or call her at 973-962-2240. 
I am doing research on a topic that pertains to Ringwood Manor or the families that lived there. Do you have an archives, library, or other useful information about my topic?

​Ringwood Manor does not have a library for researchers to utilize. The archival material at Ringwood Manor is very limited. Researchers wishing to learn more about specific items which Ringwood Manor may have in their archives should email Sue Shutte at  [email protected] ​ or call 973-962-2240 and mention their specific topic or any particular materials they are looking for. Please note that due to limited staffing levels, any requests may take a minimum of several days to respond to. 

Here are some suggestions for other libraries, archives, museums, and repositories that may have information pertaining to the history of Ringwood, the ironworks, and the associated families OR have collections or historic items donated by or relating to the Cooper & Hewitt families. This list is by no means comprehensive.
 
    New Jersey
    The North Jersey Highlands Historical Society library, Ringwood, NJ
    The New Jersey Historical Society, Newark, NJ
    The New Jersey State Archives, Trenton, NJ
    The New Jersey State Library, Trenton, NJ
    Passaic County Historical Society, Paterson, NJ
    Rutgers University Library and Archives, New Brunswick, NJ
    The Township of Ringwood Library, Ringwood, NJ
    Trenton Historical Society, Trenton, NJ
     
    New York
    Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn, NY
    Columbia University Archives, New York City, NY
    Cooper Union Library and Archives, New York City, NY
    Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum Library and Archives, New York City, NY
    Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, NY
    Museum of the City of New York, New York City, NY
    New York Historical Society, New York City, NY
    
    Vermont
    The American Museum of Fly Fishing, Manchester, VT

    Michigan
    The Henry Ford Museum, Dearborn, MI

    Washington, D.C.
    The Library of Congress