Rutgers Gardens N.J. Photography Location
A good spot to take pictures.
Other New Jersey Photography Locations
New Jersey Photography Locations
Rutgers Gardens
Editorial Update: Jan 1, 2026
Rutgers Gardens is a great place to photograph frogs, dragonflies, flowers, buildings, bees, and even hummingbirds. Please tell all the frogs in the frog pond we said hello. That’s Ribert pictured above. We have gone here often and become attached to all six frogs in the pond. We have even named them all. There are flowers galore here, and a beautiful pine tree area used for weddings.
In front of the park, behind the main building, is a stream with a bamboo forest. It has a few zen bridges that go over it. There is a gazebo, and behind it is a small waterfall for some milky waters and long exposure photography.
In the back of Rutgers Gardens is a series of gardens, trees, and flowers. The historic Log Cabin and Pavilion in the Gardens has a country, rustic feeling, and a view of Weston Mills pond as a scenic backdrop.
Cook College Campus is the Farm 1/4 mile south on Route One on your right. It’s the first exit. Visit a working farm and photograph some real animals.
WHEN IS RUTGERS GARDENS OPEN?
Rutgers Gardens is open year-round but closed on Mondays.
October 14, 2025, to March 29, 2026: Open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
March 31, 202,6 to October 1, 2026: Open 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
IS THERE A FEE TO GET IN TO RUTGERS GARDENS?
No, but donations are welcome to help support the plants and maintenance of our gardens and natural areas, including Helyar Woods. We have made many donations to them over the years.
Friends of Rutger’s Gardens Donation Page.
HOW DO I GET THERE?
Rutgers Gardens is located on the Rutgers—New Brunswick campus, 35 miles outside of New York City and 60 miles from Philadelphia, just off exit 9 on the New Jersey Turnpike/I-95.
Address for your GPS:
130 Log Cabin Rd
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
IS THERE FOOD?
No, be sure to pack some snacks and drinks.
PHOTOGRAPHY INFORMATION – RUTGERS GARDENS
Make sure you bring your tripod along for some macro photography and long-exposure small waterfall images. A small house is located on the main road. A few feet behind that house, a trail leads to two small waterfalls, ideal for long exposure photography. There are flowers galore here that you will enjoy. In front of the park where you first enter, there is a building with a parking lot on your right side. Park your car there and take a walk through the bamboo forest. Bring your tripod on that little journey, too, since there is running water for more milky water long exposure shots. It’s just a small stream. Nothing too exciting.
When to go:
Any time is right. Just check Rutgers Garden’s website for events and avoid them. Winter is bare here and the frogs are sleeping.
PLEASE SHARE
At my own expense, I offer all of this to you: a humble tribute to Mother Gaia. It is my hope that you will spread my art and message to others, uplifting and inspiring their souls.
May my works guide photographers, illuminating their path toward creating dynamic and impactful images that showcase the raw beauty and essence of life in all its transcendent glory. —Pamela Goodyer
Rutgers Gardens Park Information
Rutgers Gardens is open from 8:30 a.m. to dusk year-round.
Rutgers Gardens special events – Remember that parking will be limited these days.
When you finish the gardens, head to Route 1 south to the first exit to Cook Campus, College Farm Road, for more photography. Here, you will see farm animals such as pigs, horses, and cows. There are usually cute baby pigs there, too. For your GPS, College Farm Road is located in New Brunswick.
Restaurants Near Rutgers Gardens
There is no food in the park. Go down Ryder’s lane going west, away from Route 1; there is plenty to choose from. There are no good health-oriented restaurants for us to refer to. There are only disease-causing toxic restaurants nearby. :) There is Taco Bell, pizza, an Italian restaurant, and a Subway a little further near the Home Depot. If you cross Milltown Road, there is a Wawa on the left. The pizza parlor across the street is too expensive, so we avoid that one.
Hotels Near Rutgers Gardens
There are chain hotels along the route, one corridor, and a few within a mile south on Route 18. Our pick is the Hilton on Route 18 on the northbound side, right near the Route One circle—the tower buildings at the light. A reason to stay is that you can go on the parking deck and do long-exposure light trail photography from the roof.
