The first day of your Lincoln Highway adventure begins at the eastern terminus in New York City and takes you through historic sites, iconic landmarks, and significant bridges before arriving in Philadelphia. This route blends Revolutionary War history, classic Americana, and famous cultural sites, setting the stage for an unforgettable cross-country road trip.
Morning: New York City to New Jersey
Times Square – Lincoln Highway Eastern Terminus
📍 New York, NY
Start your journey where the Lincoln Highway officially begins—Times Square. This bustling landmark is not just a symbol of New York but the starting point of America’s first transcontinental highway. Take a moment to appreciate the significance before heading west.
Aaron Burr Duel Site
📍 Weehawken, NJ
A short detour from the highway brings you to the infamous duel site where Aaron Burr fatally shot Alexander Hamilton in 1804. The site offers a small memorial with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.
Thomas Edison National Historical Park
📍 West Orange, NJ
Step into the world of one of America’s greatest inventors. This preserved laboratory and home offer a deep dive into Edison’s work, including the development of the light bulb and the phonograph.
Midday: New Jersey to Pennsylvania
Ironbound District – Lunch Stop
📍 Newark, NJ
Known for its incredible Portuguese and Brazilian cuisine, the Ironbound District is a great place to grab lunch. Enjoy a meal at one of the many local favorites before continuing on your journey.
Albany Street Bridge
📍 New Brunswick, NJ
One of the historic bridges along the Lincoln Highway, this crossing over the Raritan River has carried travelers westward for over a century. A quick stop here provides a glimpse into early highway infrastructure.
War of the Worlds Martian Landing Site
📍 Grover’s Mill, NJ
This quiet park marks the location made famous by Orson Welles’ 1938 radio broadcast, which sent listeners into panic, believing an actual Martian invasion was taking place.
Calhoun Street Bridge
📍 Trenton, NJ
Cross the Delaware River into Pennsylvania on this historic truss bridge, which has carried Lincoln Highway travelers since the early 1900s.
Afternoon: Philadelphia’s Historic Landmarks
Independence Hall
📍 Philadelphia, PA
Step into the birthplace of American democracy. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed. Guided tours offer a fascinating look at the nation’s founding.
Liberty Bell
📍 Philadelphia, PA
A symbol of freedom and one of the most iconic American landmarks, the Liberty Bell is a must-visit stop before concluding the first day of your Lincoln Highway journey.
Evening: Exploring Philadelphia
After a day filled with history and travel, enjoy an evening exploring the city. Walk along the cobblestone streets of Old City, visit a local restaurant for a classic Philly cheesesteak, or relax along the scenic waterfront at Penn’s Landing.
Day 1 of your Lincoln Highway adventure sets the tone for the incredible journey ahead. From the bright lights of Times Square to the historic sites of Philadelphia, this route blends American history with the spirit of the open road. Read about the whole road trip here.
