From the park you are also able to visit several New Jersey beauties and depart on ferries to Ellis Island or downtown manhattan.
The Empty Sky Memorial is a “memorial dedicated to New Jersey’s 749 innocent loved ones who were violently and senselessly murdered [on September 11, 2001] at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and in Shanksville, PA. This memorial reflects the legacies of those whose lives were lost, that their unfulfilled dreams and hopes may result in a better future for society.” This beautiful memorial is between another memorial of steel that once held up the World Trade Center and the view of downtown manhattan. As you step in between these two parallel stainless steel walls, its vanishing point is directed toward Ground Zero. As a tribute to the Twin Towers, the length of each wall is exactly equal to one side of the former World Trade Center Towers as the height of the wall reflects proportion of the former buildings if they were lying on their side. It is a site you have to visit to understand - photos alone cannot do it justice.
Also located near the park is an unused train station. Originally chartered in 1838, the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal started as a train station. With the increase of traffic in 1889 it turned into 12 tracks and 6 platforms for ferry slips. With a second wave of increased traffic at the Immigration Station on Ellis Island in 1892, traffic increased dramatically. “Two-thirds of these courageous newcomers, welcomed by the Statue of Liberty and processed on Ellis Island, started their new lives via the CRRNJ Terminal, settling in New Jersey or traveling on to other states.” There are no tracks today - it is reported CRNJ sold them when they went bankrupt in 1967. However, due to the history of how many families went through Ellis Island and settled in New Jersey, there are several staffers who are determined to preserve the site. At the station you can now buy tickets to go to Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty National Monument.
After your adventures around the park you can find a beautiful place to eat near the 9/11 memorial and train station. Liberty House is a restaurant and event site located right on the Hudson River. At this restaurant you can find a large checkers set, outdoor seating, a beautiful interior, but the most memorable is the view. There is a spectacular view of downtown manhattan. Among the skyline, the most popular you will find is the One World Trade Center.
This state park is filled with history and memorable views. I recommend adding it to your list of places to visit in New Jersey and New York!