GLASSBORO, NEW JERSEY

Things People Don't Know About Glassboro

More than a college town · Gloucester County, NJ

If you only know Glassboro as "where Rowan is," you're missing a lot. This Gloucester County borough has a story that goes back to the 1700s, a downtown that has changed a lot in recent years, and a few surprises most people never hear about.

Glassboro at a Glance

Named for glass

A town that grew up around a 1700s glassworks

Walkable downtown

Rowan Boulevard links campus and downtown

Free art museum

Rowan's contemporary art museum is open to the public

2,393 acres of woods

Wildlife management area + bike path

A local winery

Summit City Farms & Winery

Easy to get around

Routes 55 and 322, and Philly isn't far

Surprise #1

The name is literal

Glassboro is named for exactly what you'd guess. The town grew up around a glassworks founded in the late 1700s, and glassmaking shaped it for generations.

It also has a spot in world history. In 1967, Glassboro hosted a summit between the U.S. President and the Soviet Premier at Hollybush, a mansion that still stands on Rowan's campus today. Not bad for a small South Jersey town.

Downtown

A walkable downtown

Rowan Boulevard connects the university campus to downtown Glassboro. Along it you'll find restaurants, shops, and places to grab a coffee, all within an easy walk of each other.

It's a part of town that keeps changing as new spots open.

Things to do

Always something going on

You don't have to be a student to take advantage of Rowan. The university hosts public events throughout the year, from science nights to guest speakers.

There's also a free art museum on campus. At the Rowan University Museum of Contemporary Art, admission to exhibitions and museum events is free and open to the public.

Good to know: The Westby Hall location closes during summer, spring break, and winter break, so check before you go.

The outdoors

Room to get outside

On the edge of town sits the Glassboro Wildlife Management Area, about 2,393 acres of protected woods, streams, and ponds stretching into Clayton and Monroe Townships (NJ Fish & Wildlife map).

The Monroe Township Bike Path starts in Glassboro and runs through the shaded woodlands of the WMA toward Williamstown. It's a great option for walking, running, or biking.

Fall tip: The WMA is open to hunting in season. Wear blaze orange or stick to the bike path.

Surprise #2

Glassboro has its own winery

Most people don't expect a winery in a college town. Summit City Farms & Winery on University Blvd is named after that 1967 summit, and its tasting room displays artifacts from Glassboro and the South Jersey region.

The farm grows much of the fruit used in its wines. It's an easy, local way to spend a weekend afternoon. Check their current hours before you visit.

Location

Easy to get around

Route 55 and Route 322 run right through the area, putting you close to the rest of South Jersey. Philadelphia isn't far, and the Shore is within reach for a day trip.

Real estate

A real mix of housing

Glassboro's housing is more varied than people expect. You'll find:

Older homes near downtown
Newer developments
Townhomes and condos

Each part of town feels different, and the street you choose changes what you get. That's why it pays to know the area block by block before you buy or sell.