Colgate Clock
Jersey City, NJ, 07302
The Colgate Clock in Jersey City is a historic landmark and one of the world’s largest clocks. Built in 1924, it once sat atop the headquarters of the Colgate-Palmolive Company and is now located at ground level overlooking the Hudson River. Visitors stop here to admire its striking design, enjoy nearby waterfront views of Manhattan, and get a glimpse of the region's industrial and architectural past.
The basics
Measuring 50 feet (15 meters) in diameter, the Colgate Clock is a piece of the city’s history. Visitors can view the clock from Liberty State Park, waterfront walkways, or by ferry from Manhattan, as well as aboard a cruise around Lower Manhattan. The site offers stunning views of the Hudson River and Manhattan skyline, though the area itself is basically an empty lot. Just a short distance away, Liberty State Park is where you’ll find walking trails, waterfront views, and access to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
Things to know before you go
From Manhattan, you can see the Colgate Clock from the west side of the Financial District.
The Jersey City waterfront is ideal for walking and biking.
Kayaking excursions along the Hudson River are available from Jersey City.
How to get there
To reach the Colgate Clock, head to the waterfront near Exchange Place. By public transportation, take the PATH train to Exchange Place or the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail to Harborside station; both are within walking distance. Another option is taking a scenic ferry ride from Manhattan to the Jersey City waterfront, which offers a unique perspective of the clock.
When to get there
With the most pleasant weather, the spring and fall seasons are the best times to stroll along the Jersey CIty waterfront and see the Colgate Clock. Late afternoons and evenings are ideal for sunset views, with the illuminated clock against the skyline. Visiting on clear days ensures unobstructed views of the Hudson River and nearby landmarks.
Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial
Nearby in Liberty State Park, along the water, is the Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial. It honors the 749 residents of New Jersey who were lost in the September 11, 2001 attacks. Featuring two stainless steel walls engraved with their names, the memorial aligns with the World Trade Center site across the Hudson.
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