The Ridgewood area is home to many lovely walks and historic sites. Ridgewood has something for everyone, from the casual stroller to the more avid hiker. Here are three of the best historic places to visit on a walk in Ridgewood. If you like things to do while walking, you’re in for a lot of fun.
The Van Dien House
The first stop on our historic Ridgewood walk is the Van Dien House. The Van Dien House is a beautiful example of Dutch Colonial architecture, built in 1720. It is one of the oldest buildings in Bergen County, and was home to several generations of the Van Dien family. The home is currently a private residence .
The Ridgewood Schoolhouse Museum
The Ridgewood Historical Society is located in a one-room schoolhouse at 650 East Glen Ave. in Ridgewood, New Jersey. The Schoolhouse Museum, built in 1872, is a keeper of history, regularly exhibiting artifacts and ephemera of the Village of Ridgewood.
The Schoolhouse Museum borders on the historic Old Paramus Reformed Church which was founded in 1725. It has been part of the community for 297 years.
The Hermitage Museum
The Hermitage, located in neighboring Ho-Ho-Kus, and is a fourteen-room Gothic Revival house museum built in 1847–48 from designs by William H. Ranlett for Elijah Rosencrantz, Jr. Members of the Rosencrantz family owned The Hermitage estate from 1807 to 1970. The Hermitage sits on 4.9 acres of property on the border of Waldwick and Ho-Ho-Kus and is part of the original property that once spanned nearly 300 acres.
The Hermitage is a National Historic Landmark and historic house museum celebrating over 250 years of local and national history, featuring tours, exhibits , reenactments and events.
Ridgewood History
Ridgewood was founded in 1710 by a group of Dutch settlers. The village was originally part of the original Dutch settlement know as New Netherlands . The “Village” became it’s own municipality in 1876. By then, the settlement we call Ridgewood was almost two centuries old.
Ridgewood is known for its lovely Victorian architecture, and for its tree-lined streets. The village is home to many historical landmarks, including the Van Dien House, the , and the Ridgewood Reservoir.
Other Things to Do in Ridgewood
In addition to its many historic sites, Ridgewood, NJ is also home to a vibrant downtown area. Downtown Ridgewood offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes. There are also several art galleries and museums in the area. Downtown Ridgewood is a great place to spend an afternoon exploring.
Ridgewood is a great place to visit for its history, its walks, and its downtown area. There is something for everyone in this lovely New Jersey village.
When to Visit Ridgewood
Ridgewood can be visited year-round. However, the best time to visit may be during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the leaves are changing color. Downtown Ridgewood can be especially crowded during the holiday season, so plan your visit accordingly.
