Saddle Brook New JerseyATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Saddle Brook, New Jersey.
1. Saddle River County Park
SCENIC OUTDOOR RECREATION
Saddle River County Park offers visitors a peaceful retreat with walking paths, picnic areas, and recreational facilities. The park features beautiful scenery along the Saddle River with paved trails perfect for walking, jogging, or biking. Visitors can enjoy various outdoor activities year-round, including fishing, bird watching, and seasonal events.
2. Riverside Cemetery
HISTORIC JEWISH CEMETERY
Riverside Cemetery is a plot-holder-owned Jewish cemetery with over 65,000 burials spread across 105 acres. The cemetery features an Italianate style administrative building that has been restored after suffering extensive damage in a 1950 fire. Acquired by the Lakewood Cemetery Association in 1906, it represents an important cultural and historical landmark in the area.
3. First Reformed Church of Saddle Brook
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS LANDMARK
The First Reformed Church of Saddle Brook, located at 5 Ackerman Avenue, holds the distinction of being the first church established within the township's present boundaries. Officially established in 1900, the church held its first worship service on May 5, 1901. The church continues to serve as both a religious institution and a historic landmark in the community.
4. Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation
PREMIER REHABILITATION CENTER
The Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation maintains a specialized campus in Saddle Brook with 112 beds dedicated to rehabilitation services. Established in 1993 after acquiring Saddle Brook/Kennedy Memorial Hospital, the facility specializes in rehabilitation from stroke, brain injury, amputation, and various neurological conditions. The institute is renowned for its expertise in joint replacement and orthopedic trauma rehabilitation.
5. Passaic Junction
HISTORIC RAILWAY YARD
Passaic Junction is a working rail yard owned by New York, Susquehanna and Western Railway that serves as an official interchange location with Norfolk Southern. The junction represents an important piece of the region's transportation infrastructure and industrial history. Train enthusiasts often visit to observe the operations and historic significance of this active railway hub.
6. Westfield Garden State Plaza
PREMIER SHOPPING DESTINATION
Westfield Garden State Plaza is one of New Jersey's largest and most popular shopping destinations, located near Saddle Brook. The mall features hundreds of retail stores, from luxury brands to everyday favorites, along with numerous dining options and entertainment venues. Visitors can enjoy a comprehensive shopping experience with regular events, seasonal displays, and family-friendly activities throughout the year.
7. Van Saun County Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY PARK EXPERIENCE
Van Saun County Park offers a variety of family-friendly attractions including Bergen County Zoo, a carousel, train rides, and extensive playgrounds. The 146-acre park provides beautiful landscapes with walking paths, picnic areas, and a pond for fishing and paddle boating. Open year-round, the park hosts seasonal events including a winter wonderland experience during the holiday season.
8. The Outlets at Bergen Town Center
DISCOUNT SHOPPING MALL
The Outlets at Bergen Town Center provides shoppers with discounted prices on popular brands and designer goods near Saddle Brook. The shopping center features a mix of outlet stores, traditional retail, restaurants, and service establishments in an indoor/outdoor setting. Visitors appreciate the convenient location and variety of shopping options for all budgets.
9. Saddle Brook Diner
CLASSIC AMERICAN DINING
Saddle Brook Diner is a beloved local eatery offering classic American fare and New Jersey diner specialties. The restaurant serves generous portions for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a comfortable, family-friendly atmosphere. Locals and visitors alike enjoy the extensive menu, home-style cooking, and the authentic New Jersey diner experience.
10. Saddle Brook Park
COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTER
Saddle Brook Park serves as the township's primary community recreation center with sports fields, playgrounds, and gathering spaces. The park offers facilities for baseball, basketball, tennis, and other recreational activities for residents and visitors. Community events, sports leagues, and seasonal celebrations are regularly hosted at this central township park.
11. Flat Rock Brook Nature Center
URBAN WILDLIFE PRESERVE
Flat Rock Brook Nature Center is a 150-acre preserve and environmental education center located a short drive from Saddle Brook. The center features several miles of hiking trails through woodland habitats, a pond, and gardens that showcase native plants and wildlife. Educational programs, guided nature walks, and seasonal events make this an enriching destination for nature enthusiasts of all ages.
12. American Dream
ENTERTAINMENT AND SHOPPING COMPLEX
American Dream is a massive entertainment and retail complex featuring attractions like Nickelodeon Universe theme park, DreamWorks Water Park, and Big SNOW indoor skiing. The venue offers hundreds of retail stores and dozens of dining options alongside unique experiences like an indoor ice skating rink and aquarium. Located within a short drive from Saddle Brook, it provides an all-weather destination for shopping, dining, and family entertainment.
13. Aviation Hall of Fame & Museum of New Jersey
AVIATION HISTORY MUSEUM
The Aviation Hall of Fame & Museum of New Jersey preserves the Garden State's distinguished aviation and space heritage at nearby Teterboro Airport. The museum houses an impressive collection of aircraft, air and space artifacts, photographs, art, and an extensive aviation library. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring pioneers like Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh who made significant contributions to aviation history in New Jersey.
14. Overpeck County Park
EXPANSIVE RECREATIONAL AREA
Overpeck County Park spans over 800 acres across several Bergen County municipalities, offering extensive recreational facilities a short distance from Saddle Brook. The park features athletic fields, picnic areas, playgrounds, walking and biking paths, boat launches, and a dog park. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy bird watching around the park's lakes and wetlands while families appreciate the diverse activities available year-round.
15. Liberty State Park
HISTORIC WATERFRONT PARK
Liberty State Park offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island from its 1,212-acre waterfront location. The park features miles of walking paths, picnic areas, and serves as a departure point for ferries to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Visitors can also explore the historic Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal and the thought-provoking Liberation Monument commemorating the Holocaust.