Bergen County, New Jersey
Your Bergen County Guide
A personal collection of places to visit, things to do, events, and local authors — built for a busy parent who wants to make the most of this remarkable corner of New Jersey.
Places to Go
56 curated spots — parks, museums, historic sites, and more.
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Events
1986 upcoming events — concerts, kids programs, nature hikes, and more.
See what's on →
Local Authors
7 Bergen County writers — from Harlan Coben to Upton Sinclair.
Meet the authors →
Place Spotlight
a different place every visit✦ Spotlight
American Dream
EntertainmentEast Rutherford
The Western Hemisphere's largest entertainment and retail complex, anchored by Nickelodeon Universe (an indoor theme park with 35+ rides), DreamWorks Water Park, Big Snow (an indoor ski and snowboard slope open year-round), and Legoland Discovery Center. Whatever the weather, there's a full day of family activity here.
Discover this place →
Varies by attraction; generally Sun–Thu 11am–8pm, Fri–Sat 11am–9pm
Happening Soon
All events →JUN
13
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Seasonal Scavenger Hunt
TNC Visitor Center
Games & ActivitiesJUN
13
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Saturday, June 13, 2026 6:30 PM ET
Community & CivicJUN
13
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Artisan Market
Arts & CultureJUN
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Alan Gross
Community & CivicAbout Bergen County
The Palisades
The dramatic basalt cliffs rising 300–500 feet above the Hudson River are Bergen County's most iconic natural feature. Formed 200 million years ago, they offer some of the best views of the Manhattan skyline from anywhere in the region.
Nature spots →Revolutionary History
Bergen County was a critical theater of the Revolutionary War. Washington's famous retreat across the Hackensack River at New Bridge Landing in November 1776 helped save his army and keep the revolution alive.
Historic sites →Green Space
Despite being the most densely populated county in New Jersey, Bergen County has preserved over 10,000 acres of parks — including the Ramapo Mountains, Palisades Interstate Park, and dozens of nature reserves.
Parks & trails →Cultural Diversity
One of the most ethnically diverse counties in the US. Towns like Teaneck, Fort Lee, and Palisades Park have vibrant Korean, Japanese, and other Asian-American communities alongside long-established European-heritage neighborhoods.
Key Facts
- County seat
- Hackensack
- Population
- ~955,000
- Area
- 247 sq miles
- Founded
- 1683
- Municipalities
- 70 boroughs, cities & townships
- Commute to NYC
- 20–45 min by bus/train/ferry
- Borders
- Hudson, Passaic, Essex, Rockland (NY)
- School districts
- 74 independent districts
- Highest point
- ~1,496 ft in the Ramapos