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North Bergen sits at the very top of Hudson County, NJ, stretching across the Palisades from the Hudson River to the Meadowlands. It is home to one of the county’s largest parks, a historic German-American gathering place and a busy stretch of Bergenline Avenue. Our team put together this guide to things to do in North Bergen, built from county, township and venue pages.
Spend a Day at James J. Braddock North Hudson Park
North Bergen’s crown jewel is James J. Braddock Park, a 167-acre county park and one of the largest in Hudson County. It surrounds the 16-acre Woodcliff Lake and, according to the county tourism office, has a view of the Manhattan skyline from its spot atop the Palisades.
Planning a visit? Our full guide to James J. Braddock North Hudson County Park covers the lake, trails, fields, parking and how to get there.
The park has about 45 athletic facilities, including:
- 21 tennis courts and 3 basketball courts
- 3 bocce courts, handball courts and 6 volleyball courts
- 3 football fields and a Little League field
- An exercise and cross country course
- A playground, picnic areas and a dog run
- Nature trails and 8 miles of walkways
The county also lists kayak rentals at the park. For questions, call the Hudson County Parks Department at 201-915-1388.
A Little North Bergen Park History
The park opened in 1910 as North Hudson Park. The county’s parks guide explains that it was renamed for local resident James J. Braddock, the world heavyweight boxing champion from 1935 to 1937, who inspired people across the area during the Great Depression. A statue honoring Braddock was added for the park’s 100th anniversary, and the historic former Superintendent building still stands. Make the statue part of your walk around the lake.
Walk the Lake in Every Season
November is a lovely time to visit. The nature trails wind through groves of trees and the walkways loop around Woodcliff Lake. Bring a coffee, a camera and the dog, since the park has a dedicated dog run.
Discover the History of Schuetzen Park
Up on Kennedy Boulevard, The Boulevard event venue at 3167 John F. Kennedy Boulevard stands on the site of Schuetzen Park, a North Bergen landmark that opened in 1872. The venue says the park once covered 32 acres and hosted decades of parties, weddings, concerts and festivals, and that the German-American Volksfest has been held there for generations. Today The Boulevard hosts concerts, comedy shows, festivals and community events, so watch its listings.
Shop the North End of Bergenline Avenue
Bergenline Avenue runs north through North Bergen, lined with local shops and restaurants. Once a month it also hosts a flea market. JC Promotions runs the North Bergen 1st Saturday Monthly Flea and Collectible Market at 9015 Bergenline Avenue from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with vendors selling new items, crafts and collectibles. It is hosted by the North Bergen Community Police, with proceeds going to local organizations. The organizer plans to run it on the first Saturday of each month and cancels for rain or bad weather, so check its calendar before you go.
Join a Township Program
The North Bergen Parks and Recreation Department runs youth sports from basketball, soccer and wrestling to cheerleading, dance and softball, plus a summer camp and holiday events for Halloween, Christmas and Easter. Reach the township at 201-392-2000 or visit the Parks and Recreation page for details.
Plan Your North Bergen Day
- Morning: Loop Woodcliff Lake and visit the Braddock statue.
- Midday: Lunch along Bergenline Avenue.
- Afternoon: Head to the Palisades for skyline views.
Looking for more outdoor time? See our guide to Hudson County waterfront parks in fall, and check things to do in Hudson County this weekend.
Show North Bergen Some Love
Vote for your favorite North Bergen businesses in the Best of Hudson County 2026 awards before November 30, and subscribe to our newsletter for more local guides.
Featured photo: Nightscream, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0).
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