Discover Garfield: Rivers, Parks and Architecture

Garfield brings together riverside connections, recreational opportunities and distinctive architecture in an urban setting. The city is located on the Passaic River and the Saddle River; Dahnert’s Lake County Park offers a range of recreational opportunities across 10 acres of land. There is also a viewpoint in Belmont Hill County Park and buildings with a variety of architectural features. When planning, you can choose your own focus among the water, parks and cultural history.

River Views on the Passaic

River Drive along the Passaic offers travelers a direct view of the river, including the historic Dundee Dam. This provides a specific viewpoint for anyone who wants to include Garfield’s riverside setting in their bearings. The Saddle River is also part of the city’s geographic setting. Together, the two river names frame Garfield’s landscape; the specifically named river view is on River Drive along the Passaic.

Recreation in the Park

Dahnert’s Lake County Park is located in a densely built-up urban setting and covers 10 acres of land. It offers a range of recreational opportunities; one specific activity is catch-and-release fishing. Fish that are caught are released again. A New Jersey state fishing license is required to fish. If you choose this activity, obtaining a license is part of your preparation.

Belmont Hill County Park adds a viewpoint to the options. The two parks can therefore be considered according to different interests: Dahnert’s Lake County Park offers a range of recreational opportunities and the specified fishing option, while the viewpoint is the clear point of interest at Belmont Hill County Park. This lets you consider whether you would rather focus on recreational activities or a viewpoint during your stay, without treating the two as the same experience.

Architecture and History

The Octagon House at 23 Orchard Street was built by Augustus Hasbrouck. It is an early 20th-century residence with unique architecture and is one of only two surviving examples in all of Bergen County. The Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Church of the Three Saints offers a different architectural accent: its golden domes and elaborate masonry define the description of the building.

To explore Garfield’s architectural history, it is worth considering these features separately: the Octagon House stands out for its distinctive architecture and rarity in Bergen County; the church is notable for its domes and masonry. This gives you a concrete impression of the different architectural motifs that distinguish Garfield.

Planning Garfield as a Base

Garfield train station may also factor into your plans: it is served by the Main-Bergen County commuter rail line. If you want to plan your trip around a rail connection, check the schedule for your travel dates. If you are looking for a vacation rental in Garfield, you can first consider whether you want your stay to focus on the river view from River Drive, recreational opportunities in a park or the architecture of historic buildings.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Ridgefield, Mahwah, Upper Saddle River, Edgewater, Little Ferry, South Hackensack Township, Tenafly, Ridgefield Park.

Return to the main travel overview: Bergen.