Little Ferry: Nature and History

Little Ferry offers opportunities for a variety of discoveries: a protected lowland forest and meadow area sits alongside places that tell the story of the community. The town also includes various recreational and educational facilities. If you’re planning a trip where nature and culture both play a part, these highlights may help shape your decision to visit Little Ferry.

Nature and Recreation at Losen Slote Creek Park

Losen Slote Creek Park encompasses 28 acres of protected lowland forest and meadow. The park also has a nature trail and seating areas. This brings together opportunities to experience nature and places to relax as distinct features of the grounds. If you enjoy spending time outdoors during a stay, you can make these amenities a focus of your plans.

The park’s recreational area includes a two-acre playground, a full-size roller hockey rink, and an educational and recreational area with outdoor classrooms. The different facilities appeal to different interests: the playground is a dedicated space for children, while the outdoor classrooms combine nature and education. The roller hockey rink adds a sporting option. Families planning a visit together may want to consider in advance which of these park areas they’d like to make the focus of their stay.

Stories from Little Ferry

The name Little Ferry recalls a cable-operated ferry that crossed the Hackensack River between 1659 and 1826. During the colonial period, Little Ferry was also the site of an important ferry link between the regional communities of Bergen and Hackensack.

Another place of historical significance is Gethsemane Cemetery: this historic African American cemetery covers one acre, is owned by the county, and is located west of the Hackensack River in Little Ferry. Because of its significant role in the development of early civil rights legislation in New Jersey, it was added to the state and national registers of historic places. Visitors interested in African American history and the development of civil rights will find a distinctive historical connection to the town here.

Library and More to Discover

The Little Ferry Free Public Library also combines practical information with local culture. A wheelchair-accessible ramp is located next to the entrance, near the parking lot. Street parking and a municipal parking lot across the street are available at the library. The Little Ferry Local History Mural can be seen in the library’s reference room, adding a depiction with a direct connection to Little Ferry to the historical themes.

The library offers programs for children of all ages, as well as adults and seniors. Its programs therefore cater to different age groups. For travelers who want to consider cultural or community-oriented activities in addition to spending time outdoors, the library is another aspect to keep in mind when getting to know the town.

If you’d like to compare other places as you plan your trip: South Hackensack Township, Ridgefield, Fort Lee, Hasbrouck Heights, Elmwood Park, Garfield, Rutherford and Saddle River.

For the broader travel overview: Bergen.