The city of Hackensack serves as the bustling county seat of Bergen County, blending centuries of Revolutionary War history with hidden natural sanctuaries and landmark culinary stops. For residents looking to explore their own backyard, a carefully planned itinerary through this transit-accessible hub reveals a surprising mix of old-world heritage and modern recreation.
Morning: Revolutionary Roots on the Green
A historical tour of Hackensack begins at the First Reformed Church of Hackensack, colloquially known as the Church on the Green. Originally constructed in 1696, this landmark is the oldest surviving church building in Bergen County. The surrounding green served as a strategic encampment site for General George Washington and his Continental Army during their historic retreat across New Jersey in November 1776. Visitors can walk the historic graveyard, which contains the resting places of prominent Revolutionary War figures, including Brigadier General Enoch Poor.
Directly adjacent to the green stands the majestic Bergen County Courthouse. Completed in 1912, this Beaux-Arts style masterpiece features a dramatic dome modeled after the Pantheon in Rome, showcasing the civic pride of Hackensack’s turn-of-the-century golden era.
Mid-Day: Walking the Canopy at Borg's Woods
A short drive north into the residential neighborhoods of Hackensack leads to Borg's Woods Nature Preserve, a hidden 14-acre woodland sanctuary. Positioned between Summit Avenue and Union Street, this preserve contains some of the last remaining old-growth forest canopy in the immediate metropolitan area. Well-marked footpaths wind through towering white oaks, beech trees, and native sugar maples, offering a quiet bird-watching retreat in the center of the city. The preserve provides a dramatic seasonal display of native wildflowers in the warmer months and excellent opportunities for light hiking.
Lunch: A Legendary Culinary Landmark
No excursion to Hackensack is complete without stopping at White Manna on River Street. Operating out of a distinctive circular building built for the 1939 New York World's Fair, this iconic diner has been serving customers since 1946. The tiny, counter-only establishment is internationally famous for its vintage slider style: fresh-ground beef patties smashed flat with thinly sliced onions on a hot griddle, topped with American cheese and served on soft potato rolls. It represents an essential, unpretentious piece of New Jersey culinary history.
Afternoon: Modern Retail and Riverfront Walks
Conclude the day trip with a visit to the northern corridor of the city along the Hackensack River. The Shops at Riverside offer an upscale shopping experience with premier department stores, luxury boutiques, and high-end dining options. For a more relaxed alternative, the Hackensack River Pathway offers scenic, paved walking paths along the water, showcasing the ongoing environmental restoration and revitalization of the riverfront.