Attractions and Places To See around Closter - Top 20

Closter offers several natural attractions. The Closter Nature Center is a 136-acre preserve with over three miles of trails for hiking and birdwatching, featuring ponds, brooks, meadows, and forests. You can also visit Wild Duck Pond, a peaceful spot for observing local wildlife and enjoying a break by the water. The Oradell Reservoir is another significant natural feature, important for drinking water and offering scenic views along its perimeter.

Yes, Closter is rich in history with numerous historic houses, many recognized as State and National Historic Landmarks. Notable examples include the Isaac Naugle House (built around 1780), the Daniel DeClark House (1775), and the Resolvert Naugle House (circa 1735), considered the oldest surviving building in Closter. The unique Harold Hess Lustron House, made of porcelain-enameled steel, also serves as a museum managed by the Closter Historic Society.

Families can enjoy various activities. The Closter Nature Center offers environmental education programs and easy trails. Local parks like Ammonola Park, Veterans Memorial Park, and Ruckman Park provide playgrounds, ball fields, and walking paths. For a fun outing, the Closter Golf Center features a two-story driving range and a mini-golf course. Additionally, Wild Duck Pond is a great spot for picnics and wildlife observation.

Closter is well-connected to excellent cycling and walking routes. The Putnam Trail, part of the Empire State Trail, offers a repaved route north to Westchester. The South County Trailway provides an asphalted gateway cycling route from New York City to Upstate New York. You can also find more cycling routes in the area by exploring the Cycling around Closter guide.

Yes, Closter has cultural sites. The Belskie Museum of Art and Science showcases local, student, and international artists. The Nagel-Auryansen Cemetery is an important Revolutionary War site, serving as the burial place for members of the Bergen County militia. The Closter Historical Society also works to preserve and display the town's rich history.

For mountain biking enthusiasts, there are several trails around Closter. You can find routes like the 'Boyce Thompson, Lower Otter and Thruway Trail' or the 'Wild Turkey Trail loop from Ruckman Field'. These trails offer various difficulty levels for different experiences. For more details and specific routes, refer to the MTB Trails around Closter guide.

Closter Plaza is a prominent outdoor shopping center with approximately 36 stores, including a Whole Foods, Target, and a movie theater. Downtown Closter also features a vibrant area with various shops and restaurants, including historic eateries like Rudy's restaurant. For a unique experience, the Old Schraalenburgh Farm and Farm Stand offers opportunities for shopping, dining, and seasonal activities.

Yes, the area around Closter offers options for gravel biking. Routes such as the '9W Market – Piermont Railway Station (historic) loop from Harrington Park' provide a mix of terrain suitable for gravel bikes. You can explore more routes and their details in the Gravel biking around Closter guide.

The Closter Nature Center is a significant 136-acre natural preserve that plays a crucial role in environmental education. It offers over three miles of marked trails through diverse habitats like ponds, brooks, meadows, and forests, providing a home for various wildlife including deer, squirrels, and numerous bird species. It's a place for both recreation and learning about local ecology.

Visitors frequently praise the well-maintained conditions and scenic beauty of the trails. For instance, the Putnam Trail is noted for being recently repaved and in great condition, making it excellent for multi-day tours. The South County Trailway is appreciated as a well-developed route with bike service stations, allowing for long-distance cycling through nature.

Yes, several local parks in Closter offer athletic facilities. Ruckman Park features athletic fields, tennis courts, and a basketball court, along with a walking/jogging path and a playground. Veterans Memorial Park includes ball fields and a playground, while Malakome Park has a baseball field.