Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Hamburg, NJ

  • Published 2022/08/16

Hamburg is a beautiful New Jersey borough filled with history and charm.

Explore the surrounding areas of Hamburg and find yourself in a place with many things to do.

There are a couple of parks and hiking trails around if you want fresh air and exercise.

If you’re into more urban activities, check out some of the local restaurants and cafes around town.

Hamburg has some great food options that satisfy any appetite.

They’re all just minutes away from wherever you are!

You can walk through the quaint shops and restaurants and take in all the history around you.

Likewise, the borough sits near other villages and towns with similarly entertaining attractions.

Explore Hamburg and nearby areas for a fulfilling getaway.

If you’re planning a group or solo trip soon, consider this list of the best things to do in Hamburg.

Visit the Remains of the Gingerbread Castle

Everyone loves theme parks, but what happens when those places fade into memory?

Taking a tour of the Gingerbread Castle is one of the most iconic things to do in Hamburg.

This place was once an amusement park in the early 1900s.

However, it closed in the 1980s, so the borough locked it up and turned it into a historical landmark.

This castle opened its doors for business in the 1930s and enjoyed growing success throughout New Jersey and the neighboring states.

Before designing this castle, F.H. Bennett drew creativity from his recollections of reading fairy tales as a boy.

Although this location is now a ruin, they still show the castle’s original white, pink, and blue colors, making it a stunning example of Hamburg’s rich historical heritage.

From the Gingerbread Castle, you can still view famous statues such as a dragon, Humpty Dumpty, and a frog.

Check Out the Hamburg Paper Mill Ruins

If you have visited Gingerbread Castle, you know how unique and wonderful it is.

However, did you know that another historical site is near those ruins?

These are the ruins of the Hamburg Paper Mill.

Paper mills can trace their origins back to 1874, when they began as an industry that produced paper for packaging fruit.

The Hamburg Paper Mill had to shut down because of frequent fires and flooding.

Today, it not only acts as a reminder of the past but also makes for an excellent location for photoshoots.

Anyone interested in architecture or history can visit these ruins, which are open to the public.

Enjoy a Picnic at Hamburg Park and Recreation Fields

The Hamburg Park and Recreation Fields is a pleasant spot to spend the day and unwind.

You can find the park in Hamburg, just around Gingerbread Castle.

The park has plenty of space for picnics, so bring your lunch or order some food from nearby restaurants such as Granny’s Pancake House & Grill.

You’ll also find a generous space for kids to play.

If you have little ones in tow, they’ll have plenty of room to run around.

The Hamburg Park and Recreation Fields are an unmissable destination for anyone looking to enjoy quality time with their family away from home.

Buy Souvenirs at Hamburg Antique Center

Stop by the Hamburg Antique Center and bring home a piece of the town through one of their collections.

Not only do they offer customers a diverse selection of products, but they also provide an exceptional experience and atmosphere.

With over 44 years of operation, Hamburg Antique Center has offered customers a piece of the town through its collections.

They have everything from furniture, jewelry, home decors, mirrors, clothing, and many more.

If you’re unsure what you want or wish to browse their items before deciding, this is the place for you!

Start Your NJ Golf Adventure at Ballyowen Golf Club

The expansive green grounds of Hamburg have contributed to the city’s reputation as a premier destination for golfers.

As a tribute to Scotland’s historic links courses, the Ballyowen Golf Club in New Jersey is one of the best.

Roger Rulewich designed the golf course, situated on a picturesque plateau that spans 250 acres and offers a breathtaking view of the Wallkill River.

The course also boasts a charming atmosphere.

The golf club also provides a caddie service so that you may get the most out of your time on the course.

Stop by Owen’s Pub after your round to have a bite to eat and a drink.

Play Golf at Crystal Springs Golf Club

You can continue your golfing adventure at the Crystal Springs Golf Club in Hamburg, which boasts a course consistently ranked among the top 25 in the United States.

This location boasts a length of over 6,800 yards and a picturesque setting.

It first opened in the early 1990s.

The nine-hole golf course is popular among locals and visitors due to its ample supply of golf carts on any given day.

Not only is playing golf a fun activity, but it’s also good for your health.

Because golf can also help lower stress levels, playing a round at Crystal Springs Golf Club will leave you feeling better.

Grab Breakfast at Granny’s Pancake House & Grill

Eat at one of Hamburg’s world-renowned restaurants for breakfast, lunch, or dinner after your golf experience.

Granny’s Pancake House & Grill is one of these restaurants.

This family-owned restaurant offers meals throughout the day, comprising classic American favorites.

They have earned renown for their omelets.

For example, their Monster Omelet is the most well-liked among the other options available for breakfast.

Likewise, they offer roast beef, spicy chicken wings, salads, burger and sandwich combinations, and more for lunch and dinner.

What if you require space for your important event?

Whether it’s an anniversary celebration or a baby shower, Granny’s Pancake House & Grill can host gatherings of any size.

Pick Up Some Bagels at Hamburg Hot Bagels

The renowned Hamburg Hot Bagels is an excellent location to get fueled up before you start your journey.

This family-owned establishment serves a variety of tasty bagels, sandwiches, and salads.

They use zero preservatives or oil for cooking their food, so you don’t have to worry about chemicals or additives.

After all, you don’t want to upset your stomach after a long day of sightseeing.

They also offer gourmet pastries and muffins if you’re in the mood for something sweet and savory.

You can also have croissants and home-baked muffins for breakfast before continuing your Hamburg adventure.

Start your day right at Hamburg Hot Bagels!

Rejuvenate Yourself at Reflections Spa

Traveling can get stressful, but there’s no need to worry when you’re in the beautiful town of Hamburg.

The Reflections Spa boasts of its expertise in various beauty treatments, including body massage, skin therapy, and anything else.

They’ve made it their goal to help you look and feel your best.

While getting your beauty treatments, you can have a glass of wine while chatting with your friends.

Aside from beauty services, they also accept treatment packages for bachelorette parties for your family and friends.

If you want to kick back, relax, and be pampered, go to the Reflections Spa in Hamburg.

Enjoy Free Movie Night at Wheatsworth Park

Wheatsworth Park is another lovely park in Hamburg that you should go and check out.

This location is fantastic for vigorous activities like walking or riding, particularly in the morning.

Your children can either play on the swing set or run around with their pups.

This park hosts free movie screenings on Saturday nights, which is why it’s a terrific place to visit.

While you watch your favorite movie outside under the stars, make sure you have some popcorn ready to go.

See excellent films at Wheatsworth Park!

Other Things to Do Nearby

There are many fun indoor and outdoor activities to choose from in New Jersey.

You are not only limited to Hamburg’s own attractions.

The town is tiny with a thriving local economy, although just a handful of firms operate within its borders.

On the other hand, the community strongly bonds with its surrounding communities, such as Vernon and Ogdensburg.

Learn about Zinc Mining at Sterling Hill Mining Museum

Exterior of Sterling Hill Mining Museum

Dmadeo, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

From Hamburg, you can reach the Sterling Hill Mining Museum in Ogdensburg, New Jersey, in about 12 minutes.

You can join an underground tour of a zinc mine and a trip to the fluorescent mineral capital of the world at this mine.

Underground mine at Sterling Hill Mining Museum

Dmadeo, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Children can join various rock-related activities in this 0.25 miles long underground mine, including the rock collection.

They will also observe the drilling process used while mining minerals.

This location was a zinc mine for many years before becoming a museum in 1989.

Zinc ore at Sterling Hill Mining Museum

James St. John, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Learn Geology at Franklin Mineral Museum

Drive eight minutes from Hamburg to reach nearby Franklin, New Jersey, where you can find the Franklin Mineral Museum.

The Franklin Mineral Museum focuses on minerals and geological specimens.

This museum opened in 1965, intending to preserve and disseminate knowledge regarding geology and minerals.

You can search thousands of rocks in this area to identify ones that contain mineral specimens.

The museum also has a mini souvenir store where you can buy a couple of souvenirs.

Buy Fresh Products at Andersen Farms

You can find Andersen Farms in Sussex, New Jersey, just three minutes away from Hamburg.

This place is worth a visit on your way home.

Andersen Farms is a breath of fresh air that offers freshly produced goods in addition to organic snacks.

Besides their popular products like baked goods, jellies, salsas, honey, and pickles, the farm also sells hand-picked fresh fruits and vegetables.

Likewise, they sell ice cream in various exciting flavors, which might surprise you.

Before you drive home, check your baskets and make sure you have filled them with delicious, freshly baked goods.

Make Wild Friends at Space Farms: Zoo & Museum

After you’ve picked your fresh produce at Andersen Farms, consider going to the Space Farms Zoo and Museum in Sussex, New Jersey.

This 100-acre zoo, roughly 15 minutes from Hamburg, is home to more than 500 species of wild animals.

You can also access the attraction’s nine substantial museum buildings, which house a variety of vintage automobiles and other artifacts.

Likewise, check out a large selection of animals, including leopards, jaguars, monkeys, and snakes, among many others.

If you get hungry while exploring the zoo or the museum, go to the pizza restaurant nearby to grab a bite.

Bring your family to Space Farms: Zoo & Museum!

Make a Quick Stop at the Windy Acres RV Park

The Windy Acres RV Park in Newton, New Jersey, is only 26 minutes away from Hamburg.

Take a break here before starting your journey back home.

Get ready for various exciting events at the Windy Acres RV, which features opportunities for waterskiing and fishing.

It also offers expansive grounds for a variety of outdoor activities.

Because of the town’s proximity to the beach, children and adults can enjoy various activities.

There are many choices to entertain the whole family, including kayaking on the river and boating on the bay.

Thanks to the stunning natural beauty surrounding you, you will feel revitalized and at ease while at Windy Acres RV Park.

Final Thoughts

People are always looking for new places to explore.

When they find these places, they like to go and experience them.

Hamburg is a stunning location along with its neighboring and surrounding points of interest.

You have the opportunity to travel to the most fantastic locations and capture breathtaking images of the spectacular panoramas.

If you are interested in exploring nature and the surrounding natural world, check out this part of New Jersey.

Plan your trip today and discover the best things to do in Hamburg, NJ!

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