A Dutch Farm Adventure in Fair Lawn

Did you know there is a working Dutch farm museum in Fair Lawn? Not some stuffy affair with antique farm tools hanging on the wall of some outbuilding but a living, working farm?

Garretson Forge and Farm has existed on River Road in Fair Lawn since 1719. The farm is owned by Bergen County but a small army of volunteers helps keep the farm, programs and outbuildings maintained year round.

Although the farm is quiet this time of year, you can find a variety of activities to attend from April through early December. Garretson Farm offers lectures, archaeological digs, colonial reenactments and so much more. You can drop by and visit the farm any Sunday beginning in April from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

On many spring weekends you can visit the farm while planting is taking place. There is also a Spring Festival of "Colonial Life in New Jersey" which usually takes place in early May. There is a butterfly release from the garden each September. According to their website, Garretson Farm is a certified Monarch butterfly way station.

In October, it is time for the Harvest Festival. Once again, colonial life is demonstrated and you and your children can see what it was like for farmers nearly 300 years ago in Bergen County. Before the museum closes for the winter, the final event of the calendar year is a celebration of Dutch Christmas.

The farm is also a popular destination for gardeners. There is something innovative happening at Garretson Farm and the master gardeners of Bergen County have been instrumental in bringing it about. Plantings at the farm include "specimen and heirloom crops" as well as an herb garden which includes "50 varieties of medicinal and culinary herbs." One of the most amazing things about the Garretson property is that a pantry garden on the site helps supply two area food banks with fresh produce for their clients.

This forge and farm is a treasure on nearly two acres in Fair Lawn. Take the trip with your family this spring or fall -- you'll be glad you did.

Come visit NNJ Family for more great family adventures, money saving tips, recommendations for great reads and so much more.