Linden Travel Guide

Plan your perfect trip to Linden, NJ with our comprehensive tour guide including must-see attractions, best places to stay, local cuisine, and more!


Introduction to Linden

Linden is a beautiful township in Union County, New Jersey, located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Known for its industrial heritage, Linden has transformed into a popular tourist destination over the years. With its rich history and abundance of cultural and natural attractions, Linden has something to offer to every type of traveler.

From museums and historical landmarks, outdoor adventures, hiking and biking trails, to indulging in the local food scene, Linden promises a memorable vacation for visitors from all walks of life. In this comprehensive tour guide to Linden, we’ll take you through some of the must-visit attractions, best places to stay, local cuisine, cultural customs, and more.

List of Places to Visit in Linden

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Linden House Museum: Built in 1800, this historic house has been converted into a museum that showcases Linden’s history and heritage.
  • General Motors Linden Assembly Plant: A must-visit attraction for auto lovers, the plant offers a tour of the manufacturing process of Chevrolet models.
  • Aviation Hall of Fame of New Jersey: A museum chronicling the history of aviation as well as recognizing the contributions of New Jerseyans to the field.
  • Raymond Wood Bauer Promenade: A beautiful boardwalk that overlooks a pond with fountains, on which visitors can stroll or relax on benches.

Natural Attractions of Linden: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Hawk Rise Sanctuary: A 95-acre wildlife sanctuary in Linden that is home to migratory songbirds, waterfowl, and other animals.
  • Wilson Park: A popular park in Linden, equipped with basketball and tennis courts, picnic areas, and a playground.
  • Rahway River Parkway: A scenic route that winds along the Rahway River, perfect for a peaceful walk or bike ride.
  • Warinanco Park: A massive park that spans across 204 acres and offers a variety of recreational activities such as fishing and boating, sports arenas, trails for walking and cycling, and picnic areas.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Linden

  • Rahway River Parkway
  • Lenape Trail
  • Union County Greenway
  • Pine Ridge Conservation Area

Best Things to Do in Linden: Activities and Tours

  • Linden Farmers Market: A seasonal open-air market where visitors can buy fresh produce, meats, and artisanal goods.
  • Linden Multiplex Cinemas: A modern movie theater, featuring the latest releases, local events, and an IMAX screen.
  • Linden Library: A popular destination for book lovers, the library offers regular events such as author readings, story sessions, and book clubs.
  • Linden Summer Concert Series: Music enthusiasts should not miss the annual Linden Summer Concert series.

Week-Long Itinerary for Linden

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore Linden House Museum and Raymond Wood Bauer Promenade
Day 2 Visit General Motors Linden Assembly Plant and Aviation Hall of Fame of New Jersey
Day 3 Hike along the Rahway River Parkway
Day 4 Visit Hawk Rise Sanctuary and take a bike ride along the Union County Greenway
Day 5 Enjoy water activities at Warinanco Park
Day 6 Visit Linden Farmers Market and relax at Wilson Park
Day 7 Attend Linden Summer Concert Series or watch a movie at Linden Multiplex Cinemas

Food and Drink Scene in Linden

Must-Try Dishes

  • Linden’s Famous Italian Hot Dog: A sausage sandwich served on a pizza bread bun and topped with fried peppers, onions, and potatoes.
  • Pork Roll: A Jersey favorite, a pork-based processed meat served as a breakfast side dish or as the main component of a sandwich.
  • Zeppoles: These Italian pastries are sweet fried dough balls, typically served with powdered sugar.

Local Beverages

  • Taylor Ham Soda: A soda made by combining pork roll and seltzer.
  • Coffee Milk: A sweetened milk drink that originates from the Rhode Island area and is flavored with coffee syrup.

Where to Stay in Linden: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Hampton Inn Linden: Provides a comfortable stay with clean and spacious rooms, complimentary breakfast, and free Wi-Fi.
  • Homewood Suites by Hilton Newark Cranford: Offers residential-style suites with fully equipped kitchens, free breakfast, and other amenities.
  • Holiday Inn Clark - Newark Area: It offers various amenities like air-conditioning, Flat Screen TV, Laundry Services, and Wheelchair Accessible.

What to Buy in Linden: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Pork Roll: A local delicacy, it’s available in patties, sandwich form or sliced.
  • Plainfield Honey: Linden’s locally sourced honey.
  • Grotto Wine: A sweet red Concord grape wine that originates from Hammonton, near Linden.

Local Culture and Customs of Linden

Linden is known for its rich multicultural heritage, and the residents are friendly and welcoming. The dominant religions in Linden are Catholicism and Judaism.

Best Time to Visit Linden

The best time to visit Linden is during the spring or fall when the weather is mild, and the foliage is stunning. However, Linden is worth visiting year-round for its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and exciting food scene.

Do’s and Don’ts of Linden

Do:

  • Respect the diverse culture and customs of the locals.
  • Visit the historical landmarks and museums to learn about Linden’s rich history.
  • Try the local cuisine, particularly the famous Italian hot dogs and pork roll.

Don’t:

  • Litter in the beautiful parks and natural attractions of Linden.
  • Park in areas that are restricted or not designated for parking.

Safety and Health

Safety in Linden

Linden, like any other township in the United States, is generally safe. Visitors should always be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to avoid any possible risks.

Health in Linden

In case of a medical emergency, visitors can contact the nearest hospital or medical facility. The nearest hospitals in Linden are Trinitas Regional Medical Center and RWJ University Hospital Rahway.

Getting to Linden: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Linden

Newark Liberty International Airport is the nearest airport to Linden, located approximately 12 miles from the township.

Bus Stations Near Linden

Linden is easily accessible via bus from New York City, Philadelphia, and other neighboring areas. The NJ Transit bus station in Linden provides regular services to other parts of New Jersey and New York City.

Other Options

Visitors can also reach Linden via car or by train. The closest train station is the Linden Station on the Northeast Corridor Line of NJ Transit.

How to Get Around in Linden

Visitors can get around Linden through a combination of walking, driving, biking, and using public transportation. Renting a car or bike is a good option for those who want to explore the area at their own pace.

Where to Go Next from Linden: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Rahway: A town located adjacent to Linden, known for its parks and charming downtown area.
  • Jersey City: A diverse city just across the Hudson River, famous for its waterfront and skyline views, history, and numerous art galleries.
  • Newark: The largest city in New Jersey, Newark is home to Newark Liberty International Airport and has plenty of things to see and do, including museums, parks, and performing arts.

Conclusion

Linden is the perfect destination for visitors who want to explore the beauty of New Jersey’s mid-Atlantic region. With its historic landmarks, abundant natural attractions, exciting food scene, and hospitable locals, Linden is sure to offer a memorable vacation that will keep you coming back for more. Plan your trip to Linden using this comprehensive tour guide, and make the most of your visit to this charming township.