Bergen County · Main/Bergen County Line · The Hermitage · Historic Downtown · Memorial Park
Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey
Ho-Ho-Kus is a compact Northern Bergen County borough known for its historic character, active commuter-rail station, tree-lined residential neighborhoods and close-knit downtown. Its small size belies an unusually rich local story that spans Lenape history, Dutch settlement, Revolutionary-era events, rail transportation and more than a century of borough government.
The borough's best-known landmark is The Hermitage, a National Historic Landmark and house museum whose property connects Ho-Ho-Kus to the Revolutionary War, the Prevost and Rosencrantz families, and the development of Gothic Revival architecture in America.
Ho-Ho-Kus at a glance
Ho-Ho-Kus is overwhelmingly residential: current Census estimates show that roughly nine out of ten occupied homes are owner-occupied and that single-unit housing dominates the borough. Its small downtown and train station provide a compact civic and commercial center without the continuous highway-strip development found in many surrounding suburbs.
From Orvil to Ho-Ho-Kus
The Ho-Ho-Kus Brook corridor and surrounding land were used by Lenape people long before European settlement. Dutch-descended families later established farms and small settlements throughout this part of Bergen County.
The area that became Ho-Ho-Kus was first incorporated as the Borough of Orvil from portions of Orvil Township.
The Borough of Ho-Ho-Kus was incorporated on October 12, 1908.
As Route 17 was constructed, early borough planning and zoning helped preserve Ho-Ho-Kus as a cohesive residential community rather than a strip-commercial corridor.
Where did the name come from? The origin of “Ho-Ho-Kus” has been debated for generations. Local historical accounts have offered several possibilities, including a Lenape/Delaware-language connection often interpreted as referring to red cedar, along with other Native-language and Dutch explanations. The uncertainty itself has become part of the borough's local history.
The Hermitage · National Historic Landmark
The Hermitage property witnessed the Revolutionary era and was home to Theodosia Prevost. George Washington and other prominent figures were connected with the site during this period.
The property is closely associated with the relationship and marriage of Aaron Burr and Theodosia Prevost, an important chapter in its Revolutionary-era story.
The house's distinctive appearance reflects an 1847–48 Gothic Revival transformation associated with architect William H. Ranlett.
The museum occupies 4.9 acres at 335 North Franklin Turnpike. Grounds are normally open daily, and guided house tours are offered on scheduled Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Visitor resource: The Hermitage is operated by Friends of the Hermitage in partnership with the State of New Jersey and remains open year-round for tours, programs, gardens and special events.
Downtown Ho-Ho-Kus & the train station
The active NJ Transit station is located at Brookside Avenue and First Street, one block from Franklin Turnpike. It serves the Main/Bergen County Line network and remains central to the borough's commuter identity.
Two municipal station lots provide more than 200 spaces in total, with permit and daily-parking arrangements depending on the lot. Bike racks and ticket vending machines are also available.
Franklin Turnpike, Sheridan Avenue, Warren Avenue and the station area create a walkable cluster of local restaurants, services, professional offices and civic destinations.
The Worth-Pinkham Memorial Library sponsors a Little Free Library near the train-station parking area for commuters and neighborhood readers.
Parks, recreation & community life
The borough's Department of Public Works maintains six borough parks, while the Recreation Commission coordinates sports and recreation activities throughout Ho-Ho-Kus.
A central borough recreation area on East Franklin Turnpike used for community and youth activities.
Additional public open space along the Franklin Turnpike / County Route 507 area.
A civic gathering space used during borough celebrations, including Ho-Ho-Kus Day and outdoor movie programming.
Local and regional organizations support baseball and softball, basketball, football and cheer, lacrosse, soccer, hockey and junior wrestling.
The commission coordinates borough recreation and seasonal programming, working with community athletic organizations and the school district.
The borough maintains approximately 3,000 shade trees, contributing significantly to Ho-Ho-Kus' wooded residential character.
2026 community highlights
September 12, 2026 · 12–6 PM. Downtown Ho-Ho-Kus hosts live music, food trucks, rides, family activities, local vendors and community organizations.
The Ho-Ho-Kus Day weekend begins Friday, September 11 with an outdoor movie at dusk on the Town Green.
The Ho-Ho-Kus Chamber of Commerce brings the Ducky Derby back during Ho-Ho-Kus Day, with the 2026 race scheduled for 2 PM.
The 2026 calendar includes living-history programs, car shows, craft events, Harvest Fest, Tavern Night and seasonal tours.
Ho-Ho-Kus schools
70 Lloyd Road · 201-652-4555. The single-school district serves local students from preschool through grade 8 and participates in the QUAD curriculum collaboration with neighboring Northern Highlands sending districts.
298 Hillside Avenue · Allendale. Ho-Ho-Kus students in grades 9–12 attend Northern Highlands as their public high-school district.
The local K–8 program and regional high-school pathway create a defined educational structure that is closely tied to neighboring Allendale, Upper Saddle River and Saddle River.
Worth-Pinkham Memorial Library
91 Warren Avenue · 201-445-8078. The Worth-Pinkham Memorial Library is a BCCLS member library serving Ho-Ho-Kus with print and digital collections, Libby and Hoopla, public computers and Wi-Fi, research databases, children's and adult programming, community resources and small-business research tools.
Ho-Ho-Kus residents receive library membership that can be used across the Bergen County Cooperative Library System.
Current digital offerings include Libby and Hoopla for ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, movies, music and other media.
The library's roots reach back to 1924. It moved to its current Warren Avenue home in 1988 and was renamed Worth-Pinkham Memorial Library.
Borough government
Borough Hall · 333 Warren Avenue · 201-652-4400. Ho-Ho-Kus operates under New Jersey's borough form of government. Mayor Thomas Randall leads the municipality in 2026 with the Borough Council and professional administration.
Borough administration, public records, licensing and municipal services are coordinated from Borough Hall.
The Construction Department and Zoning Official administer permits, inspections and land-use compliance.
DPW maintains streets, parks, buildings, the train station, water infrastructure, sewers, shade trees, snow removal and recycling operations.
Ho-Ho-Kus owns and operates municipal wells, water-treatment facilities and more than 30 miles of water mains.
Nearby communities
Large neighboring village with downtown shopping, dining, schools, healthcare and additional rail service.
Neighboring borough to the north with additional restaurants, services and Pascack Valley / Bergen rail access.
Low-density residential community immediately east/northeast of Ho-Ho-Kus.
Home of Northern Highlands Regional High School and another active Main/Bergen rail stop.
Pascack Valley residential community east of Ho-Ho-Kus.
Nearby rail-oriented borough with a larger shopping and dining center.
Explore Ho-Ho-Kus on NJTGO
Continue through the full Ho-Ho-Kus guide for local businesses, restaurants, housing, visitor planning, classifieds and employment.
Advertising & Enhanced ListingsHo-Ho-Kus information was reviewed September 4, 2026 using current Borough of Ho-Ho-Kus, U.S. Census, Ho-Ho-Kus School District, Northern Highlands, Worth-Pinkham Memorial Library, NJ Transit and Hermitage sources. Programs, event dates, parking rules, transportation schedules and municipal contacts can change; verify time-sensitive details with the responsible organization.