Forming part of the New York Metropolitan Area, Linden is a bustling New Jersey city that lies directly across the water from Staten Island. It was established as a township in 1861 before being incorporated as a city in 1925. Linden takes its name from the German trees that were planted in the area.
Things to do in Linden
South of Linden is the Hawk Rise Sanctuary, a 38-hectare ecological reserve that encompasses marshes, grasslands and wetlands beside the Rahway River. It was established in 2012 on a former landfill site with the help of the New Jersey Audubon Society. Follow the scenic walking trail that winds its way through the sanctuary while spotting some of the 160 bird species that have been recorded here.
Adjacent to Linden Airport is the Aviation Plaza, a bustling shopping mall home to a Target, a Home Depot and a Staples store. You can shop for craft supplies at Michaels, browse the shoes for sale at Snipes or pick up a bargain at the 99c Place. In addition to a multi-screen cinema complex, the mall is home to Chevys Tex Mex and the Hook & Reel Cajun Seafood & Grill.
Sprawling north of Aviation Plaza is John Russell Wheeler Park, a community recreational space with a children’s playground, a skate park and a swimming pool. It lies along the banks of Morses Creek, which flows into Arthur Kill and under Goethals Bridge. Built in 1928, this cable-stayed bridge is named after George Washington Goethals, who supervised the Panama Canal’s construction.
Getting around Linden
Linden is around 25 minutes’ drive from Newark and 15 minutes from Newark Liberty International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Commuter trains connect to the Linden railway station and buses travel throughout the city.