From Ramsey, a short trip south leads to The Hermitage, a historic house museum and National Historic Landmark in Ho-Ho-Kus, on the border with Waldwick. Its grounds are free to explore, while guided tours offer a closer look inside the house and its history.
- Location: 335 North Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423.
- Grounds: Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; free to explore.
- House tours: Guided tours are scheduled Friday through Sunday.
- Parking: On-site parking is not available on Mondays.
Where is The Hermitage, and how do you get there?
The Hermitage is at 335 North Franklin Turnpike in Ho-Ho-Kus, Bergen County, on a 4.9-acre site bordering Waldwick. It is not in Ramsey, so enter the Ho-Ho-Kus address as your destination when planning a drive.
The grounds cover nearly five acres and include historic gardens. You can visit them independently during opening hours; access to the historic building, by contrast, is by guided tour only.
A practical guide to the Ramsey area brings together local attractions and travel details.
What is the history of The Hermitage?
The Hermitage grew from an 18th-century house into the Tudor Gothic villa seen today. New Jersey's historic-site information records that the original section was built in the mid-18th century and that George Washington and his staff visited during the Revolutionary War.
Architect William H. Ranlett remodeled the house in 1847–48, incorporating parts of the earlier building. The New Jersey Historic Trust records that the Rosencrantz family occupied the house from 1807 to 1970; its furnishings reflect the late Victorian era.
The permanent orientation gallery has three interactive tablets about the house and its people and stories, including Theodosia Prevost, George Washington, the Rosencrantz family, a cotton mill, 1890s recreation and an early-20th-century tea room.
What are The Hermitage hours, and when are tours available?
Opening hours
- Tuesday to Friday: 10 AM–4 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: 12 PM–4 PM
- Monday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Guided house tours run Friday through Sunday at 1:15 p.m., 2:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. Each tour lasts one hour. Arrive 15 minutes early because tours depart promptly. Self-guided house tours are not available, and regular tours pause on special-event days.
How much are The Hermitage tickets, and what about parking?
Guided-tour admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children, and free for children under age 5. The grounds are free to explore, so you can visit them without buying a house-tour ticket.
There is a parking lot on site, but parking is not available there on Mondays. The house has stairs, narrow doorways and uneven floors, and most interior spaces have no elevator or ramp access. The first floor is ADA accessible; contact the site about disability-related accommodations before your visit.
Inside the historic building, follow the site's request not to touch or sit on furnishings. Food and drinks, as well as pets other than service animals, are not permitted inside the historic structure, visitor center or museum.
Planning a visit from Ramsey
From Ramsey Inn & Suites, The Hermitage is about a 9-minute drive. The motel offers two-star rooms in Ramsey.
Before you go: Hours, tour schedules, admission and parking arrangements can change, so check the official site before you go.
You can pair a visit with the Erie Railroad Signal Tower at Waldwick Yard; the guide to the Erie Railroad Signal Tower covers its history and setting.
FAQs
Can you visit The Hermitage grounds for free?
Yes. The grounds are free to explore during their daily opening hours.
Can you tour the house without a guide?
No. Access to the historic building is by guided tour; self-guided house tours are not available.
Is The Hermitage accessible to visitors with mobility impairments?
Much of the house tour is not accessible because of stairs, narrow doorways and uneven flooring. The first floor is ADA accessible, and visitors needing accommodations can contact the site.
Are pets allowed inside The Hermitage?
Pets are not permitted inside the historic structure, visitor center or museum. Service animals are permitted.