Holland Township in Hunterdon County has the rare distinction of being home to an authentic windmill soaring seven stories high in an open field. This local landmark is such a source of pride that it is seen on the municipal seal as well as those of the local police and fire departments. The windmill was formerly known as the Volendam Windmill Museum, and although the museum is currently closed, it's hard to miss on the grounds of Charlie Brown's Christmas Tree Farm at 231 Adamic Hill Road.

Measuring about 24 square miles, Holland Township is situated in the northwestern section of the county where it abuts the Delaware River and has the Musconetcong River running within its boundaries. Bordering towns include Milford Borough and Alexandria and Bethlehem Townships. The township is about 70 miles from Manhattan, 60 miles from Philadelphia and 55 miles from Newark Liberty International Airport.

With a population of approximately 5,200, Holland is a serene, picturesque area with scores of working farms. It was originally formed after breaking from Alexandria Township in 1874, briefly merging with Alexandria for a few years thereafter, and then becoming independent once again in 1879.

A small variety of shops and services are located in Holland Township, while a wider array of shopping, dining and cultural events are available locally in Milford, Frenchtown or across the Delaware River in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

Community Life

Holland Township's Parks and Recreation Department is located in the Riegel Ridge Community Center at 910 Milford Warren Glen Road, welcoming residents from both the township itself and neighboring municipalities. The center offers a changing calendar of different programs for everyone from toddlers to seniors. It has a fitness center, outdoor swimming pool and handsome community space that can be rented for private functions.

Living in this rural township means residents can take advantage of acres of unspoiled parkland. A Green Acres boat launch along the Delaware River is perfect for kayakers or canoeing. The scenic tow path running along the Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park is busy with people fishing, running, biking, and walking. Wildlife and natural beauty abound in the Musconetcong Gorge Nature Preserve, with challenging trails for experienced hikers.

Education

Public school students from Holland remain in the township until high school. Holland Township School serves kindergarten to grade four; Holland Township Middle School is for grades five through eight. Both schools are under the same roof at 710 Milford-Warren Glen Road.

In high school, Holland students attend Delaware Valley Regional High School in neighboring Frenchtown. This school also takes students from Alexandria, Kingwood, Frenchtown and Milford. It is part of the Delaware Valley Regional High School District.

Transportation

The closest major highway to Holland Township is Interstate 78. Local highways running through Holland include Routes 519, 614 and 627. About 18 miles east is a NJ Transit train station in Annandale for service to New York City, Newark or Hoboken. A New York-bound train takes about 100 minutes from Annandale. Alternately, bus service is available about 15 miles away in Clinton for a one-way trip of 90 minutes to Manhattan.

Real Estate

The township has a diverse and interesting stock of older and newer homes, and there are striking examples of custom-built residences. Many homeowners enjoy views of the hills, rivers and valleys' dominating much of Holland's rolling topography. Antique homes from the 18th and 19th centuries are dotted throughout the township, and some of the oldest examples are found along Old River Road facing the Delaware. Estate homes and equestrian farms are set on vast acres of picturesque land. There are a host of desirable residential neighborhoods, many dating to the 1950s, 60s and 70s, comprised of traditional home styles such as Cape Cods and Colonials sited on medium or smaller sized lots. Newer condominium and town house communities appeared in Holland during the 1990s.

Local Attractions

The Musconetcong Gorge Nature Preserve offers 379 wooded acres of steep and often rugged terrain along the Musconetcong River. This natural site is maintained by the Hunterdon County Parks and Recreational System. It is located at 182 Dennis Road.

Holland-Alexandria Free Public Library is located at 129 Spring Mills Road and is an association library, which means it isn't a county branch. Locals call it "the little library with the big heart." Recent programs and fundraisers have included puppet shows, reading programs, story hours, a craft day, photography exhibits and a wine tasting.

Jimmy's Ice Cream and Holey Moley Mini Golf has been a favorite summertime spot for over 50 years. This vintage roadside eatery just south of Holland Township's center on Route 519 serves up homemade ice cream and sandwiches before or after playing a round of miniature golf.

Oak Hill Golf Club was built in 1964 and has been called a "hidden gem" in Hunterdon County. This member-owned golf club is open seven days a week for members and their guests. The club is sited at 15 Fernwood Road.

Edelweiss Farm is home to exotic species like llamas, reindeer, emus, kangaroos and other fascinating animals. Its seasonal farm stand at 307 Adamic Hill Road is a popular site for locals and visitors alike.