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Discovering Holland Ridge Farm: A Tulip Paradise in New Jersey

Holland Ridge Farm in Cream Ridge, New Jersey features a stunning display of 8 million tulips available for visitors to view and pick. Timed-entry tickets are expected to go on sale in early April on hollandridgefarms.com, depending on the blooming schedule of the tulips. Additionally, this year the farm will unveil a new attraction: a traditional Dutch windmill.

As you stroll through the vibrant rows of tulips on this expansive 300-acre property, you’re enveloped in a stunning array of springtime hues. With sheets of pinks, oranges, yellows, reds, and violets, this astounding display comprises around 8 million tulips of nearly 100 different varieties—all ready to be picked.

Although tulips might be more synonymous with the Netherlands, this beautiful spectacle is located in Cream Ridge, New Jersey, at Holland Ridge Farm.

Since its inception in 2018, the farm has hosted the annual U-Pick Tulips Spring Spectacular, attracting visitors from as distant as Puerto Rico to create their own bouquets at an affordable price—$1 per stem on weekends and 50 cents during the week.

“Expect to be amazed and prepare to pick,” stated spokesperson Patrick Marini. “We provide the buckets, and cutting the flowers is simple—you just need to twist and pull.”

Located approximately 90 minutes south of New York City and an hour northeast of Philadelphia, this Monmouth County farm may surprise many with its extensive tulip fields. These vibrant blooms pay homage to the Dutch heritage of the Jansen family, particularly Casey Jansen Sr., who is often referred to as the “Dutch Walt Disney” for his vision of introducing elements of the Netherlands to the United States.

“Visiting the farm truly feels like stepping into the Netherlands,” Marini emphasized. “From wooden shoes to stroopwafels, and Dutch staff members roaming the area… not only do we cultivate the most tulips, but we also grow the widest variety.”

This year, the experience will incorporate an even greater aspect of Dutch culture with the introduction of a traditional windmill named Dutch Dream, which stands nearly 100 feet tall. Visitors will have the chance to enter and learn about windmill operations. “We anticipate this becoming one of New Jersey’s newest landmarks,” remarked Marini, describing the breathtaking views of spring blooms from the windmill’s vantage point. The name, he noted, was chosen to reflect the owner’s journey from Holland to the U.S. and his achievements since arriving.

The windmill will be officially opened to the public on April 16. The farm will then celebrate with Dutch Fest from Thursday through Sunday, featuring traditional food, games, and cultural experiences.

In addition to the stunning tulips, the farm offers various attractions, including a bakery, Little Sprouts Feeding Zoo, and complimentary hayride shuttles. Gator Utility Vehicle rides are available for those with valid handicap placards, while other visitors can reserve rides for a fee. Horse-drawn carriage and pony rides are also offered on weekends.

A farmers’ market, organized by Asbury Fresh, will take place on weekends from April 17 to April 25, featuring local artisans, food vendors, and farmers, as well as food trucks and photo opportunities themed around spring. Dog & Ram Spirits from Mannington, New Jersey, will offer flower-themed cocktails, mocktails, and gourmet sodas.

While the spring tulip festival stands as the highlight of the farm’s seasonal offerings, Holland Ridge also hosts the U-Pick Sunflowers: Fall Festival during September and October, and a holiday event featuring 30,000 illuminated tulips called U-Pick Tulips: Winter Wonderland from November through January.

At present, the focus remains on the mesmerizing tulips, which have transformed the farm into a vital destination in the Garden State. “Organizing a festival while managing a farm of this scale is a true labor of love starting as early as November,” Marini noted. “Seeing the joy in everyone’s faces as they take photos, pick flowers, and relish our delightful environment inspires us every year.”

Ultimately, the experience at Holland Ridge Farm can only truly be appreciated in person. “While pictures can showcase the beauty and vivid colors, they can’t fully convey the scale of the farm and the myriad experiences it offers,” Marini concluded. “You really must visit to grasp the wonder of it.”

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