Spring boasts flowers and improvements at Eden Gardens State Park
Eden on the first day of spring. Lori Ceier/Walton OutdoorsActivity fills the park on the first day of spring
One of the most beautiful parks in Walton County sits along Tucker Bayou in Point Washington in South Walton County. Large moss covered live oaks, gardens, walking trails and panoramic views of the bayou provide a visual delight for the visitor to this historic Florida State Park.
On the first day of spring, the park is full of colorful azaleas in bloom. Bees are buzzing, the water fountains trickling and the feeling of new growth emanates all around.
There is another sound on this particular day, as front-end loaders rumble in the background. The park is going through $1,137,028.74 worth of improvements this year. Enhancements to the park include a new entrance, as visitors will soon access the park directly from CR 395. Four new picnic pavilions, a new ranger office, and parking lot are in the works as well. For those into paddling, there will also be a new kayak/canoe launch.
The focal point of the park is the two-story Wesley house with large white columns and wrap-around porch. Originally owned by the Wesley’s a wealthy Florida timber family, the mansion was purchased in 1963 by Lois Maxon who renovated the home, and created a showplace for family heirlooms and antiques. The collection of Louis XVI furniture is the second largest in the United States. The house is now owned by the State of Florida, and is the centerpiece of the park.
Hours of Operation
The park is open 7 days a week. Guided tours of the Wesley Mansion are available hourly Thursday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (including holidays)
Directions
Eden Gardens State Park is located in Point Washington, off U.S. 98 on C.R. 395.
For more information, call 850-231-4214.
181 Eden Garden Road, Point Washington, Fl. 32459
The parks website is
http://www.floridastateparks.org/edengardens
Park Fees
$3.00 per vehicle
$1.00 for Bikes and Peds
$3.00 per adult house tour
$1.50 per Child house tour
Lori Ceier is the Publisher of WaltonOutdoors.com, an online publication about outdoor life in Walton County. She can be reached at 850-267-2064 or by email at: lori@waltonoutdoors.com
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Comments
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We were there yesterday and it is spectacular - thanks for posting!Posted 03-23-2009 at 08:30 AM by kurt
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Thanks for this blog. I hope we are going to be able to be there for Easter!!Posted 03-23-2009 at 04:30 PM by InletBchDweller
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