Eden Gardens State Park Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Eden Gardens State Park
Location	Walton County, Florida, U.S.
Nearest city	Freeport, Florida
Area	163 acres (66 ha)
Established	1968
Owned by	Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Eden Gardens State Park is a beautiful Florida State Park located in Point Washington. It covers about 163 acres (66 hectares) in northwestern Florida. The park is famous for its historic Wesley House, a large, two-story mansion.

The Wesley House is surrounded by white columns and wide porches called verandas. Inside, you can see amazing old furniture, including pieces from France from the late 1700s. The house was even used as a setting for a film in 1972. On July 20, 2021, the Wesley House was added to the National Register of Historic Places as Eden Mansion.

Around the house, you will find lovely gardens, many huge, old southern live oak trees, and a waterfront area along Tucker Bayou. The park opens every day at 8:00 am and closes when the sun sets. There is a small fee to enter the park.

Fun Things to Do at Eden Gardens
Helping the Park
Images for kids
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Fun Things to Do at Eden Gardens

There are many exciting activities for visitors at Eden Gardens State Park. You can explore the historic Wesley House and its beautiful antique furnishings.

Tour the Historic Wesley House

You can take a guided tour of the 1897 Wesley House. These tours happen from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, starting every hour. The house is open for tours from Thursday through Monday. It closes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for important upkeep.

Explore the Beautiful Gardens

The park has many different kinds of gardens to enjoy. You can see heritage roses, camellias, and azaleas when they are in bloom. There is also a special butterfly garden where you can watch butterflies fly around. A peaceful reflection pond is filled with water lilies and large, colorful koi fish.

Enjoy Nature and Outdoor Activities

If you love nature, you can walk along the park's nature trails. These trails let you see the natural beauty of the area. There are also picnic areas where you can have a meal with your family and friends. A fishing dock is available for those who enjoy fishing.

Paddle on the Water

If you have a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard, you can launch it into Tucker Bayou. From there, you can even paddle out to the larger Choctawhatchee Bay. It's a great way to see the park from the water.

Attend Special Events

Eden Gardens State Park hosts several fun events throughout the year. Every February, there is an Annual Camellia Festival. Before Christmas, the park holds a special Christmas Luminary Event with beautiful lights. Easter events are also held for families to enjoy.

Helping the Park

The “Friends of Eden Gardens State Park” is a group of volunteers. They help the park staff with important tasks. These tasks include repairing things, keeping the park well-maintained, and making it even better for everyone to enjoy.