Eden Gardens State Park contains approximately 163 acres of land that was part of the historic Wesley homestead. The focal point of this park is the beautifully renovated, two-story house with elegant white columns and wrap around porch. In a setting of moss-draped live oaks, the 1897 mansion recalls a prosperous era before the virgin forests of longleaf pine and cypress were exhausted in this part of the state. In 1963, Lois Maxon bought and renovated the home, creating a showplace for her family heirlooms and antiques. Visitors can come and enjoy a guided tour of the Wesley House, meander through the gardens, bring a picnic or go fishing off the dock in Tucker Bayou.
Wesley HouseEden Gardens State Park hosts the majestic Wesley House which was built in 1895 for the family of William Henry Wesley. The Wesley's were owners of one of the largest timber operations of the 1800s.
The estate was bought in 1963 by Lois Genevieve Maxon, who planned the gardens and restored the mansion in antebellum style. Completely decorated with period furniture and accessories, the house provides a beautiful view of the reflecting pool, towering moss-draped oaks and serene waterways. |
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Guided tours of the Wesley House are available hourly Thursday through Monday, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
A nominal fee is charged for tours
A nominal fee is charged for tours
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Tucker Bayou
The park has several benches and picnic tables where you can sit and enjoy the views of Tucker Bayou off the southeast corner of the Choctawhatchee Bay. From the dock, you can cast out a line or just sit and watch the mullet jumping.
Eden also has a canoe/kayak launch available in the day use area. Visitors must provide their own canoe or kayak. The tucker bayou connects to both the Choctawatchee bay and the Intracoastal waterway. |
Nature TrailsEden Gardens has approximately one mile of hiking trails that allow access to the natural areas west of the ornamental gardens. The trailhead starts at the north end of the pavilion picnic area.
The park also has a Living Shoreline trail that meanders through the ornamental gardens and highlights certain trees. Detailed trail maps are available at the Park Office or can be accessed digitally with the link below. |
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Camellias & AzaleasWe are very lucky at Eden Gardens State park to have the optimal tree cover for Camellias and Azaleas to thrive.
Between the months of November and April, the Camellia bushes bloom. There are over 370 camellias at the park which were strategically selected and planted to provide blooms throughout the cooler months. The sasanquas start blooming first and as their bloom cycle tapers off, the japonica varieties begin to open. The park explodes in color when the azaleas open. This can happen anytime between late February to early April depending on the weather that year. |
For more information about the Park and its amenities visit the state website :
https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Eden-Gardens