62 Walnford Road, Upper Freehold, NJ 08501
609-259-6275 - Historic Walnford House
609-259-5794 - Ranger Station
Park Brochure & Map | Tick Advisory
Park is open from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. thereafter.
Historic buildings are open daily from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Thrive Art Exhibition
July 9, 2022-July 7, 2023
Hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m., daily.
Exploring the cyclical nature of the world around us, this exhibit invites visitors to experience the flow of life through the works of featured artists Alice Momm, Maureen Bennett, Susan Hoenig, and Katrina Bello. Admission and parking are free.
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Picturesque after a snowfall, full of fascinating history throughout the year, any day is a great time to visit this wonderful historic site and learn more about the Waln family and the evolution of Walnford over two centuries - from an 18th century industrial village and family farm to an elegant country estate. At the heart of the
Crosswicks Creek Park, the site showcases over 200 years of social, technological and environmental history through the Waln family. The historic district includes 36 acres of field, woodland and wetlands.
Visit the large, elegant home built in 1773, the 19th century gristmill and the farm buildings set in a beautiful landscape. The site is open 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily. NOTE: For those who are unable to negotiate the front steps into the Waln House, accessibility is provided by use of the out kitchen ramp located in the rear of the house.
Historic Walnford is one of the historic sites located along the 24-mile Upper Freehold Historic Farmland Scenic Byway. Capturing the unique agricultural, historical, environmental and cultural traditions of Upper Freehold and Allentown, the Scenic Byway offers many open spaces to explore including the trails of the Union Transportation Railroad, Clayton Park and more.
Gristmill
Experience sights and sounds of years past as corn is ground into meal at Waln’s Mill! Milling demonstrations take place at 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays from April through November. Each demonstration lasts approximately 15 minutes. Open to all ages; under 18 with adult. Call 609-259-6275 for more information regarding drop-in programs and reserved group tours.
Reserved Group ProgramsThis historic district features an 19th century grist mill, the elegant Waln family home (1773), a carriage house, and an assortment of outbuildings. Offerings include a guided site tour of the grounds, learning about the mill, a tour of the wetlands, short hands-on craft experiences, and an introduction to Historic Walnford in your classroom or meeting place. Call 609-259-6275 for more information.
Afternoon Tea
(adults)
Step into history and indulge in this pleasant pastime while celebrating the four generations of women who entertained at Walnford. Begin with a tour of the grounds and outbuildings before stepping into the historic house for a selection of teas served in fine china and a sampling of historical tea-time treats. Tea may be reserved September through May. Please call 609-259-6275 for a reservation. The price is $125 per groups of 6 - 12 people.
Mill Maintenance: Gears, Grease and Grist
(adults)
A hands-on opportunity to go behind the scenes in the gristmill at Historic Walnford, when you join us for our monthly mill maintenance morning. No expertise required, just come prepared to crawl, climb and explore four floors of marvelous mechanics on the first Saturday of the month from May through November. The cost is $5 per person per session. Call Historic Walnford at 609-259-6275 to make your reservation.
Upcoming Free Events
Historical Valentines
Sunday, February 12 from 12-3 p.m.
(ages 10 and up)
February is the season of love! Discover how penmanship has changed as we view letters and valentines from the 18th and 19th century. Create a valentine of your own or write a letter to a friend using historically inspired materials.
Opening Reception for The Art of War
Saturday, March 11 from 3-6 p.m.
Please join us for the opening reception of the Art of War, an exhibit which explores the role of art in uniting the country during World War I. Propaganda posters, uniforms, medals and music will be on display to illustrate the involvement of artists in the war effort. Light refreshments will be served. The exhibition will run from March 3, 2023-March 9, 2025.
Thrive, An Afternoon with the Artists
Saturday, April 22 from 2-3:30 p.m.
(adults)
The artists who contributed to Thrive, an exhibition currently on display in Walnford’s historic house, will have a conversation with the audience regarding their work, process and influence when creating these and other pieces.
Walnford Day
Sunday, May 21 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Ingenuity, technology, culture and history come together in one great event!
- View historical demonstrations and displays
- See the gristmill in action
- Go on a horse-drawn wagon ride
- Explore the 1773 Waln family home
- Enjoy bluegrass music with special guests
- Magnolia Street String Band from 2-5 p.m.
Professional Portrait Photography Professional portrait photography sessions are subject to fees and require a permit. Professional portrait photography is not permitted on the site’s grounds or in facilities during normal hours of operation. Prior arrangements must be made for after-hour photo shoots inside select facilities. Please call our Reservations Office at 732-842-4000, ext. 1, for details.
Photos of Historic Walnford
Walnford's buildings and landscape features represent every era of the site's 250 year history. These photos are provided to encourage your personal visit. Click on image to make larger.
Corn Crib entrance
1879 Carriage House
1773 Waln House
Waln House kitchen
Working Grist
Interior view of Grist Mill
In accordance with New Jersey’s recently amended Smoke Free Air Act, all Monmouth County parks are now tobacco free. The new ban applies to cigarettes, pipes, cigars, e-cigarettes, and vaporize cigarettes, as well as smokeless tobacco such as snuff and chew.
Directions:
Please note: If you choose do an internet search for directions to this address, be aware that the parking lot on site is not accessible from the Walnford Rd/Hill Rd intersection.
From the East Via I-195: Take Exit 11 (Imlaystown/Cox's Corner) and turn left onto Rt.43 (Imlaystown/Hightstown Rd). At the first intersection, turn right onto Rt. 526/Red Valley Rd. At the first light, turn left onto Sharon Station Rd and follow approximately 2 miles. Turn right onto Rt. 539 North. Travel a short distance and turn left onto Holmes Mills Rd. Make first right onto Walnford Road which leads directly into the park.
From the West: Follow I-195 to Exit 8 (Allentown), Rt. 524/539. Turn right and follow Rt. 539 through Allentown. Turn right onto Holmes Mills Rd and then right onto Walnford Rd, which leads directly into the park.
From the North: Take Rt. 9, 79, or 34S to 537W to Rt. 539 in Upper Freehold. Turn right onto Rt. 539 (Forked River Rd), then left onto Burlington Path Rd. Turn right onto Holmes Mills Rd and then left onto Walnford Rd, which leads directly into the park.