Historic Walnford

62 Walnford Road, Upper Freehold, NJ 08501
609-259-6275 - Historic Walnford House
609-259-5794 - Ranger Station
Park Brochure & Map           
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.
Free Weekend Activities

 
“Don’t Fence Me In” Opening Reception
Sunday, October 2 from 3-4 p.m.

We are looking at creativity rather than confinement in a display of fence themed photographs taken by members of the Crestwood Village Photography Club. Meet the photographers at the opening reception. The exhibit will be on display between 9 a.m.-4 p.m. throughout the month of October.

Congratulations to our Cornbread Contest Winners!        

First Place Winner Alexis Rasmusen with her daughter Clara 

Judges' & Visitors' First Place:  Alexis Rasmusen of Upper Freehold Township - Caramelized Onion and Sage Cornbread 

Judges' Second Place:  Diane Kozlowski of Groveville for her Super Moist, Super Sweet, Super Delicious Cornbread  

Visitors' Second Place:  Emily Klena of Groveville for her Thick-n-Creamy Mac-n-Cheese Cornbread  

Judges' & Visitors' Third Place:  Anonymous Baker for Banana Cornbread

And to our Corny Joke Contest Winner  

Alex, our 2016 Corny Joke Contest winner, with Park System employee Margaret Green
 

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. Pets are not allowed on the site.

Visit the large, elegant home built in 1774, 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.

Gristmill
Visit and view the beautiful gristmill along the banks of Crosswicks Creek. Speak and interact with knowledgable staff on weekends April-November from 1-4 p.m. as they describe the workings of the mill. All ages are welcome, under 14 with adult. Call 609-259-6275 for more information regarding drop-in programs and reserved group tours.

Reserved Group Programs
This 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.

Professional Portrait Photography
Professional portrait photography sessions are subject to fees and require a permit.  Photography shall be permitted during normal hours of operation. 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.

Upcoming Free Events at Historic Walnford 

Barn Raising        
Saturday, October 15 at 2:30 p.m.       
Experience the engineering and artistry of timber frame construction along with the power and joy of cooperative effort as we work together to assemble a small structure. Many hands make light work; there are jobs for the small, the tall, and those in-between. Come ready to listen, learn, and appreciate the work of our fore fathers at Historic Walnford.

Currier and Ives Style Selfies      
Saturday & Sunday, November 12 & 13 from 1-4 p.m.       
Saturday & Sunday, November 19 & 20 from 1-4 p.m.     
Back by popular demand! We will have our decorative 19th century sleigh in front of the holly trees with a variety of hats, caps, bonnets and shawls to provide a little historical air for your photos. We provide the history, you take the selfies. Amateur photographers only.

Sarah Waln, Life and Legacy       
Open daily from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Explore Sarah (Sallie) Waln’s life through her words, deeds and belongings in a display on the second floor of the Waln house, her home from when she was born on July 16, 1816 until her death in 1907.

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.