Historic Walnford

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.
See Upcoming Free Activities 

Cornbread Contest Results 

Winners of the Corn Bread Contest

The blue ribbon from both the popular vote and our panel of judges went to Anna Lindberg of Keansburg for her Sweet Corn Bread. Second place in the popular vote (over 50 visitors sampled and voted) went to the Pumpkin Cornbread with Honey Cinnamon butter made by Kathy Hofmann of Lumberton, and third place was awarded to the Southwestern Corn Bread made by Briana Devereaux of Howell.

The judges awarded their second place ribbon to Lauren Trerotola of Manalapan for her Quattro Amici Cornbread and third place went to the Sweet Potato Cornbread entered by an anonymous baker. 

We had entries from Chesterfield, Keansburg, Howell, Lumberfton, Manalapan and Upper Freehold Township.   We're also happy to announce that the winner of the 2017 Corny Joke Contest is Elijah Irizarry.  Thank you to everyone who participated in both competitions.

Have a Seat: Weaving Cane         
Saturday, September 23 from 1-4 p.m.           

Pretty, comfortable and once very popular; do you own any cane seat chairs? Come and see how cane is woven to create a sturdy seat while you learn a bit about furniture history and admire a variety of chair styles and seat materials. FREE!          

 

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 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        

Have a Seat: Weaving Cane         
Saturday, September 23 from 1-4 p.m.           
Pretty, comfortable and once very popular; do you own any cane seat chairs? Come and see how cane is woven to create a sturdy seat while you learn a bit about furniture history and admire a variety of chair styles and seat materials.           

Wooden Spoons to Whammy Doodles       
Sunday, November 5 from 1-4 p.m.          
You never know what lovely functional or just plain fun items will result when Al Trenton sits down at his shaving horse with a chunk of wood. Come and see what a few simple hand tools along with patience and imagination can create.         

Artful Bread: Beautiful and Delicious         
Saturday, November 18 from 2-3 p.m.            
Sheaf of wheat, ear of corn, a cornucopia of bountiful harvest; let the season and your imagination inspire a beautiful edible centerpiece for your table. We will share tips, techniques and the recipe in this hands-on demonstration.           

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.