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.
The Waln House will close for the season on Thursday, December 25, 2025 and
reopen on Sunday, March 1, 2026.
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My Darling Dearest Exhibit
Hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m., daily beginning October 18.
Held in the Waln House, this exhibit explores the importance of the art of letter writing and the postal service as a view into the life of everyday families and businesses of the past. Nineteenth-century letter writing manuals, student workbooks, and correspondences from the Waln family will be on display to illuminate how letters show a glimpse back in time. 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 Waln House built in 1773, the 19th century gristmill and the farm buildings set in a beautiful landscape. The Waln House is open daily, March 1 through December 24, from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. and the rest of 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 home to a small flock of Buff Orpington chickens. Our free-range chickens recreate the sights and sounds of years past, creating an immersive experience for visitors. For your safety, as well as the safety of the chickens, we ask that you do not touch or feed the chickens and keep pets at a safe distance.
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 ProgramsGuided Tours of Historic Walnford may be reserved year-round for groups of up to 25 people. Group Milling Demonstrations may also be reserved during Walnford’s milling season, April – November. Please call the park office at 609-259-6275 for more details and to reserve a program for your group.
Upcoming Free Events:
Groundhogs, Woodchucks & Whistlepigs...Oh My!
Sunday, February 1 from 1-3 p.m.
Are their forecasts accurate? We're not so sure, but they certainly are cute! Stop by to learn about groundhogs and make a groundhog of your own in our historical kitchen!
Historical Valentines
Saturday, February 14 from 1-3 p.m.
February, 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.
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 Smoke Free Air Act, all Monmouth County parks are tobacco free. The 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.