Eden Gardens State Park features the antebellum-inspired Wesley mansion: The focal point of this 161-acre park is the beautifully renovated,
two-story Wesley house with its elegant white columns and wrap-around
porch. The moss-draped live oaks and ornamental gardens inspire visions
of hoop skirts and landed gentry. Named after a wealthy Florida timber
family, the park is part of the family's estate. In 1963, Lois Maxon
bought and renovated the home, creating a showplace for her family
heirlooms and antiques. The house holds the second largest known
collection of Louis XVI furniture in the United States. Visitors can
also take a stroll along the grounds and enjoy the picnic area.
The “Friends of Eden Gardens State Park” was founded as a volunteer
organization to assist the state park staff to repair, maintain and
enhance facilities. The park covers 124 upland acres in the midst of
South Walton County in the Florida panhandle, along the shores of Tucker
Bayou and the Choctawhatchee Bay.
Of particular note at Eden are
the numerous gardens on the 10.5 acre public grounds, the beautiful
legacy of the many gardeners and master gardeners who belong to
the Friends and give lovingly of their time and labor to create these
enjoyable places to relax and behold.
The movie "Frogs" was filmed at Eden in 1972. It starred Ray Milland, Sam Elliott, and Joan Van Ark.
Picnic tables overlook Choctawhatchee Bay and Tucker Bayou.
Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
May 2013
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