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 Art of War Exhibit
Now through March 9, 2025
Hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m., daily.
This exhibits 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. Admission and parking are 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 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 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
Music on the Porch
Sunday, April 21 from 1-3 p.m.
Let the toe tapping tunes of Magnolia Street String Band enliven your visit to Historic Walnford. Experience the operating gristmill, picnic under the trees, tour the 18th century Waln home, or relax on the porch enjoying sights and sounds of past and present.
Walnford Day
Sunday, May 19 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Entertainment abounds at this annual celebration of 200 years of Waln history! Admission and parking are free.
- 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 1-4 p.m.
Story Time by the Creek
Sunday, May 26 from 11-11:45 a.m. Sunday, June 23 from 11-11:45 a.m.
Sunday, July 21 from 11-11:45 a.m.
Sunday, August 25 from 11-11:45 a.m.
(ages 2-7, with adult)
Join us for story time beside the picturesque Crosswicks Creek! Children are welcome to bring a snack and a mat, blanket or towel to sit on. During inclement weather, story time will take place in the Cow Barn.
250th Anniversary of Walnford
Thursday, June 6 from 3-5 p.m.
Tour the house that the Walns once called home and sample ice cream made from an 18th century recipe on the front porch as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the arrival of the Waln's at Walnford.
Pre-WWII Auto Display
Saturday, June 15 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Antique automobiles dating 1941 and earlier will be on display at Historic Walnford. Pack a picnic, stroll our leafy landscape, and admire these early 20th century beauties. Add a tour of the 18th century Waln house and 19th century gristmill to complete your trip across three centuries.
Basket Weaving Demonstration
Saturday, July 20 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Friday, August 30 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Visit the Penn/Jersey Basket Weaving Guild as they weave baskets in our Cow Barn.
Music on the Porch
Sunday, June 23 from 1-3 p.m.
Let the sound of bluegrass music enliven your visit to Historic Walnford. Experience the operating gristmill, picnic under the trees, tour the 18th century Waln home, or relax on the porch enjoying sights and sounds of past and present.
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.