Attractions & Services Wesley House
In 1890 William Henry Wesley founded a timber operation on the current site of Eden Gardens. Included was a saw mill, planer mill and dry kiln. Several vessel docks and drying docks facilitated the loading of the lumber onto barges and shallow draft craft for transport to deep water vessels and other inland and coastal destinations. In 1897 Mr. Wesley built his personal residence near the mill, a 5600 sq ft home, surely the largest house in the region. About twenty of his workers also lived on the grounds, in company-owned houses, all of which are gone today. The lumber mill operated till just after World War I and the Wesley family lived in the home until 1953 at which time it was sold. It was sold again ten years later to Lois Maxon, who lived in it until she donated it to the state of Florida in 1968 in memory of her parents. While living there, Ms Maxon made numerous changes to the house and completely refurnished it as a showplace for her collection of heirlooms and antiques. Today it houses the second-largest known collection of Louis XVI furniture in America. The house is open for guided tours all days of the week except Tuesday and Wednesday and the tour guide comments on all the changes since original construction. It provides a fascinating look back at life for the landed gentry in the early part of the last century.
Eden’s Gardens & Grounds
The moss-draped oaks of Eden Gardens State Park must be seen first hand, and are the canopy for many many weddings throughout the year. While Lois Maxon began the development of the numerous gardens on the public acreage, it is The Friends of Eden who have brought these glorious settings to their current state and continue to be the well-earned namesake of the park. In addition to a lovely rose garden and butterfly garden, camellias and azaleas abound. Beautiful blooms may be enjoyed year round: camellias in October thru March, azaleas in March and April, gardenias in May and June, hydrangeas in May thru October and magnolias in May thru July to name some of the more prominent varieties on the grounds. A handy trail guide for an easy walking tour of the gardens and grounds is available at visitor center and gift shop. And any visitor should bring a snack to enjoy at the picnic area on the edge of Tucker Bayou, a pleasant respite in another time.
Rent Park Space For Your Own Event
That’s right. You can rent Eden Gardens State Park for your own event, a wedding, a family reunion, a company picnic, or other organizational activity. Hundreds of such weddings and events have already occurred here and all participants have thrilled at the beauty of the setting Eden Gardens provides. Contact the Event Director at the park office for details. Available to make these occasions a real success is a new pavilion to provide additional restrooms, an enclosed area for approx. 150 to sit and eat, and a large food preparation room. There’s also a bandstand at the foot of the grounds on Tucker Bayou, a serene reflecting pond, full of fish, and the Fig Leaf Gift Shop, at the rear of Wesley House to provide those nice take-home memories of a visit to this magical place. We look forward to seeing you soon. See Our Wedding Guide Brochure.  Fig Leaf Gift Shop & Visitors’ Center
No trip to Eden Gardens State Park would be complete without checking on the most current events on the Visitor Bulletin Board and browsing the unique take-home items featured in the Fig Leaf Gift Shop located at the rear of the Wesley House. Lots of gifts and art of local origin are available at very reasonable prices. Currently the gift shop is featuring a wonderful selection of bird house hand painted and signed by local artists exclusively for the Friends.
Staffed by Friends of Eden* Volunteers, this shop is a primary source of income for the many projects of the Friends undertake at Eden Gardens State Park. Click Here to take a peek at a few of the items you could purchase for a birthday or special occasion. Or call 850-231-2724 to hear about the newest items to arrive.
*Fig Leaf Gift Shop welcomes volunteers who can donate one day a month service (hours generally 10-3). If you would like to support Eden by being a volunteer, please call 850-231-0677. Training will be provided.
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