The focal point of this park is the beautifully renovated, two-story house with elegant white columns and wrap around porch. In a setting of moss-draped live oaks, the 1897 mansion recalls a prosperous era before the virgin forests of longleaf pine and cypress were exhausted in this part of the state. In 1963, Lois Maxon bought and renovated the home, creating a showplace for her family heirlooms and antiques.
Visitors can come and enjoy a guided tour of the Wesley House, meander through the gardens, bring a picnic or go fishing off the dock in Tucker Bayou.
Experiences
Canoe Kayak Launch
Eden has a canoe/kayak launch available in the day use area. Visitors must provide their own canoe or kayak. The launch is on Tucker Bayou which is a shallow body of water that provides connection to the Intracoastal Waterway and the Choctawhatchee Bay.
Fishing
Eden Gardens is located on Tucker Bayou off the southeast corner of the Choctawhatchee Bay. Saltwater fishing is allowed on the dock or off the seawall.
All fishing within the park must conform to regulations concerning size, number, method of capture and season. A fishing license may be required. More information is available at the Florida Wildlife Commission’s Fishing in Florida.
Hiking Nature Trail
Eden Gardens has approximately one mile of hiking trails that allow access to the natural areas west of the ornamental gardens. The trailhead starts at the north end of the pavilion picnic area. The park also has a Living Shoreline trail that meanders through the ornamental gardens and highlights certain trees. Detailed trail maps are available at the Park Office.
Meetings and Retreats
The park's pavilion is available to rent for meetings. It's a screened pavilion with a kitchen (no stove) and restrooms. Call the Park Office at 850-267-8320 for more information.
Picnicking
Eden is the perfect place for a picnic. Bring a blanket and picnic on the grass under a Virginia Live Oak, or use one of the picnic tables that is scattered throughout the gardens. For larger groups, the park has four picnic pavilions. The picnic pavilions have four picnic tables and a grill. Two of the picnic pavilions are ADA accessible and a restroom facilities is close by.
Amenities
Gardens
Eden Garden’s ornamental gardens are the main attraction of the park. Camellias and azaleas offer colorful displays October through May with peak blooming around March. The park also has a heritage rose garden, butterfly garden, hidden garden and a reflection pond filled with water lilies and koi fish.
