New scenic overlook platform looks over Tucker Bayou.

New entrance, office, paving canoe/kayak launch highlight parks’ changes

One of the most beautiful parks in Walton County sits along Tucker Bayou in Point Washington in South Walton County. Large moss covered live oaks, gardens, walking trails and panoramic views of the bayou provide a visual delight for the visitor to this historic Florida State Park.

The park is boasting new developments this year with more than $1 million dollars worth of improvements. Enhancements to the park include a new entrance, as visitors now access the park directly from CR 395. Other new features include four new picnic pavilions, a new ranger office, parking lot, new kayak/canoe launch, new restrooms and scenic overlook deck along a paved trail that loops around Tucker Bayou.

The original entrance on Eden Gardens Road will be closed off and a small section of the park given to Walton County enabling the one-way Eden Gardens Road to wrap through to Gilmore Road.

Volunteer organization for the park, The Friends of Eden are planning on reproducing the original brick entrance columns and wrought iron gates. To learn more, you can visit their website at http://www.friendsofedengardens.org/

The focal point of the park is the two-story Wesley house with large white columns and wrap-around porch. Originally owned by the Wesley’s a wealthy Florida timber family, the mansion was purchased in 1963 by Lois Maxon who renovated the home, and created a showplace for family heirlooms and antiques. The collection of Louis XVI furniture is the second largest in the United States. The house is now owned by the State of Florida, and is the centerpiece of the park.

Hours of Operation

The park is open 7 days a week. Guided tours of the Wesley Mansion are available hourly Thursday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (including holidays).