Jack London State Historic Park in Sonoma County, Northern California

JACK LONDON STATE HISTORIC PARK

In 1959 Irving and Mildred Shepard gift-deeded 39 acres to the State of California for a park. October 1, 1960 a dedication ceremony was held for the new park.

From 1977 to 1979 the state bought an additional 756 acres from the Shepard family which now comprises nearly 800 acres. This includes the House of Happy walls, Wolf House ruins, barns, cottage, Pig Palace and London's gravesite.

Description of features, educational and recreational opportunites at Jack London State Historic Park in Sonoma County, Northern Californa. In addition, there's a bookstore located within the state park museum, has many Jack London books and videos for sale.

Golf cart rides are available for those who need assistance to and from the Wolf House and the Beauty Ranch. The "Wolf House Express" runs most weekends, weather permitting, from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m., and by appointment for those who need assistance to and from the Wolf House and Beauty Ranch

The "Cottage" where Jack wrote many of his later stories and novels, is open and staffed by Park Docents most weekends from Noon to 4:00 p.m. The building is wheelchair accessible.

The park was created in 1959, when a small portion ... about 40 acres of London's 1,400-acre Beauty Ranch was acquired by the state, partly through a gift from Irving Shepard, London's nephew and an heir to the London estate. The original park included London's grave, the ruins of Wolf House, and Charmian London's House of Happy Walls.

Vineyards at Jack London State Historic Park. Click photo to view larger photo

Vineyards on Jack London's Beauty Ranch

Photograph courtesy of Gene Gough (Click on photo to view a larger version)

Video Jack London's Ranch

How to Get There

Located a few miles off Highway 12, near the small town of Glen Ellen, CA. take Highway 12 from Santa Rosa east. Turn right on Arnold drive; in the center of Glen Ellen turn right on London Ranch Road. Or from Highway 101, take 37 to 121. Turn left at 121 and go to 116 (Arnold drive). Stay on Arnold Drive until you get to Glen Ellen. From Glen Ellen, turn left onto London Ranch Road.
See map

Park Accommodations

Many trails exist for hiking and horseback riding over the ranch. Rides are available from April through November.
There are no campsites in this park; there is camping in near-by Sugarloaf Ridge State Park.
Picnic tables and barbeque pits are available; ground fires and portable stoves are prohibited.
Park hours are 10 AM to 5 PM standard time and 10 AM to 7 PM during daylight savings time.

Jack London Museum

The museum has a bookstore where visitors can purchase books about the ranch and Jack London stories. The museum which is called the House of Happy Walls is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Days.
Docents are available weekends to assist park visitors in the House of Happy Walls Museum. The first floor of the Museum is wheelchair accessible. A shuttle runs from the House of Happy Walls Museum to Wolf House Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm until 4pm
There is ample parking in the park.
Warning: There are a few rattlesnakes and there is poison oak; it is advisable to stay on the trails.
According to the California State Park's brochure, they do not discriminate against individuals with disabilities. Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who need assistance should contact the park at the phone number below. Conditons and times are subject to change, it's a good idea to call ahead. This page is not the official state park web site. We could be wrong about times and dates (information does have a way of changing).

Jack London State Historic Park
2400 London Ranch Road
Glen Ellen, California 95442
Telephone (707) 938-5216 or 938-4827
Entrance fee: $6 per car – $5 per car for seniors (over 62)

Home and Hearth Award
Awarded to Jack London's
Ranch Album 1997

"A bone to the dog is not charity. Charity is the bone shared with the dog, when you are just as hungry as the dog." – Jack London

Source: The Road