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Jack London State Historic Park
Jack London State Historic Park
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2400 London Ranch Road
Glen Ellen , CA 95442
707-938-5216
Good-for-Kids Rating
BabiesToddlers & Pre-KSchool-Age KidsPre-Teens & Teens
Jack London State Historic Park Description
Just outside of Sonoma in the hamlet of Glen Ellen, Jack London Park is the site of the famed and extravagant Wolf House that author Jack London and his wife Charmian built for themselves in their quest to become ranchers -- except Wolf House burned down almost immediately upon completion, and many believe the tragedy hastened London's early death. What you can tour today includes the ruins of Wolf House, the cottage the Londons lived in with a coterie of writer friends while embarked on their ambitious building projects, and the House of Happy Walls that Charmian built soon after Jack's death, which is a smaller replica of Wolf House. Kids who've read the "Call of the Wild" in school or studied Jack London and his adventurous life will be moved to pay their respects at the small cemetery on the property where he and Charmian are buried. Be sure to check out our other Sonoma vacation ideas.
Historical Landmark
Park
History Museum
Hiking
Kid Tips
Babies: Unless you are such history buffs that you want to visit the Jack London park for yourselves, it's probably not the right attraction for babies and toddlers, who won't really understand what the fuss is all about.
Planning Notes
- Rugged trails. If you do bring a baby, use a backpack or all-terrain stroller, as the trails are a bit rugged when getting around the property, which is an extensive and beautiful park. The ruins of Wolf House and the Londons' graves can only be reached by a short hike.
- Museum hours limited. The museum and the Londons' cottage are only open on Saturdays and Sundays, so if a full tour is important to you, visit on a weekend.
Just the Facts
Hours: Friday-Tuesday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; closed Wednesday-Thursday.
Fees: Free.
Recommended Time: 1 - 2 hours
