John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area

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Hours:
  • May to Oct., Sun. to Thurs. 11am-4pm; Through the rest of the year, please contact the site for hours. Group bookings are available anytime by advance appointment.
Fees:
  • Suggested Donation Adults $5.00 Children (Ages 3 to 16) $3.00 Family - Maximum $15.00 Special Event Admission Adults $6.00 Children (Ages 3 to 16) $4.00 Family - Maximum $20.00
  • Partially Accessible
  • Assistive Listening Systems
  • Gift Shop
  • Parking
  • Guided Tours
  • Heritage Garden
  • Facilities Rental

A visit to the John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area will take you back in time to the 1850s. The house and farm buildings of John and Amelia Park are restored to bring the nineteenth century to life. Explore the Parks’ magnificent Classical Revival home, built in 1842, taste baking from the kitchen fireplace or play with a wooden toy in the children’s bedrooms. See the workings of an 1885 steam engine-powered sawmill and stop by the blacksmith shop to witness the making of small hardware and repairing of farm tools at the coal-fired forge. Don’t miss the smoke house, ice house and barn. For a breath of fresh air, take a scenic walk on the lakeshore boardwalk.  Be sure to check out the gift shop and exhibit area. You can also take in the theatre where an audio-visual presentation will transport you back in time to John Park’s day. And there’s more! Each spring we plant the garden with heirloom crops, flowers and vegetables. In the summer, livestock are a popular addition.

Website: www.erca.org

Type: Living History Site | Conservation Area