July 26, 2013

Glen Ellen Jack London State Historic Park; things to do

2400 London Ranch Rd., (707) 938-5216.  Park:  Daily 9:30-5.  $6/vehicle.  Museum:  Daily 10-5; free.  Cottage:  Daily noon-4; Thur-M Nov-April; $4, 62+ & 13-18 $2.

overview of Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen, California
overview of Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen, California


Jack London, who wrote 191 short stories and 51 books, was once one of the highest paid authors in the country.  This multi-talented man was also a gifted war correspondent, and by the time his life ended at age 40 had become a passionate farmer--who wrote for income to support his new occupation.  The 1,400-acre Jack London State Historic Park (London's nephew donated it to the state) contains the ruins of his 26-room Wolf House (reached via a pleasant ½-mile trail), his grave, and The House of Happy Walls--a museum built in his memory by his widow.  Kenwood Vineyards makes wines that are designated as from here by a wolf logo on their bottles.

Jack London's writing room at Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen, California
Jack London's writing room at Jack London State Historic Park
in Glen Ellen, California


Beauty Ranch includes the cottage he actually lived in as well as two cement-block silos (the first in California) and Pig Palace, a deluxe piggery designed by London.  Picnic tables are available.  Vineyards here produce grapes purchased by nearby


More things to do in Glen Ellen.

More things to do in the Wine Country.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

images ©2013 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

2 comments:

  1. Great article Carole. (Ms. Meyers) I have always read the great Jack London and have, as lately, been renewed in inspiration to read just about all of his works again. At present I am reading his 'THE IRON HEEL'. Someday I hope to visit the Valley Of The Moon and Jack London's ranch/land/museum/gravesite, etc. I 'love' the picture of his writing desk/typewriter.. would love to find a way to obtain a copy if possible. Again, thank you for the article. signed Bobby Caldwell (bobby@missourimoon.com)

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  2. Hi Bobby. I do hope you make it to the park someday. And do plan in enough time to see the entire area, which is in the middle of beautiful Wine Country. Meanwhile, you have my permission to copy the photo and to use it if you give credit and a link: c2013 Carole Terwilliger Meyers, http://www.weekendadventuresupdate.blogspot.com/2013/07/wine-country-glen-ellen-jack-london.html. I'd also appreciate your letting me know if you do use it. BTW, you might want to check with the park as I'm not positive that the desk depicted was where London himself worked and I don't think that is his actual typewriter. I think the park staged the cabin to resemble how it looked when he was living there. regards, Carole

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