Jack London State Historic Park, also known as Jack London Home and Ranch, is a California State Historic Park near Glen Ellen, California, United States, situated on the eastern slope of Sonoma Mountain.
Located on an idyllic plot in peaceful Glen Ellen, Jack London State Historic Park offers a personal look at the famed writer’s adventure-filled life. An avid sailor, London spent most of his life cruising around the world with the love of his life, his wife Charmian. Sadly he picked up pellagra on one South Seas voyage, which ultimately caused the kidney damage that killed him six years later, at just 40 years old. Today this Northern California state park pays tribute to the man who brought adventure to many readers through his words, and one who left the world far too soon.
The House of Happy Walls is a visitor center/museum with a wheelchair lift at the rear of the building. The main parking area has 3 spaces designated as accessible. The paved 400′ route from the parking lot to the museum may be accessible for assisted wheelchair users or strong riders. Assistance may be required for the slope.
Stairs are the only means of access to the second floor of the museum. To provide equivalent access for viewing the second-floor exhibits, a 360-degree viewing of the second floor is available on a mobile touchscreen and in a booklet for visitors who are unable to use the stairs to the second floor. A table for ease of viewing is available, just ask the bookshop manager for assistance.
The best place to begin your visit is at the House of Happy Walls, which houses a museum dedicated to Jack London’s life and work. The house was built in 1919 by Charmian and Eliza Shepard (Jack’s step sister) in loving memory of the author. Although it resembles Wolf House (the London’s dream home) – which burned down in 1913 – it’s somewhat smaller at just 4,760 square feet. Charmian lived there until 1952; that is when she wasn’t traveling around the world or off on her own an adventures.
Although steps grace the front of the House of Happy Walls, there’s also lift access to the first floor. There is only stairway access to the second floor, but a 360-degree view of it all is available on a mobile touchscreen and in a booklet.
The museum includes a variety of London’s personal items including first editions of his books, a medical kit that he carried on his South Seas cruise, and souvenirs he collected along the way. It also features some original furnishings such as Charmian’s prized 1901 Steinway piano, and a small collection of her clothing. Take some time to admire the architecture of the building too, as it’s a work of art by itself.
Outside, there’s a half-mile trail to the remains of Wolf House, but it’s a steady downhill trek. Alternatively, golf cart transportation is available; and there’s another accessible porta potty along the service road that the golf cart takes. The house ruins include an interpretive plaque that describe the 26-room mansion, and the area around the home is fairly level. It’s worth a quick stop just to admire the grandeur of the home. Sadly the Londons never lived in the house.
A restroom in the Museum parking lot is wheelchair accessible.
A portable restroom in the Ranch parking lot is wheelchair accessible.
Wolf House A portable restroom on the road to the Wolf House is wheelchair accessible.
The Cottage A ramp is available to access the cottage. Assistance may be needed on the path of travel from the parking area to the Cottage entry.
London’s cottage is located next to the distillery; however the driveway is to steep for wheelchair access. Instead, go straight ahead and wind through the remains of the winery, that London converted to living quarters for his ranch hands. The building was destroyed by a fire in 1965, but a level dirt pathway leads through the ruins, When you reach the road on the other side of the winery, turn left and head over to the east side of the cottage, where you’ll find ramp access. Alternatively, golf cart transportation is available to the cottage.
The wood framed cottage, which was built in the 1860s, was enlarged after Wolf House was destroyed by fire. There’s barrier-free access to most of the house, which is furnished with artifacts and furnishings that belonged to the Londons. The 3,000 square-foot house features his and hers sun porches, Jack’s office, plenty of bedrooms and a separate stone building that houses the kitchen and laundry. It’s filled with lots of old photos, and stories about the practical jokes that London played on his guests. And if you have any questions, docents are on hand to field them.
