Beautiful location with a boardwalk along the waters edge. Located right next to the mandarin county dock. Beautiful location for sunset pictures. read more

I stopped by Walter Jones Historical Park recently for a peaceful afternoon walk and was pleasantly surprised by its quiet charm and educational value. Nestled in the Mandarin area, the park offers a glimpse into a long-forgotten way of life through well-preserved historic buildings and informative signage. Even if the museum isn't open, there's still plenty to learn just by walking around. The paved and boardwalk-style paths make it especially accessible for strollers, wheelchairs, or elderly visitors. There are clean restrooms on-site and pavilions that can be reserved, which is great for small family get-togethers or casual outdoor events. It's also right next to a county dock and boat launch--technically not part of the park, but close enough to enjoy the breeze and water views. That said, there's not a ton to "do" here, especially if the museum is closed. There are no hiking trails or playgrounds, so it's better suited for a quiet stroll than a full day out. Because the park is on the smaller side, sound tends to carry--something to keep in mind if you're hoping for solitude during a busy weekend. One small frustration is that it's become a popular spot for photo shoots, and some photographers don't always respect that it's a shared public space. This is a great spot for a short, relaxing visit--especially if you're interested in local history or just want somewhere calm to stroll. Not really a "destination park," but definitely a hidden gem if you're in the area. I'd return, especially if the museum is open next time. read more

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It was beautiful day in Nov to visit the park with two squirrelly grandkids! We all loved them running around viewing the river and events in the park. Apparently there was a celebration/festival of some sorts to a rather large group of ethnic people who use to live Myanmar (according to one of the group). They were dressed in native clothes, had music and food; looked fun! Seeing the NEW Harriet Beecher Stowe statue in daylight was special too. read more

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I've been coming to this park for many years. It is always clean and well kept up. It features paved walkways that also go toward the river, and some boardwalks. One goes really far out and there are always fishermen out there. At the end of it is a covered area that has good views of the river and bridge. There is also a small museum and some other buildings on the property. It's one of the best parks in the Jax area. read more

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Lovely pathways filled with shade and picturesque water vistas. The blend of historical elements and natural surroundings caters perfectly to both grandpa and the little one. While there isn't a designated playground, the paths are ideal for a young child who enjoys strolling and collecting leaves. The well-kept water walkways provide a safe area for kids to play and run around. read more

This is a great park with several old buildings that speak of another time. One house in particular that I liked was built around 1875 for a retired United States military officer (Army) named Major William Wirt Webb, who served during the Civil War. There is a pleasant path that you can walk down and see some really nice things and enjoy a nice day. We need to remember our past. We need to remember where the footsteps that led us to the path we walk today. Places like this are essential you are learning and understanding the world we live in today. It is not a huge park by any means, but it is a decent size and as an added bonus, it leads out to a nice view if the St. Johns River, which played a huge part in the development of this part of Florida as a viable means of transportation. I would definitely recommend a visit here. Learn a little bit about our past and while you are here, you can gaze out upon the St. Johns River. There are also a few gazebos if you want to sit down and enjoy a picnic lunch. I definitely recommend here and give it five stars. read more

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I really can't wait to go back when the museum is open! This park was recommended by a friend and we were on that side of town and stopped in. Today was sticky humid and the mosquitoes were drinking me up, but the walk through this beautiful park was still wonderful! Love all the history! We also found a number of kindness rocks (#jacksonvillerocks on Facebook)- which we re-hid along our walk. If you are a Pokemon player- this park is packed! We only passed a handful of people out on the trails and boardwalks, social distancing win. Just getting out in fresh air was nice even in July.... in Florida ;) All of the structures had signage giving you a little history, there is a veggie garden, a butterfly garden, plenty of benches, handful of picnic tables and a couple pavilions. There is a pier and boat launch adjacent to the park- the boat launch is currently closed. We spent plenty of time reading the signs and looking in windows of various buildings. 45 minutes spent here today and I will be keeping an eye out for when they reopen the museum! read more

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Beautiful local historical park in the Mandarin section of Jacksonville. Great views along the St. John's river. Limited public parking and restrooms on site. read more

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If your looking for a "nice walk in the Park" with some cool breeze off the water and historical sites to see, then you have found the place. Somewhat hidden off San Jose in Mandarin, this little gem of a park has walk paths with historical plaques to read about the history. During our walk we spotted painted ceramic frogs and trees with many different berries growing wildly. The grounds are kept immaculate! We where very impressed and with ample amount of shade on a sunny day from the trees above, we did not burn. The buildings on the property are opened to the public on every first Saturday of the Month. There is a big festival the first Saturday of December that we are looking forward to attending. The area has a nice pier to walk out into the St Johns River. Didn't see anyone fishing but I am sure you can. The park has a bathroom facility and also for everyone's safety a camera system. The parking lot is not the largest so on busy days it may get crowded causing a issue of no parking. The park is dog and pet friendly. If your looking for a nice walk with good views and some history, you have found your happy place. read more

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Beautiful park along the St. Johns River in Jacksonville FL. This is a fairly small park that has a nice walkway through the moss-covered trees and greenery. The large trees provide a nice reprieve from the strong sun. This area is generally humid and can be buggy, so make sure to wear bug spray. There is a windy wooden path along the shore of the river that gives a beautiful view of the river. On a clear day, you can see the city of Jacksonville on the horizon. I recommend walking along the community dock for a great view. Sunsets are gorgeous from here. read more

Walter Jones Historical Park - Community dock view - Parks Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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Walter Jones is a nice little park tucked away off San Jose in the neighborhoods behind Earth Fare. There's pathways to take a walk with the kiddos and/or dogs. Take in views of the St. John's River along the wooden boardwalk. In the past, I've even seen people bring chairs to watch the airshow across the river. (I'm not sure how great their views were though.) If the weather is nice, there's also a small covered picnic area. We have always liked this park because we frequently found painted rocks hidden near the trees, boardwalk or near the painted frogs (check out the Facebook group "Jacksonville Rocks" for more info on rock painting). Anyway, there always seems to be a photographer or two snapping engagement, family, first birthday or senior pictures here since there's so many nice backdrops (house, barn, boardwalk, etc). It's a good spot to take your Christmas card pix too! Parking is pretty limited but I've never had an issue finding a spot. If it rained recently, mosquitos also love this park so bring some bug spray if those pesky things like your blood type or better yet just skip the park all together and hold out for another sunnier day. read more

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Great little park! Perfect for a quick stroll or to eat lunch. The long boardwalk was filled with people fishing or just relaxing on a bench enjoying the beautiful scenery. read more

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This is a beautiful park, down a quiet little road in Mandarin. There is a tiny museum there, but it was closed on this day due to virus restrictions. There are a couple of picnic tables near the garden area. They have a cute little garden with lots of veggies growing. Not sure who takes care of it but they do a nice job. There is a nice walking path to take you to the river. If you are a geocacher, there is a cache in the park as well. There are plenty of trees for shade for a walk even on a warm day. read more

We just recently discovered the Walter Jones Historical Park and were very pleased with our discovery. The park is a nice place to come and relax or take a stroll down to the river where you can enjoy the beauty of nature and the cool breezes from the river. Or just enjoy the beautiful grounds where you can get some good photos; using the natural beauty as the perfect backdrop. The park serves as the historical site for the Mandarin Museum and has several historic structures which you can explore. There is something for everyone. We like to come here to relax and my daughter (3) loves to ride her bike on the paved trails and boardwalk. read more

I'm not quite sure how I haven't made to this park until last weekend. To enter, you park in the same parking lot as the Mandarin Museum & Historical Society and the entrance is just off from there. You walk through some paved pathways until you reach the homestead of Major William Webb, who purchased 31.2 acres in Mandarin in 1873. He built the home and the barn that are still standing today. In the early 1900s, the property exchanged hands to Walter Jones and his family members occupied it until 1992. On the property, there are barns, the house, as well as an old saw mill that was relocated from elsewhere in Mandarin and a few other buildings. I assume one of the buildings to have been a house for slaves. Up near the museum building are the Mandarin Store and Post Office in which the Jones family were the proprietors. The house is open for tours, but you must reserve them in advance with the Historical Society. My niece and I found a nice, shady spot near the house to have a picnic, before exploring the park, under some huge treaty oaks. There are paved pathways that lead to the riverfront boardwalk and County Dock. The dock offers an excellent view of the St Johns just south of the Buckman and a great spot for fisherman as well. We walked out to the end of the dock, where the breeze and view back to shore were just wondrous. My niece was enthralled with the fishermen, as one gentleman was pulling up a fish nearly every five minutes. This included a catfish nearly three feet long and about a foot in diameter. Incorporate a trip to the park and dock in with a visit to the museum, and this will make an excellent local day trip on the weekend. read more

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I absolutely loved this place. Beautiful river front and pier. Have a couple of trails to walk. Love the read more

Walter Jones Historical Park - Pier - Parks Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

Walter Jones Historical Park has an unassuming entrance, just a small driveway that leads to a small parking lot. But, upon first step down the winding path through this park, you enter a time warp. You are thrust back in time to a different Jacksonville. A Jacksonville of yore. The land is untouched. The buildings that are dispersed throughout are very old and breath of a different time altogether. As you wander through this park, up and down its tree lined trails, you can stop and read about the history of the place. You learn many things, one of them being about how they used to grow citrus and then take it by boat to the distant city of Jacksonville. You can stand on the long dock and see the city skyline far off in the distance and you understand that, yes, there was a time when this distance was considered substantial. This is a magical place. You feel more connected to the city and its roots. You learn something about the land you live on today, and what it used to mean to people years ago. And you get to spend the day in a beautiful environment. read more

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gorgeous park on the St. John's with amazing staff 10/10 would recommend. if you're looking for a historical park to go to, stop. this is the one read more

Beautiful little park. It seems like it would be a nice spot in the summer because of all the tree cover. There's a place to sit by the river on the boardwalk, which is pleasant, and the little history lesson is great, too . My only complaint is that it's so teeny! read more

Walter Jones Historical Park - Parks Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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Love this little park. Often go here for picnics in the warmer months, and since I live and work in the area I even sometimes eat lunch there during the weekdays and take a nice stroll. Makes for a wonderful mid work day break! My only complaint is that the parking lot is super tiny. It only holds maybe 15 or 20 cars. Sure, that keeps the park relatively peaceful, but I've experienced days where there was just no place to park and I had to leave... But all in all, I recommend visiting this great park and enjoy its history! read more

Beautiful grounds typical of Mandarin. Lots of local and Mandarin history. Often has festivals. Great little park tucked away in Mandarin!