Overview
Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
Open Memorial Day, July 4, and Labor Day
Entry Fees: see Entry Fees section
Parking: No Fee
34600 Ardenwood Blvd. Fremont, CA 94555
(510) 544-2797
Toll Free: 888-EBPARKS (888-327-2757), option 3, extension 4504
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Park Activities
Ardenwood Historic Farm offers a glimpse into life on a family farm between 1890 and 1930. Step back in time as you explore the remnants of the once vast estate of George and Clara Patterson, whose family farmed the land for over 100 years, beginning in the 1850s. East Bay Regional Park District has operated the property as a fully functioning, turn-of-the-last-century farm since 1985.
Today, Ardenwood demonstrates the role farms play in providing vital resources and fostering connections among people, plants, and animals. Using carefully restored farm machinery, staff and volunteers invite visitors to join in the harvest and processing of crops once common in the region, including corn, wheat, and hay. A farmyard with a variety of animals, a large hay barn, an outdoor kitchen, and a working blacksmith shop creates opportunities to make connections between everyday life, local farming history, and the land.
Since Ardenwood is a working farm, the daily activities change from season to season so no two visits will be exactly alike. Visit our Naturalist Program page for more information and schedules before your next visit.
Note: Dogs are not permitted in the park. Modern recreational equipment (e.g., frisbees, footballs, soccer balls, bicycles, balloons, and BBQs) are prohibited.
Entry Fees
Regular Season: January through March, and the Wednesday before Thanksgiving through December:
- Tuesday through Sunday: $4/adults (18+ years), $3/seniors (62+ year), $2/children (4-17 years), under 4 years - free.
Historic Season: April through the Tuesday before Thanksgiving:
- Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday: $4/adults (18+ years), $3/seniors (62+ year), $2/children (4-17 years), under 4 years - free.
- Thursday, Friday and Sunday: $6/adults (18+ years), $5/seniors (62+ year), $4/children (4-17 years), under 4 years - free.
Please note that Patterson House tours and train rides are only offered on Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays during the Historic Season (April through mid-November), except during special events. These activities are included with admission.
Special Event Entry Fees
- $8-$30/adults* (18+ years), $6-$30/seniors* (62+ year), $5-$25/children* (4-17 years)
*Special event entry fees may vary. Please call (510) 544-2797 or email awvisit@ebparks.org for updated information.
Special events include an old-fashioned Independence Day celebration, Harvest Festival in October, Sheep Shearing Day in April, and more. To see a list of upcoming special events, browse “Activities” under EBParks.org/Register.
Naturalist Programs
Park Naturalists conduct a variety of programs for both organized groups and the public. Through Ardenwood's educational programs, visitors can see and participate in many activities common to a turn-of-the-last-century farm.
Public non-reservation weekend programs include the planting, tending, and harvesting of Ardenwood's organic crops, farm chore demonstrations, and hands-on experiences for the whole family. These programs can be found here or by browsing “Activities” under EBParks.org/Register.
Weekday field trips and programs are available for schools and organized groups by reservation. Please see our Educators Resources information here or call (510) 544-2797 for further information.
Historic Season (April to November) Activity Schedule:
| Day of the Week | Naturalist Programs | Grounds, Gardens, & Farm Animals | Patterson House Tours & Train Ride |
| Tue & Wed | Intermittent. Programs can be found here. | Open |
|
| Thur & Fri | Intermittent. Programs can be found here. | Open | Open |
| Sat | Yes | Open |
|
| Sun | Yes | Open | Open |
Ardenwood Historic Farm is closed on Mondays (except Memorial Day & Labor Day).
Ardenwood Naturalist Programs
Join us for our monthly programs!
To Reach The Park
Maps
Park Accessibility
The majority of facilities in Ardenwood are wheelchair accessible: Patterson House, Hay Barn, Train Ride, Granary, Cafe, restrooms, and wedding and reception sites. Most of the roads are paved and there are no significant grade changes. Public transit information.
Attractions
Some of the park features include the followings:
Farm Animals: At Ardenwood, you will see sheep, chickens, rabbits, goats, and cows.
Haybarn: The historic Hay Barn houses tractors, farming implements, and tack, providing a glimpse into the tools and gear once essential for crop cultivation and the daily care of farm animals.
Arden Station: During the historic season (April-mid-November) on Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays, board the farm’s train here. It takes you back more than 100 years to a time when railroads connected the East Bay’s farms to towns and cities. The train is operated by Ardenwood’s Railroad Museum with staff and docents dressed in period costumes. For information, visit the Society for the Preservation of Carter Railroad Resources (SPCRR) website.
Patterson House: During the historic season (April-mid-November) on Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays, costumed docents lead guided tours of the Patterson House. The home served three generations of the Patterson family and began as a modest farmhouse built by George Patterson in 1857. As the family's farm and standing in East Bay society grew, the house was expanded in 1889 with a grand Queen Anne–style addition.
Blacksmith Shop: On Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays, visit the blacksmith in the forge and see history come to life. Watch traditional tools and techniques in action while learning about the vital role blacksmiths played in supporting daily life on a working farm.
Picnic
Ardenwood has one reservable picnic site, called the EIO Picnic Area. For more information, visit the Ardenwood Picnic Areas page, and call Reservations to reserve.
Ardenwood Farm Docents
Share your enthusiasm for history! We're looking for people who want to learn to cook on a wood stove, demonstrate antique farm machinery, and teach historic crafts such as spinning, weaving, and toy making. No experience is necessary, just a willingness to help our staff create a welcoming atmosphere for schoolchildren and families. Call (510) 544-3284 or email akwong@ebparks.org for an application and details.
Resources
Park Calendar
Ardenwood Historic Farm is open on Memorial Day & Labor Day.
Wild Plant Guides
- Wildflower Photo Guide [PDF]
- Wild Plant Photo Guide [PDF]
- Ardenwood - Calflora Plant List
- Ardenwood – PlantID.net ID Guide
Interpretive Brochures
Program Flyers
- Popcorn Popping Instructions
(For popcorn picked from Ardenwood)
