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Step Back in Time at Forest Home Farms Historic Park

Discover San Ramon's agricultural past at Forest Home Farms Historic Park, where you can explore historic homes, antique farm equipment, and beautiful grounds that tell the story of the valley's heritage.

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Forest Home Farms Historic Park in San Ramon offers a captivating glimpse into the agricultural history of the San Ramon Valley. This 16-acre park, bequeathed to the city by Ruth Quayle Boone in memory of her husband Travis Moore Boone, features two historic houses, fourteen outbuildings, and beautiful grounds that showcase life on a working farm from the mid-19th to the mid-20th centuries. Visitors can explore the Boone House, a 22-room Dutch Colonial, and the Glass House Museum, a restored Victorian home, as well as a tractor museum and a walnut processing plant. With seasonal events, educational programs, and picnic spots, Forest Home Farms provides an engaging and educational experience for all ages, connecting visitors to the region's rich agricultural heritage and offering a peaceful escape from modern life. It's a testament to the enduring legacy of the Boone family and their contribution to the San Ramon Valley.

A brief summary to Forest Home Farms Historic Park

Local tips

  • Check the San Ramon Historic Foundation's website for special events like Sheep Shearing Day, which offers a unique glimpse into farm life.
  • Visit the Glass House Museum on Saturdays at 1 PM for a guided tour and a peek into Victorian-era living.
  • Pack a picnic to enjoy on the grounds, taking advantage of the serene atmosphere and scenic views.
  • Download the Otocast app for a self-guided tour of the park, providing historical context and insights as you explore.
  • Explore the Tractor Museum to see a collection of antique farm equipment and learn about the evolution of agricultural technology.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Forest Home Farms Historic Park is located at 19953 San Ramon Valley Blvd. From I-680, take the Crow Canyon Road exit and head east. Turn right onto San Ramon Valley Blvd. Continue south for approximately 2 miles. The park will be on your left. Parking is available in the park's dirt lot. Parking is limited to 80 vehicles.

  • Public Transport

    The County Connection bus serves the San Ramon Valley. From the Dublin/Pleasanton BART station, take a County Connection bus towards San Ramon. Check the County Connection website for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. From the bus stop on San Ramon Valley Blvd, walk south to the park entrance. A Clipper Card can be used to pay for fares.

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Discover more about Forest Home Farms Historic Park

Forest Home Farms Historic Park, nestled at the base of the Dougherty Hills in San Ramon, California, offers a unique journey back in time to experience the region's rich agricultural heritage. This 16-acre park, a treasure trove of local history, was generously bequeathed to the City of San Ramon by Ruth Quayle Boone in 1997, in memory of her husband, Travis Moore Boone. Following Ruth's passing in 1998, the city expanded the memorial to honor her contributions and recognize the significant role women played in the San Ramon Valley's agricultural development. The park's grounds are divided by Oak Creek, with the northern portion housing the majority of the historic structures used by the Boone family. These include two houses representing nearly a century of residential development in the valley, fourteen outbuildings, and two pergolas. The Boone House, a grand 22-room Dutch Colonial structure remodeled several times since its construction in 1900, now serves as office and meeting space, hosting various recreational programs. The fourteen outbuildings, varying significantly in age and size, offer a glimpse into the diverse operations of a working farm. Among them is a barn dating back to the 1850s, a sprawling 7,000-square-foot farm equipment and automobile storage structure, and a three-building walnut processing plant complete with a three-story hulling and drying facility. These structures stand as testaments to the ingenuity and hard work of the families who cultivated the land. The southern portion of the property is home to the Glass House Museum, a beautifully restored Italianate Victorian home built in 1877. Originally located at Lora Nita Farm, the house was relocated to Forest Home Farms and opened as a historic house museum in 2010, depicting life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The two-story wood-frame dwelling, with its one-story rear wing and accompanying tank house, offers visitors a glimpse into the domestic life of a bygone era. Forest Home Farms is more than just a collection of historic buildings; it's a living, breathing museum that actively engages visitors through a variety of educational programs and events. The park hosts numerous seasonal events throughout the year, including the popular Sheep Shearing Day, where visitors can witness expert shearers demonstrate the process of removing wool from sheep. Other events include Kids Day, Chili Cook-off, Ice Cream Social, and the Pumpkin & Harvest Festival, providing fun and educational experiences for the whole family. In addition to its seasonal events, Forest Home Farms offers a range of educational programs designed to connect visitors with the region's agricultural history. School groups can participate in guided tours of the farm and the Glass House Museum, learning about the tools, techniques, and traditions of farming life. Interactive exhibits, including a tractor museum and a newly installed Railroad Depot Display, further enhance the learning experience. For those seeking a more relaxed experience, Forest Home Farms provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Visitors can stroll through the park's beautiful grounds, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and scenic views. Picnic tables are scattered throughout the property, offering ideal spots for a leisurely lunch or afternoon snack. Pamphlets for self-guided tours are available at the parking lot entrance, allowing visitors to explore the park at their own pace. Forest Home Farms' commitment to preservation and education has earned it recognition on both the National Register of Historic Places and the California Register of Historical Resources. This designation underscores the park's historical significance and ensures its protection for future generations. Visiting Forest Home Farms is an opportunity to step back in time and experience the beauty and simplicity of rural life. Whether you're interested in history, agriculture, or simply a peaceful day in the park, Forest Home Farms offers something for everyone. It's a place where the past comes alive, where visitors can connect with the land and the people who shaped the San Ramon Valley.

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