About Glen Ellen


As is fitting for a Sonoma County town, Glen Ellen gets its name from a vineyard. Charles V Stuart first built a house in the area in 1868, and soon established a 1,000 acre vineyard around the house. He named the vineyard Glen Ellen to honor his wife. When a town began to grow up around the vineyard, it too took the name of Glen Ellen. The town is still one of the best places from which to explore the famous Sonoma County wineries and vineyards, but it also has much more to offer.

The area’s beauty and rich history has led to the establishment of quite a few national parks. Perhaps one of the most exciting for lovers of history and literature is the Jack London State Historic Park. The park is located on the site of the famous author’s Beauty Ranch, and visitors can still see the ruins of his mansion, Wolf House, as well as Jack and Charmian London’s graves. Other area parks not to be missed are the Bouverie Wildlife Preseve, Bouverie Audubon Preserve, Sonoma County Regional Park and Moran-Goodman Regional Park. These parks provide wonderful opportunities for biking, hiking, horseback riding and picnicking.



Glen Ellen Facts


Glen Ellen, in the Sonoma Valley, is home to a number of regional and state parks, providing visitors with both history and outdoor recreation, including hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Don't forget to visit the local wineries, too.

Jack London lived in Glen Ellen from 1909 until 1916. He mentioned Glen Ellen in many of his stories, most notably in The Iron Heel and The Valley of the Moon. The famous author’s ranch is now the Jack London State Historic Park. The town was named after founder Charles V Stuart’s wife, Ellen.

Location / Terrain:

The terrain of Glen Ellen is characterized by rolling hills and vineyards.

Population: 784


Driving Time/Directions

Glen Ellen Map:

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Glen Ellen Zip Code:

95442

Glen Ellen Elevation:

253 feet

Glen Ellen Resources


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Best For:

Glen Ellen and its environs will be most enjoyed by Jack London fans, wine lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The town’s art galleries will also be of interest to those who appreciate and collect art.

Upcoming Events In Glen Ellen


The Art Of Eating: Women Who Change The Way We Eat
A Midsummer Night's Dream
2nd Annual Art Of Eating: A Food And Wine Celebration
Santa Rosa International Film Festival - A Wine Country Film Festival Event
A Midsummer Night's Dream
Guided Nature Walk

Glen Ellen's Annual Events


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Top Picks for Glen Ellen


Arlene's Art Gallery & Studio
Bouverie Audubon Preserve
Bouverie Wildflower Preserve
Gaige House Inn & Spa
Jack London Historic Park
Moran-Goodman Park
Sonoma Valley Regional Park

Specials near Glen Ellen


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Glen Ellen California Information

Glen Ellen, in the Sonoma Valley region of Sonoma County, is home to a number of wonderful outdoor areas where recreation ranges from bird watching to historic sightseeing to hiking and biking. The Bouverie Wildlife Preserve and Bouverie Audubon Preserve provide guests with the opportunity to explore 500 acres of Oak woodland, Mixed Evergreen forest, Riparian woodland, and Chapparral, as well as the plants and animals that live there.

In addition, the 162-acre Sonoma County Regional Park provides dirt and paved trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. There's also a large picnic area. Glen Ellen activities should also include a visit to Jack London State Historic Park, which pays homage to the famous author and visitors can see the home where he lived from 1905 to 1916. Kids will love Moran-Goodman Regional Park with its pretty playground and picnic areas.

Art aficionados will also find a number of galleries to explore in Glen Ellen and, of course, wine tasting in and around the town's wineries is a popular pursuit.

Glen Ellen lodging includes several excellent B&B establishments and small creekside cottages. Several of the inns offer excellent eateries and there are a few additional Glen Ellen restaurants in town as well.


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