Gan HaShlosha must be one the most beautiful places in Israel. There are large pools fed from an underground spring, water cascading over waterfalls, palm trees surrounding the pools, and expansive green lawns. Its name commemorates three pioneers who were killed by a landmine in 1938 while patrolling the valley. Its Arabic name is the Sachne.
There is plenty to do here. The pools are wonderful for swimming. The water is at a constant and very comfortable 28 degrees Centigrade year-round. At no extra charge you can visit a replica of a tower and stockade at the Tower and Stockade Heritage Site. The original was erected in one night in 1936. Its Settlement Bell Garden and archeological museum are also of interest.
Directions: Enter “Gan Hashlosha” on Waze and click on “Gan HaShlosha National Park.”
Entrance: The park is operated by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority. Hours from April to September are from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Sunday to Thursday. On Saturday, Friday, and holiday eves hours are 8.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. The park closes 1 hour earlier during the winter. Friday winter hours are 8.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. There is reduced admission with an annual pass to Israel Nature and Parks Authority sites, but unlike most other sites admission is not free. There are many shaded picnic tables reasonably close to the pools, although if the park is crowded you may have to go further from the pools to find a table. A convenience store sells hot and cold drinks and snacks. Barbecues and charcoal are sold at the store. Their phone number is 04 658-6219. This is their web site.
Public transport: Enter “Gan HaShlosha” into Moovit. There are frequent buses between Afula and Beit She’an.
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ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE PARK:
The pools are deep and therefore only suitable for swimmers or children with a flotation device. However, there is a shallow part of the main pool separated off for children. There are lifeguard observation points for all the pools. No special footwear is required since you will not be touching the ground when you are in the water, except when standing by the sides of the pools. There are restrooms and showers.
A Settlement Bell Garden contains restored bells used in pioneer times for different occasions. At the Tower and Stockade site is an exact replica of the stockade and tower settlement erected at Tel Amal, the modern-day Kibbutz Nir David, and which can be visited at any time.
This settlement was built overnight by pioneers who had been living in Kibbutz Beit Alpha. It was the first tower and stockade settlement erected in Israel and was built in December 1936 in response to Arab riots. During the three years of intermittent rioting, 57 settlements of this type were constructed in Israel, their aim being to rapidly increase Jewish settlement in then Palestine. It measured only 35 x 35 meter and was surrounded by a double wooden defense wall. Gravel was placed between the two walls to prevent the penetration of bullets. You can wander through the rooms, which include living quarters with furniture appropriate for the time and a communal dining room.
Their Museum of Regional and Mediterranean Archeology museums shows antiquities found in the Beit She'an Valley and also contains displays from ancient Egypt and the Persian, Greek and Roman periods. It is on the southern side of the river and can be accessed from the Stockade and Tower site by a footbridge. It is open only Sunday to Thursday 10.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m.
A reconstructed 200-year-old flour mill that would have been operated by the water power of the Amal Stream is located by the Mill Snack Bar.
An exhibit in the Bell Garden
The tower and stockade exhibit
Nearby places of interest:
It is possible to spend a full day in this area. Consider also the adjoining Gan Garu Zoo and Park HaMa’ayanot for swimming, hiking (including water hikes), golf carts and cycling.
Links to the HOME PAGE and best family activities, hikes and historic sites in the GOLAN, EASTERN GALILEE, UPPER GALILEE, LOWER GALILEE, JORDAN VALLEY & LAKE KINNERET, the SHEFELAH, TEL AVIV-YAFFO and surroundings, NORTH of TEL AVIV, and SOUTH of TEL AVIV.
Do you find my website interesting and helpful?
Then you are sure to love my two new books "In and Around Jerusalem for Everyone - The Best Walks, Hikes and Outdoor Pools" and "The Struggle for Utopia - A History of Jewish, Christian and Islamic Messianism". Both books are available on Amazon and in Jerusalem bookstores. Click on each of the titles for information, reviews and purchase information.