Glen St. Mary FloridaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Glen St. Mary, Florida.
1. Heritage Park Village
HISTORICAL PARK EXPERIENCE
Heritage Park Village offers visitors an immersive glimpse into Florida's past with its well-preserved historical buildings and exhibits. Visitors can explore the grounds to discover authentic period structures and learn about the region's rich cultural heritage. The park combines educational displays with a serene setting, making it a perfect spot for history enthusiasts and families alike.
2. Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park
CIVIL WAR BATTLEGROUND
Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park preserves the site of Florida's largest Civil War battle, fought on February 20, 1864. The park features interpretive displays, a visitor center with artifacts, and a walking trail that guides visitors through the historic battlefield. Each February, history comes alive during the annual reenactment of the Battle of Olustee, drawing thousands of visitors to witness this important piece of Florida history.
3. Cary State Forest
NATURAL WOODLAND ESCAPE
Cary State Forest encompasses thousands of acres of diverse ecosystems, offering visitors a chance to experience Florida's natural beauty. The forest features hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and spaces for outdoor recreation including horseback riding and hunting during designated seasons. Its pine flatwoods, cypress swamps, and hardwood forests provide habitat for numerous plant and animal species native to Florida.
4. Camp Milton
CIVIL WAR HISTORIC SITE
Camp Milton Historic Preserve protects what was once the largest Confederate encampment in Florida during the Civil War. The site features reconstructed earthworks, interpretive displays, and a recreation of military life during the 1860s. Visitors can walk the boardwalk trail through the natural areas while learning about this significant military installation that once housed thousands of Confederate soldiers.
5. Bent Creek Golf Course
PREMIER GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Bent Creek Golf Course offers golf enthusiasts a challenging 18-hole championship layout designed by Bobby Weed. The course features well-maintained fairways, strategic bunkers, and water hazards set among beautiful natural surroundings. Golfers of all skill levels will appreciate the course's varying difficulty levels and the quality facilities including a practice range and clubhouse.
6. Eagle Landing Golf Club
UPSCALE GOLF DESTINATION
Eagle Landing Golf Club presents an exceptional golfing experience with its Clyde Johnston-designed 18-hole championship course. The club features dramatic elevation changes unusual for Florida, pristine fairways, and strategically placed hazards that challenge golfers while offering stunning views. Beyond golf, the club offers amenities including a restaurant, pro shop, and practice facilities that make it a complete recreational destination.
7. Highland Horse Farm
EQUESTRIAN ADVENTURE TOURS
Highland Horse Farm offers memorable horseback riding experiences through Florida's beautiful natural landscapes. Visitors can enjoy guided trail rides suitable for all experience levels, from beginners to advanced riders. The farm's well-trained horses and knowledgeable guides ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure through scenic woods and fields.
8. Palatka-Lake Butler State Trail
SCENIC RAIL TRAIL
The Palatka-Lake Butler State Trail follows a former railroad corridor, offering cyclists, hikers, and equestrians a paved path through rural Florida. This multi-use trail stretches for miles through small towns, forests, and farmlands, providing a peaceful recreation opportunity away from traffic. Wildlife sightings are common along the trail, which connects several communities and natural areas in North Central Florida.
9. Conner's A-Maize-Ing Acres
FAMILY FARM ADVENTURE
Conner's A-Maize-Ing Acres offers seasonal family fun with its iconic corn maze, pumpkin patch, and variety of farm activities. Visitors can navigate through the elaborate corn maze designs that change annually, take hayrides, and enjoy other attractions like a petting zoo and play areas. The farm hosts special events throughout the fall season, making it a beloved autumn tradition for families in Northeast Florida.
10. World Skydiving Center
THRILLING AERIAL ADVENTURES
World Skydiving Center offers adrenaline-seeking visitors the ultimate thrill of freefall with tandem jumps and skydiving instruction. First-time jumpers can experience the rush of skydiving with experienced instructors while enjoying breathtaking views of the Florida landscape below. The center provides comprehensive training, state-of-the-art equipment, and various jump packages to accommodate everyone from beginners to experienced skydivers.
11. Island Oaks RV Resort
PREMIUM CAMPING EXPERIENCE
Island Oaks RV Resort offers a comfortable retreat for travelers with its well-appointed RV sites and modern amenities. The resort features full hookups, a game room, laundry facilities, and a convenience store to ensure guests have everything they need during their stay. Visitors can enjoy campfire activities in a peaceful setting, making it an ideal base for exploring Northeast Florida.
12. John M. Bethea State Forest
WILDLIFE CORRIDOR WILDERNESS
John M. Bethea State Forest spans nearly 40,000 acres along the Florida-Georgia border, serving as a crucial wildlife corridor between the Okefenokee Swamp and Osceola National Forest. The forest's diverse ecosystem includes pine flatwoods, cypress swamps, and wet prairies that provide habitat for numerous plant and animal species. Visitors can explore miles of trails while experiencing the natural beauty of this less-developed wilderness area.
13. Osceola National Forest
HISTORIC WILDERNESS AREA
Osceola National Forest encompasses over 200,000 acres of pristine wilderness with wetlands, longleaf pine forests, and cypress swamps. Visitors can enjoy activities ranging from hiking, fishing, and camping to wildlife viewing and hunting during designated seasons. The forest's diverse ecosystems support abundant wildlife including deer, turkey, and numerous bird species, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts.
14. South Prong St. Mary River
SCENIC WATERWAY EXPERIENCE
The South Prong of the St. Mary River offers outdoor enthusiasts a tranquil setting for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing in northeast Florida. This scenic waterway winds through forested areas, creating a peaceful backdrop for nature appreciation and photography. The river's clean waters are home to various fish species, making it a popular destination for anglers seeking bass, bream, and catfish.
15. Glen St. Mary Nursery
HISTORIC PLANT SHOWCASE
Glen St. Mary Nursery, established in 1882 by George Taber, holds historical significance as one of Florida's oldest plant nurseries known particularly for its azalea propagation. The nursery has contributed significantly to the horticultural development of the Southeast with its introduction and cultivation of numerous plant varieties. Visitors can explore the grounds to see various ornamental plants and learn about the nursery's role in shaping Florida's landscape heritage.