I've dedicated a whole page to Palatka History, so here I will just touch on things do do around town...
Ravine Gardens State Park is one of nine Florida parks that were built during the New Deal-era. It’s particularly known for its ravines, some of which are more than 100 feet deep. The park is spread over nearly 60 acres, and unlike other state parks, it includes cultivated gardens and manmade terraces. For much of their existence, the park and gardens were city property, but more than a half-century ago, ownership was transferred to the state; now, they’re listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The park’s flowers explode in vibrant colors in early spring and the park is great for year round walking, hiking and picnics.
St. Johns River Center is on the waterfront andi s staffed by local volunteers, is full of fun and engaging interactive exhibits that touch on the area’s ecology, wildlife, history, and culture. Taking it all in shouldn’t take more than about 40 minutes, but most guests walk away pleasantly surprised at the things they learned while inside. A path leads from the center to the river, and there is a playground and picnic tables on the way; the river scenes from the shore are nothing short of stunning.
The MURALS! in Palatka are both charming and historical. They are spread all over the downtown area and portray a variety of themes, including local people going about their daily lives. Art loving visitors have commented on the fantastic skills of the local artists who made them, adding that they really add a vibrant and trendy element to the area that’d definitely be lacking otherwise. Local businesses have mural site maps, so stop by and pick one up. Take a day to stroll around, check out the murals, grab some lunch in a cafe, or take a picnic down to the waterfront to finish up.
The Bronson-Mulholland House is just two blocks from our house, we are on the corner of Bronson and 4th Street. The Bronson house was built in the 1850s and is one of Palatka’s historical and cultural centerpieces.
The home has been restored to near-original condition and is full of period furniture and household items that were typical of the day. Free guided tours are available, but they’re not open every day, so be sure to check online or give them a call before making a special trip.
The house is actually located on Madison Street, and most guests end-up staying about an hour. Though there’s no cost to visit, many visitors leave a donation of a few dollars to help with the house’s general upkeep.
Riverfront Park is located in the downtown area. In addition to its scenic views and walking paths, it’s a memorial to several local sailors who died during the Second World War.
The park includes a well-maintained playground, a fountain, and a historic World War II-era torpedo.
Fisherman often try their luck from the shore, and there are public piers and a boat launch as well for those who want to take to the water.
The park is a great first stop for those new to the area, and the welcome center is staffed with local volunteers who are glad to talk about things worth seeing and doing on your trip.
Palatka Golf Club sits near the shores of the St. Johns River, and the course was designed by a famous course designer, Donald Ross, in the 1920s.
The course is in an area that’s known for its natural sand ridges and forested areas, and it’s considered by many to be one of the region’s best-kept golf secrets.
The par-72 course is nestled among the grounds of the Ravine Gardens State Park, and depending on when you play, it generally takes about four hours to complete a round. Tee times may be reserved on the course’s website in advance of your trip.
St. Augustine is less than an hour to the northeast and is one of the most historic cities on the Atlantic coast. The Old City portion is a fascinating place that’s characterized by old buildings, cobblestone streets, and tons of old-world Spanish influence. Old City is the perfect area for a stroll. Do-it-yourselfers will have relatively easy access to historic attractions, museums, galleries, and trendy dining and drinking establishments to fit most budgets. Walking tours are available, as are horse-and-buggy excursions, the latter of which offer guests a truly unique way of seeing the area while letting a beast of burden do all the legwork. St. Augustine is also home to Flagler College, the Lightner Museum, beautiful beaches and more.
Gainesville is just an hour west of Palatka and features the University of Florida, the Kika Silva Pla Planetarium (with laser light shows!), the Museum of Natural History and more. For more natural Florida activities you can tube down the Ichetucknee River or swim and snorkel. Lake Alice isn’t for swimming but boasts some of the most beautiful scenery and wildlife in the state… including the Bat House and Barn wildlife sanctuary where you can watch more than 30,000 bats head out into the night at sundown.
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