bulow plantation ruins historic state park

I visited this park once, probably 20 years ago, and couldn't remember much about it. Today, while enjoying a sunny afternoon on the motorcycle, we happened upon a traffic sign that mentioned Bulow Park, and decided to check it out again.Admission is $4 per car, or $2 for bicycles or pedestrians. It's mainly an honor system at the entrance because the park ranger isn't usually there. You drive along a narrow dirt road, maybe a mile, through dense Florida forest acreage to get to the park entrance. The road used to be the Old Beach Road, upon which locals traveled all the way from Old Kings Road to Flagler Beach. The road crossed both Bulow Creek and the Intracoastal Waterway, but the bridges are no longer there.The ranger happened to be at the gate when we arrived, so we asked what we might see if we stayed. She told us that if we liked history, we'd like the park. Turns out Bulow Plantation was home to a sugar mill operated with slave labor from 1820-1836, when the Seminole Indians burned it down. The charred ruins are still there, and informative signs tell visitors the story of Major Charles Bulow, his son John, and the operation of the largest sugar mill in the state of Florida. The park itself is beautiful, like old Florida. You can either drive from the park entrance to the mill ruins, or you can meander on foot along a half mile nature trail. I wouldn't recommend coming with a stroller or wheelchair. Neither would manuever well along the dirt roads or trails. The park has a nice covered, screened pavilion with several indoor picnic tables in case the weather isn't pleasant enough for outdoor picnicking. You can launch a canoe or kayak at the boat slip, or you can even rent a canoe for $10 hourly, or $40 for an entire day. There's a 13 mile water trail on Bulow Creek. But plan your canoe trip for a calm day because the current can be really strong on windy days. Oh, and no swimming here - alligators like the creek. The park closes at 5:00 pm. We're glad we stopped in.

Drove all the way from Tampa to find out that the park is closed Tuesday and Wednesdays. A sign at the (closed) entrance gate stated this. So disappointed as we didn't find this out until arriving on a Wednesday.

Great florida park with plenty of history. The sugar mill and history of the plantation home is very interesting. we walked the trails and went down to the Bulow River. The long dirt road into the park is quite and adventure. Have fun.

Since 2005 I have been to the ruins at least 23 times. As a history geek, this place just absolutely amazes me. Small on sight museum but the main attraction...the ruins...located in the middle down a dirt road in the woods. Super interesting for those who like this sort of thing. Have probably taken 25-30 people here and all loved it.

This is a very nice park to take a nature walk, very relaxing. Good experience. Don't miss this outing.

Great for a stroll or a all day adventure hike on nearby Bulow trail ruins are excellent for history only negative is that the boards with info are in first person and kinda weird when reading ( due to slaves have been used to run place )

This little state park is well-worth your time. $4 entree fee per car. 1/4 mile walk or short drive to the plantation ruins area with interpretative site and artifact display.Picnic area overlooking water area at the main building. Canoe rentals for $10 per hour or $40 for the day. Other longer nature walking trails. Very good family spot for a morning or afternoon.

Had a great time with my wife, 7 year old and 6 year old. The hiking trail had a lot of mud but that just helped create memories. Had a great time!!

This area has some great hiking, a six mile trail that is part of the great Fl birding trail. The old ruins are super cool and make for amazing photography with the towering live oaks and spanish moss. I highly recommend making the trip!

Already the drive there was amazing, with allees covered with Spanish moss. There is a beautiful unpaved short trail from Picknick area to the ruins, through wonderful quiet natures. The ruins and explanations are informative and there's a beautiful boardwalk. Certainly the place makes one also think about those times when slavery was the foundation of the wealth of few. We had brought our own picknick and found the pretty picknick place at the river a good place to sit down and think a bit about this and what has really changed since and what not.

Nice park and peaceful grounds. My husband and I were looking for a something historical to see instead of the just doing the beach thing. This was recommended from the volunteer at the Flagler Beach museum. We enjoyed looking at the ruins and learning about their history.

This site is very well preserved and laid out. We really enjoyed the place and learned a lot about the history of the sugar plantation. Beautiful grounds!

We took 5 grandchildren 2 - 12 and everyone had a great adventure. Hiking trails, a beautiful lake and a roomy screened room with bathrooms for having a picnic. I would recommend to all ages.

See some of the real Florida and learn about some of its history. There are some interesting easy hiking trails best done in the winter. a good place to picnic.

Bulow plantation state park will appeal to those who enjoy discovering the "real florida". The long drive down "old beach road", a historic sand drive thru canopy of trees is beautiful and unique. Hiking trails are offered to the sugar mill ruins or you may drive right to them. The park offers a shaded area with picnic tables and grills on the river front. Bring a picnic or plan a cookout and bring lawn games. There is a small fishing dock and canoe rentals are available at nominal fees. This is the place to visit if you crave quiet and relaxation.