About Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve
Visit one of the last unspoiled coastal wetlands on the Atlantic Coast. Discover 6,000 years of human history and experience the beauty of salt marshes, coastal dunes, and hardwood hammocks. The Timucuan Preserve includes Fort Caroline and Kingsley Plantation.
Quick Facts
Operating Hours
The grounds for Fort Caroline and Kingsley Plantation are open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday; closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. The preserve headquarters is open 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., Monday through Friday; closed on all government holidays. Cedar Point and the Theodore Roosevelt Area are open sunrise - sunset.
Activities
Getting There
The beautiful expanse of the Timucuan Preserve is located within the city limits of Jacksonville, Florida. The Preserve can be accessed from major roads and highways in and around Jacksonville. Directions to individual park sites such as Kingsley Plantation, American Beach and the Ribault Column can be found on our website. Our main visitor center is located at Fort Caroline, about 14 miles northeast of downtown.
View Official DirectionsContact & Address
Topics & Themes
Things To Do
Read the Names on the Fort Caroline Memorial
Read the known names of the French colonists of Fort Caroline, the failed French attempt to establish a colony in…
The exhibit panel listing the names is located in the fort model with additional panels illustrating the event and life…
Hike the 7 Creeks Trail
Hike the seven mile, Seven Creeks partnership trail crossing through habitats and national, state, and city parks.
This is a long but mostly flat trail. Prepare for a four hour hike if you stage a vehicle at…
Photography in Timucuan
The Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve is a stunning location for photography enthusiasts. With its winding drives canopied by majestic oaks,…
Kayak with the Dolphins
Kayak through the creeks and rivers of Timucuan Preserve in the hope of seeing dolphins in the wild.
Kayak with the dolphins of Timucuan Preserve.
Learn from a Ranger
There are a few things park rangers love, pointing at things, getting distracted by cool birds, and sharing our knowledge…
Rangers conduct a wide variety of programs, from living history demonstrations, to ranger talks, guided hikes, pop-up programs, and informal…
Boating in the Backwaters
Sailboat, fishing boat, kayak, or canoe, choose your own boating adventure in Timucuan Preserve.
A kayak adventure into the marsh to observe shorebirds. A memorable year for the Kingsfish tournament. A sunset cruise on…
Visitor Centers
Kingsley Plantation Visitor Contact Station
You can explore the grounds at Kingsley Plantation, which include the slave quarters, barn, waterfront, planter's house, kitchen house, and interpretive garden. The visitor contact…
Hours: Kingsley Plantation is open Wednesday through Sunday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Admission is free.
Timucuan Preserve Visitor Center at Fort Caroline
Located at Fort Caroline National Memorial, the Timucuan Preserve Visitor Center hosts the exhibit "Where the Waters Meet." This exhibit showcases the richness of the…
Hours: The visitor center is open from 9:00 am - 4:30 pm Wednesday through Sunday. All National Park Service areas of the Timucuan Preserve are closed on Thanksgiving, December 25th, and January 1.
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