3501 Old Kings Rd. Flagler Beach, Fl. 32136
(386)517-2084
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday and Thursday through Sunday.
Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
The 150 acres of Bulow Plantation Ruins stand as a monument to the rise and fall of sugar plantations in East Florida. It is three miles west of Flagler Beach on CR 2001, south of SR 100, and contains the ruins of an ante-bellum plantation and its sugar mill, built of coquina, a fossiliferous sedimentary rock composed of shells. It was the largest plantation in East Florida, and was operated with the forced labor of enslaved Africans and African Americans.
Amenities
The 6.8-mile Bulow Woods trail is known for the stately oaks and hardwood trees that line the trail. Mountain bikes are a great way to experience this trail. While the trail is generally dry, the wet season can create some shallow standing water and muddy sections.
- Helmets are highly recommended for all cyclists and Florida law requires helmets for cyclists age 16 and under
Boats more than 16-feet long are not recommended on Bulow Creek.
Visitors can cast a line for several salt and fresh water species.
- All fishing within the park must conform to regulations concerning size, number, method of capture and season.
- A fishing license may be required. More information is available at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s website, Fishing in Florida.
Geo-Seeking
Explore the park in a new and challenging way. Experienced Geocachers have requested permission to hide caches containing trinkets, treasures, or information in various places around the park. Please check the Geocaching website for the most up-to-date information and clues to locate the caches.
The Bulow Woods Trail is a 6.8-mile hiking trail that runs from the Fairchild Oak in Bulow Creek State Park to Bulow Plantation Ruins State Historic Site. The northern section near Bulow Ruins is recommended for half-day hikes. Starting from the parking area on Plantation Road, the trail crosses open woods before entering Bulow Hammock, where the shaded path winds around massive trunks under the cathedral-like canopy of live oaks.
White-tailed deer, barred owls, and raccoons are commonly seen, and, occasionally, a diamondback rattlesnake. The hiking trail is open for day use from 8:30 a.m. to sunset.
Paddling
Bulow Creek is recognized as a State Canoe Trail. Each bend of the channel reveals new scenery and opportunity for wildlife sightings. Bald eagles, swallow-tailed kites and Florida manatees are occasionally seen. Canoes can be rented by the day or hour from the park office, which can provide a map. There is a boat ramp available to launch small powerboats.
A small picnic area complete with grills is located along the scenic banks of Bulow Creek. There is a screened pavilion available by reservation for larger groups. This pavilion has become quite popular for family reunions and birthday parties. Restrooms are provided in the picnic area and interpretive center.
Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park is committed to providing a variety of amenities accessible to all visitors. These amenities include restrooms and a picnic pavilion. Service animals are welcome.
A boat ramp is available for small boats.
Interpretive exhibits are available.
The outdoor museum houses a number of artifacts from the Bulow era as well as written accounts of the historical happenings at the plantation.
The Bulow Woods Trail is a 6.8-mile hiking trail that runs from the Fairchild Oak in Bulow Creek State Park to Bulow Plantation Ruins State Historic Site. The northern section near Bulow Ruins is recommended for half-day hikes. Starting from the parking area on Plantation Road, the trail crosses open woods before entering Bulow Hammock, where the shaded path winds around massive trunks under the cathedral-like canopy of live oaks.
White-tailed deer, barred owls, and raccoons are commonly seen, and, occasionally, a diamondback rattlesnake. The hiking trail is open for day use from 8:30 a.m. to sunset.
Trail maps and other information may be obtained at the park office of Tomoka State Park, 4.5 miles south of Bulow Creek State Park on Old Dixie Highway.
A screened-in picnic pavilion is available overlooking scenic Bulow Creek. This facility has an accessible restroom and six picnic tables, accommodating approximately 48 people, with grills available outside in the picnic area.
There is a restroom facility at the museum and an accessible restroom at the picnic pavilion.
History of Bulow Plantation
The plantation was developed beginning in 1821 by Major Charles Wilhelm Bulow, who acquired 4,675 acres on a tidal creek (later Bulow Creek). He had 2,200 acres cleared by the labor of his enslaved workforce for the cultivation of commodity crops: indigo, cotton, rice, and sugarcane. At his death in 1823, his seventeen-year-old son, John Joachim Bulow inherited the property and managed it. At Christmas 1831 into January 1832, Bulow hosted the artist and naturalist John James Audubon, who explored the area in his continuing study of American birds. About that time, Bulow had a sugar mill constructed on his property. The plantation was destroyed in the Seminole War of 1836.The property and ruins were acquired by the State of Florida in 1945 and dedicated as a State Historic Park in 1957. It was added to the National Register of Historical Places on 29 September 1970.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulow_Plantation_Ruins_Historic_State_Park
https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/bulow-plantation-ruins-historic-state-park/experiences-amenities-0
