Canoe, Picnic, or Hike at Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park
When it comes to visiting the Palm Coast area of Florida, the Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park is not to be missed. Located in Flagler Beach, this historic state park showcases the ruins of a pre-Civil War plantation and sugar mill. At its prime, it was the largest plantation in East Florida. Today, you can visit the site and learn about Florida and America’s fascinating past.
Major Charles Bulow
In 1821, Major Charles Bulow purchased 4,675 acres of wilderness bordering a waterway that is now called Bulow Creek. He cleared 2,200 acres and planted sugar cane, cotton, rice, and indigo. The plantation came to an abrupt end at the outbreak of the Second Seminole War. In 1836, a band of raiding Seminole Indians, resisting their removal to the West, looted and burned the plantation. It never recovered. Today, the coquina walls (made up of crushed seashells) and a few chimneys of the sugar mill remain standing as a monument to the rise and fall of the sugar plantations of East Florida.
Bulow Creek is recognized as a State Canoe Trail. Each bend of the channel reveals new scenery and opportunity for wildlife sightings, including the occasional bald eagles and Florida manatees. Canoes can be rented by the day or hour from the park office, which can also provide a map.
A small picnic area, complete with grills, is located along the scenic Bulow Creek. There is a screened pavilion available for reservations for larger groups or parties. This pavilion has become quite popular for family reunions and birthday events.
The Bulow Woods Trail
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. Wildlife such as deer, owls, and raccoons are commonly seen. The hiking trail is open for day use from 8:30 am to sunset.
The park is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily. The entrance fee is $4 per vehicle with up to eight people. Please check the website for any changes to times or fees. The Sugar Mill Ruins is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites. The Interpretive Center has original artifacts and exhibits on Bulow Plantation.
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