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Ravine Gardens State Park
Nearby Parks:
Dunns Creek State Park
Gold Head Branch State Park
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| State Park Contact Information: |
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Ravine Gardens State Park
1600 Twigg Street
Palatka, Florida 32177
Phone: 386-329-3721
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Area Accommodations
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| Adopt-A-Park Contacts: |
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Photography: add your photos
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| State Park Overview: |
| A ravine was created over thousands of years by water flowing from the sandy ridges on the shore of the St. Johns River. In 1933, this ravine was transformed into a dramatic garden by the federal Works Progress Administration. Much of the original landscaping still exists as formal gardens and an extensive trail system. A 1.8-mile paved road winds around the ravine, offering motorists and bicyclists a view of the gardens. The Ravine Loop is closed to vehicle traffic one hour before sunset, but remains open for pedestrians, bicycles, and wheelchairs. The garden's peak flowering period is azalea season, late January to April. Numerous picnic sites, equipped with tables and grills, are available to visitors. The Roy E. Campbell Civic Center complex features a large covered pavilion, auditorium, and meeting rooms that are available for rent. Located in Palatka at 1600 Twigg Street.
Ravine Gardens State Park is open 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 a year, including holidays. This includes the formal gardens, natural ravine, trails and the 1.8 mile drive around the ravine. Passes and information can be obtained at the gate any time the park is open. The Civic Center?s Office is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 3:30 pm, excluding holidays. To book or pay for a wedding or room, or to purchase a pass with your credit card, please visit or call our office during these hours. |
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| Picnicking: |
| There are numerous sites along the 1.8 mile paved ravine perimeter road to picnic. Picnic tables and grills are available at no additional charge. Stairways and trail access into the ravines are located near each picnic area. |
| History of the Area: |
| The 59 acre gardens were created in a natural steephead ravine by the City of Palatka, local citizens, the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA), the Federal Works Project Administration (WPA and the Civil Works Administration (CWA) in the 1930?S.
Described in the 1934 Florida Municipal Record as the "Nations Outstanding Civil Works Administration. project," the 59 acre ravines were planted with over 95,000 azaleas including 64 varieties, 11,000 palm trees and more than 250,000 ornamental plants. The gardens were maintained by the City of Palatka until the park was deeded to the State of Florida in 1970.
One of nine Florida state parks with New Deal Era structures, Ravine Gardens is the only park with a formal designed landscape. The extensive fieldstone terraces, rock gardens and massive cypress building construction is typical of the era. The Court of States and 64 foot obelisk dedicated to Franklin D. Roosevelt is located near the park entrance. |
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| Area Accommodations |
| B&Bs / Inns | | Casa de Solana - Historic inn accommodations in St Augustine, featuring newly renovated antique-filled rooms and suites. Located within a quiet walled courtyard on the brick paved streets of historic old St. Augustine |
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| Directions: |
| Ravine Gardens State Park is located in Palatka, Florida. From US17/SR100, turn south onto Moseley Avenue, then turn east onto Twigg Street. |
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