Ruins behind a fence at Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park

Visit the historic ruins of a once prosperous sugar mill plantation along Bulow Creek in East Florida only 20 miles north of Daytona Beach. Now a 150 acre public recreational area, Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park offers visitors opportunities for hiking, fishing, mountain biking, kayaking, picnicking, wildlife viewing and learning more about the area’s rich history.

The park’s ruins include a sugar mill, spring house, several wells and the foundation of the once majestic mansion.

What was once cleared fields is now a scenic oak forest full of wildlife and trails for guests to explore at this Florida state park.

Activities

A visit to this majestic site will whisk you back to the past, as you discover the beauty of the park’s woodlands and creek and learn more about the area’s history. An interpretive center features the history of the plantation, and an outdoor museum contains artifacts from the early 19th century.

Bring a picnic lunch and then explore the trail leading out to the ruins. A picnic area with tables and grills is located along the picturesque banks of the creek and close to the nature trails.

The area surrounding Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park was once home to eleven plantations that produced sugar cane, rice, cotton, molasses, indigo and rum. Today these ruins and the ones at Dummett Mills are all that is left of that time. You can learn more about this area by picking up maps, guides and other information at the park office in nearby Tomoka State Park.

Here are some more activities that you can do during your visit to Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park:

Boating at Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park

Canoe or kayak along picturesque Bulow Creek during your visit to the park. Bulow Creek flows through Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park and connects with Bulow Creek State Park. Canoe rentals and trail maps are available at the park office and a boat ramp for small vessels is also available within the park.

Hiking at Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park

Stretch your legs and explore the serene trails inside and around Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park. These trails wind through ancient shaded oaks and extend into nearby Bulow Creek State Park. Trail maps, guides and other information is available inside the park office at nearby Tomoka State Park.

Here are some of the trails at Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park:

  • Bulow Woods Trail – A moderate 6.8 trail that stretches through the oak forest surrounding the park and ends at the 400 year old Fairfield Oak tree inside Bulow Creek State Park.
  • Bulow Nature Trail – An easy 0.7 mile trail through the shaded oaks and pines and out to the Bulow Ruins historic site. Informational signs guide the way and educate visitors on the history of this area.

Biking at Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park

Bulow Woods Trail connects Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park to Bulow Creek State Park. This 6.8 mile trail through the historic oaks is ideal for mountain bikes. All riders under the age of 16 are required to wear helmets.

Fishing at Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park

Pack your angling gear and spend a relaxing day fishing along Bulow Creek. Fish for snook, tarpon, redfish, black drum, sea trout, sheepshead and more from boat or shore. Just be sure to pick up a Florida fishing license ahead of time.

Birding at Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park

Don’t forget your binoculars and bird list. During your visit to this serene park you may observe herons, egrets, wood ducks, owls, woodpeckers, bald eagles, hawks, chickadees, crows, warblers, wood storks and more.

Nature and Wildlife at Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park

Florida manatees, gopher tortoises, bobcats, white-tailed deer, river otters, barred owls, raccoons and rattlesnakes may be seen inside Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park. Stop by Tomoka State Park for maps and nature guides.

Pets at Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park

Well behaved pets are allowed within designated areas at Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park. Pets must be supervised and kept on a hand held leash no longer than 6 feet.

Camping Near Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park

This historic state park does not offer accommodations for guests wishing to spend the night but nearby Tomoka State Park does.

Tomoka State Park‘s campground is nestled beneath a shady hammock along the picturesque Tomoka River at 2099 N Beach St. in Ormond Beach.

Each of the 100 campsites inside the park has electric and water hookups, a picnic table and grill and are within walking distance to bathhouses. The park also has a group camping area for youth groups of up to 35 people with a large campfire circle and picnic tables.

Park Location

Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park
3501 Old Kings Road
Flagler Beach, FL 32136
Phone: 386.517.2084

Website

Map

Video

Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park: