(Last Updated On: December 12, 2022)
Museum building at Forest Capital Museum State Park

Museum building at Forest Capital Museum State Park. Photo: Ebyabe, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

An authentic 19th century homestead nestled among the longleaf pines is just 53 miles south of Tallahassee. The homestead is located inside Forest Capital Museum State Park in Taylor County, Florida.

Dedicated to educating the public on the importance of forestry in Florida, this state park also features a museum that showcases the longleaf pine and the 5,000 products that are manufactured from it. Visitors enjoy taking a step back in time as they explore this homestead and learn more about farm life circa 1800.

Activities

While youโ€™re in the area stop in for a relaxing day at this unique Florida state park. Forest Capital Museum State Park is a great place to spend a few hours or a peaceful afternoon. Bring a picnic lunch, stroll through the grounds, tour the authentic cracker homestead, learn more about the area inside the museum and then check out the visitor center.

Here are some of the activities that you can do during your visit to Forest Capital Museum State Park:

Museum at Forest Capital Museum State Park

The museum at Forest Capital Museum State Park focuses on the life cycle of a forest and includes exhibits, displays and artifacts to help educate visitors. The museum itself is located inside a unique octagonal building made of pine and cypress, with high wooden beams and a glass dome ceiling.

Guests learn more about turpentine production, native flora and fauna and the ecology of the forest through exhibits including antique turpentine tools, lifelike animals, and โ€˜Terry the Talking Treeโ€™. Guided tours are available.

Cracker Homestead at Forest Capital Museum State Park

The picturesque 1863 Cracker Homestead lies amid the live oaks, longleaf pine trees and azalea bushes. Walk through the wild rose vine entwined gates and along the sandy path past a vegetable garden and rest for a bit in one of the antique rocking chairs. The homestead, made from hand hewn logs, also features antique furnishings and tools.

Birding at Forest Capital Museum State Park

If youโ€™re an early visitor to the park or happen to be relaxing on the grounds later in the afternoon youโ€™ll be rewarded with spectacular views of native and migrating birds. Bring your camera and binoculars, you may see bald eagles, hawks, mockingbirds, osprey, herons, woodpeckers, owls, ibis, warblers and swallowtails.

Nature and Wildlife at Forest Capital Museum State Park

See white-tailed deer, squirrels, raccoons, birds, butterflies, snakes, turtles and more during your visit to Forest Capital Museum State Park. While visiting the surrounding areas you may also see river otters, fish, wild turkey, waterfowl, opossum, bobcats and Florida black bear.

Pets at Forest Capital Museum State Park

Pets are not allowed inside the park buildings at Forest Capital Museum State Park, but they are allowed on the grounds as long as they are supervised and kept on a hand held leash no longer than 6 feet.

Camping Near Forest Capital Museum State Park

Visit the museum and homestead and then spend the night somewhere close by. Here are a couple of popular choices nearby:

  • Wakulla Springs Lodge at Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park is 1937 two-story lodge with spectacular Mediterranean Revival architecture, 27 guest rooms, a spacious lobby with large fireplace and stenciled ceilings, and a dining room with breathtaking views of the spring.
  • Ochlockonee River State Park features modern and primitive campsites along the scenic Ochlockonee River and not far from the coast. Modern campsites have water and electric hookups, picnic tables, grills and are close to restrooms and hot showers.

State Parks Near Forest Capital Museum State Park

After thoroughly exploring Forest Capital Museum State Park head over to these nearby state parks to swim, kayak, fish and more.

  • Econfina River State Park – 4741 Econfina River Rd, Lamont

    This peaceful park features horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, kayaking, picnicking and bird watching inside 3,377 acres of pine flatwoods, oak-palm forests and saltmarsh along the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico

  • Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park – 465 Wakulla Park Dr, Wakulla Springs

    Take a scenic river boat tour, swim, hike, view wildlife, and spend the night inside the elegant 1930s Wakulla Lodge. This unique state park features a majestic spring inside a 6,000 acre wildlife sanctuary.

  • Bald Point State Park – 146 Box Cut Road, Alligator Point

    Walk along the trails, the beach, the boardwalks and out to the observation deck while taking in the spectacular views of the Gulf Coast and lush maritime hammock. The park also offers opportunities for swimming, kayaking, fishing, picnicking and collecting shells.

  • Ochlockonee River State Park – 429 State Park Road, Sopchoppy

    Camp, hike, swim, fish, boat along scenic Ochlockonee River. More than 543 acres offer guests breathtaking views along Floridaโ€™s Gulf Coast.

Park Location

Forest Capital Museum State Park
204 Forest Park Dr
Perry, FL 32348
Phone: 850.584.3227

Park Website

Map

Video

Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Forest Capital Museum State Park: