Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park
Activities
The grounds of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park are open from 9 am to 5 pm every day. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities during their time there. Below is a brief overview of what you can do.
House tours at Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park
One of the main reasons for coming to the park is to go on a house tour. These tours start off at the barn, then proceed through the farmyard before entering the historic property. The home itself is a wooden-framed, single-story, rambling type of structure, whose central core takes the form of a dogtrot house that dates back to the 19th century. During the tour, your guide will relate interesting facts and tidbits about Rawlings’ life, the local area, her books and what life was like living in a farm in the 1930s. Tours of the house’s interior start at 11 am, 1 pm and 2 pm and 3 pm from Thursday through to Sunday. They are limited to just 20 people at a time, so have a nice intimate feel to them.
Gardens at Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park
Close to the cracker farmhouse there is a lovely set of gardens you can explore. Featuring ornamental plants that were cultivated by Rawlings, this area is resplendent with flowers, herbs and vegetables. Most of which are grown during the months of spring and fall. Surrounding the house lies a beautiful grove of citrus including tangerine, orange and grapefruit trees. This is a pleasant feature to check out too, if you have the time.
Hiking at Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park
As well as the gardens, the property has a couple of hiking trails that will lead you into the woods. The most popular of the two is the East Grove Trail. Beginning from the front of the house, this wide trail takes you through a picturesque hammock. From the rear of the house, a narrower jungle trail will guide to a citrus grove via a forest of ferns. Both of these trails will take you about 15 minutes to traverse.
Geo-Seeking at Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park
Within the park there is a hidden box in the farmyard waiting to be discovered by geocachers. Fans of this pastime can visit the park with the intention of finding it. To do so you will need to download the location coordinates onto your handheld device and use them to guide you to the loot. Once you have found some, be sure to replace it with a stash of your own for the next person to find. When geocaching, you would be well advised to keep an eye out for the sprinklers dotted around the gardens, as these can go off at any time. Many poor geoseekers have been caught out by them in the past. Much to the amusement of onlookers!
Pets at Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park
You can bring your dog with you to the park, although they must be restrained on a 6-foot leash at all times. Should you decide to embark on a house tour, you must carry your pet by hand. Some other restrictions on their presence may apply. So it would be a good idea to call the park’s main office for further clarification should you need it.
Camping at Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park
There are no camping options available at Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park. However, for those who need to stay at a campground overnight in order to visit it, there are several options available within easy driving distance. This includes Twin Lakes Fishing & Camping, Kate’s Fish Camp and Puc Puggy. All of which feature camping options that range from cabins and full hookups for RVs and trailers to primitive, youth and group sites. Depending on which one you stay at, amenities may include flush toilets and hot showers, a swimming pool, playground, dump station and convenience store.
Accessible Amenities at Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park
To ensure their visitor experience is as good as it can be, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park provides a range of accessible amenities. For a start all the grounds around the property are accessible. In addition, a full color display of the home’s interior, is available outside the home. You can also watch a guided tour of the home at the barn on a LCD TV and there are several interpretive exhibits you can check out too. The staff within the park are also very courteous and professional, and only too happy to provide you with the assistance you need.
Park Location
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park 18700 S, Co Rd 325 Cross Creek, FL 32640 Phone: 352.466.3672 Website
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter a Florida state park?
Most Florida state parks charge $4 to $6 per vehicle (up to 8 occupants). An individual annual pass costs $60, and a family annual pass costs $120, covering unlimited visits to all state parks.
Can I swim with manatees at Florida state parks?
While you cannot swim with manatees (they are protected), several spring parks like Blue Spring State Park offer excellent viewing from boardwalks. Manatees gather in springs from November through March when river temperatures drop.
Are alligators dangerous in Florida state parks?
Alligators are present in virtually all freshwater bodies in Florida. They are generally not aggressive toward humans, but you should never approach, feed, or harass them. Keep children and pets at a safe distance from water edges.
What is the best time to visit Florida state parks?
Winter and spring (November through April) offer the best conditions: pleasant temperatures, low humidity, fewer mosquitoes, and peak manatee viewing. Summer brings extreme heat, humidity, and daily thunderstorms.
Explore More Florida State Parks
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Florida. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Florida guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
