🌤 Weather at Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 49–85 °F | 68–90 °F | 49–86 °F | 41–67 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Lake City 2 E, 12 mi away, elevation 195 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Official Guide: Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park — Florida’s first state historic site (est. 1912) preserving the site of the Battle of Olustee (February 20, 1864) — Florida’s largest Civil War battle — in Baker County, Florida — featuring a 1-mile interpretive trail through the pine forest battlefield (markers, troop movements, soldier accounts), an on-site museum (artifacts, exhibits, film), an annual Civil War reenactment (3rd weekend in February — one of the largest in the Southeast), and monuments commemorating the 10,000+ troops and 2,807 casualties of the five-hour engagement.
Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park preserves the ground where Florida’s largest Civil War battle was fought on February 20, 1864. Over 10,000 Union and Confederate troops clashed for five hours in the pine forests of Baker County, resulting in 2,807 casualties. Established in 1912 as Florida’s first state historic site, the park now offers a one-mile interpretive trail across the battlefield, a museum with original artifacts, and one of the Southeast’s largest annual Civil War reenactments.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Baker County, FL — near Lake City |
| Battle Date | February 20, 1864 |
| Significance | Florida’s largest Civil War battle — 2,807 casualties |
| Troops Engaged | ~10,000 (5,500 Union + 5,000 Confederate) |
| Established | 1912 — Florida’s first state historic site |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Interpretive Trail | 1-mile loop — battlefield markers, troop movements, soldier accounts |
| Museum | Artifacts, exhibits, historical film — Civil War context |
| Annual Reenactment | 3rd weekend in February — one of the SE’s largest |
| Monuments | Confederate monument (1912) + battlefield markers |
| Picnicking | Day-use areas available |
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the annual reenactment?
The Olustee Civil War Reenactment takes place on the third weekend in February each year, commemorating the February 20, 1864 battle. It’s one of the largest Civil War reenactments in the southeastern United States, featuring battle demonstrations, period camps, sutlers, and living history programs.
Is there camping at the park?
No — Olustee Battlefield is a day-use historic site. For camping in the area, the adjacent Osceola National Forest offers the Ocean Pond Campground, and nearby Olustee Beach on Ocean Pond provides additional day-use recreation.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Big Shoals State Park is within about an hour’s drive, and O’Leno State Park is within about an hour’s drive.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Domestic pets are welcome in many Florida State Parks — on hiking trails, in picnic areas and campgrounds — but only in designated areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leashes may not exceed 6 feet; pets must be under physical control at all times.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not permitted on beaches, boardwalks or playgrounds, or in bathing areas — swimming pets can be viewed as prey by alligators.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed in any state park buildings, cabins or cabin areas.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets prohibited at several parks including Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs (free kennels at the entrance), Weeki Wachee Springs and Egmont Key; in campgrounds pets must be confined in the camping unit 11 p.m.-7 a.m.
Are dogs allowed at Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park?
Domestic pets are welcome in many Florida State Parks — on hiking trails, in picnic areas and campgrounds — but only in designated areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via floridastateparks.org. More: Florida state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
