Save
You must be signed in to save park lists.
Your Park Lists
add New List
Add Photo
You must be signed in to add photos.
state route ranger badge
Florida
221

Florida State Parks

responsive menu icon
USA Parks
Florida
Northeast Region
Ravine Gardens State Park
Walk on the Beach © stateparks.com
Bahia Honda © stateparks.com
Old Railroad Bridge
Search
Availability
Calendars
Availability Search
RAVINE GARDENS STATE PARK
RAVINE GARDENS STATE PARK
1600 Twigg Street
Palatka, Florida   32177

Phone: 386-329-3721
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.
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.
Passes
Annual Entrance Passes can be purchased at all park ranger stations and museums. If you require immediate use of your pass, this is the best option. Passes can be purchased during regular business hours 365 days a year. Please call the park in advance to ensure availability. Those who are eligible for discounted or free passes may use this method to receive their pass. Annual Entrance Passes may be purchased online by visiting the FLORIDA STATE PARKS ANNUALENTRANCE PASSES web page.


Location
Ravine Gardens State Park is located near Interlachen, Keystone Heights and Palatka

Day Use Area
Ravine Gardens has ADA compliant public restroom facilities on both floors of the Roy E. Campbell Civic Center. Additionally, our 1.8 mile paved drive has restroom facilities approximately 1/2 mile from the start of the drive, which can easily be accessed by visitors using the nearby playground facility and small picnic pavilion, as well as walkers and hikers.

Playground

Our playground is located along the drive that circles the ravines. It is past the amphitheatre and the bathrooms on the drive, approximately 1 mile from the start of the drive. Included are swings, a slide and climbing equipment, nestled in the shade provided by the trees around the ravines.
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.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
write a review
Share On

Area Campgrounds
Lazy Days Camp Resort
1074 Front Street
Welaka, FL
Half Shell Resort & Marina
132 Roberts Boulevard
Satsuma, FL
386-916-1860
St. Johns Campground
436 Highway 17
East Palatka, FL
386-328-4470
Area Accommodations (over 20 miles away)
businesss listing main photo
Train House - New Smyrna Beach, FL
Cottages and Cabins
Like something out of a fairytale, a long time ago someone put two steam passenger train cars from 1892 and created something magical, a house This magical home is one of a kind and an experience you dont want to miss.
60.7 miles from park*
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
Ravine Gardens State Park is located in Palatka, Florida. From US17/SR100, turn south onto Moseley Avenue, then turn east onto Twigg Street.

state route ranger badge
Florida
221

Florida State Parks

X