Bulow Plantation Ruins State Historic Site – Bunnel, Florida
1821 was the year that Major Charles Wilhelm Bulow acquired 4,675 areas of wilderness in the Florida territory. This land bordered a tidal creek and would later bear his name. He died in 1823 but prior to that he had used slave labor to clear 2,000 acres and plant sugar cane, cotton, rice and indigo.
Upon his death the son, John Bulow, returned from school in Paris and took over running the plantation. He actually did a good job of running the plantation while he lived there, up until the Second Seminole War in January 1836 when the plantation was burned and the crops burned too. The plantation never recovered and “young” Bulow died later that year in Paris.
The sugar mill was constructed of local “coquina” rock and was the largest mill in East Florida. Flatboats were loaded with the raw sugar from the plantation at the plantation boat slips and shipped north. Even though the mill was burned in the war the coquina walls and chimneys of the sugar mill still stand for your viewing.
VISITING BULOW PLANTATION RUINS
Bulow Plantation Ruins can be reached from Interstate I-95 by taking Exit 90 east to County Road 2001 – the Old Kings Road, a historic roadway connecting the city of St. Augustine to the plantations along Bulow Creek and the Tomoka River.
A park sign on Old Kings Road directs visitors to Plantation Road, the original entrance to Bulow Plantation. The park is open from 9 am to 5 pm. The entrance fee is $2.00 per vehicle. The Sugar Mill Ruins is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites. Visitors can either drive the loop road or walk the nature trail to the sugar mill. The nature trail passes through a stand of “catfaced” pines that were worked for turpentine prior to World War II. The Interpretive Center has original artifacts and exhibits on Bulow Plantation.
CANOEING ON BULOW CREEK
Bulow Creek is recognized as a State Canoe Trail. Each bend of the channel reveals new scenery and opportunity for wildlife sightings. Bald eagles, swallow-tailed kites, and Florida manatees are occasionally seen. Canoes can be rented by the day or hour from the park office which can provide a map. There is a boat ramp available to launch small powerboats.
PICNICKING
A small picnic area complete with grills is located along the scenic banks of Bulow Creek. There is a screened pavilion available for reservations for larger groups. This pavilion has become quite popular for family reunions and birthday parties.
HIKING
The Bulow Woods Trail is a 6.8 mile hiking trail that runs from the Fairchild Oak in Bulow Creek State Park to Bulow Plantation Ruins State Historic Site. The northern section near Bulow Ruins is recommended for half-day hikes. Starting from the parking area on Plantation Road, the trail crosses open woods before entering Bulow Hammock where the shaded path winds around massive trunks under the cathedral-like canopy of Live Oaks. White-tailed deer, barred owls, and raccoons are commonly seen, and, occasionally, a diamondback rattlesnake. The hiking trail is open for day use from 8:30 am to sunset. A primitive campsite is available to backpackers. An overnight permit is required for camping. The permit, trail maps and other information may be obtained at the park office of Tomoka State Park, 4.5 miles south of Bulow Creek State Park on Old Dixie Highway.
Address: Bulow Plantation Ruins State Historic Site
P.O. Box 655
Bunnel, Florida 32010
Phone:(386) 517-2084
A park sign on Old Kings Road directs visitors spending their Florida holidays to Plantation Road, the original entrance to Bulow Plantation. The park is open from 9 am to 5 pm. The entrance fee is $2.00 per vehicle. The Sugar Mill Ruins is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites. Visitors can either drive the loop road or walk the nature trail to the sugar mill. The nature trail passes through a stand of “catfaced” pines that were worked for turpentine prior to World War II. The Interpretive Center has original artifacts and exhibits on Bulow Plantation.
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This has to be one of the most well kept secrets of North Florida. We arrived late in the afternoon after visisting 2 other State Parks at De Leon Springs & Tomoka.
I have to admit I was not expecting to see the extensive remains of the first industry in Florida. It was like stepping back into the Industrial Revolution and seeing it firsthand.
The park staff was especially helpful and informative. This was a great experience and well worth the drive off the main road.
The Bulow Plantation Ruins is one of the places we always take visitors when we can. We’ve never had any disappointed comments, only praise. This is one of Florida’s most interesting State Parks.