Florida Guide > State Parks
FORT GEORGE ISLAND
Fort George Island State Park is situated where the Nassau River and St John River meet in the drainage basin. It is the last in a long chain of islands and is located 16 miles east of Jacksonville
People have lived on Fort George Island for more years than any where else in Duval county. There is a giant shell midden there which is comprised mainly of oyster shells which was a staple food of the Indians that lived here 7000 years ago. There was a lot of farming in the 18th and 19th centuries and later it came the centre of mosquito ditching and pine production.
In the nineteen twenties it turned into a fashionabe holiday resort with a golf course And other amenities. As I speak they are trying to restore the course to its natural state. The Ribauld club, which was part of the resort is now the visitor centre.
The fort was built by Gen James Oglethorpe who founded the Georgian colony. Unfortunately, not only is the fort not there any more, but they do not know where it was in the first place. This fort was built to protect Georgia.
Mount Cornelia is on George Fort Island and is the highest point from North Carolina to the southern most tip of Florida. It is an impressive (for Florida! ) 65 feet above sea level.
A virtual tour has been put together by State Park staff and can be downloaded from their website. Alternatively, you can get one at the visitor centre.
There is an exciting eco tour that you can take with the parks concession holder. You book these by calling 904 251 9477 and speaking to a member of the Economotion staff.
This begins at the Ribault Club and takes you to Kingsley Plantation through maritime forest. You will travel on Segway transporters which are fun vehicles that are steered by all the passengers leaning.
You must be 13 or over to take this tour and weigh between 100 lbs and 250 lbs. Tours include a snack and drink and the use of wireless head phones. The morning tour lasts 4 hours and the afternoon trip is an hour and misses out Kingsley.
If you want to go it alone then take the 3 mile trail that cuts across the old golf course
The Ribault club is only open wed to sun from 9. a. m. to 5. p. m. and includes an interpretive programme and a gift and book shop.
This State park combines very well with a visit to the Little Talbot State Park which is only 3 miles away
Fort George Island Cultural State Park
12157 Heckscher Drive
Jacksonville, Florida 32226
Phone: (904) 251-2320
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