Ravine Gardens State Park
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.
Greetings from Ravine Gardens State Park! Spring is here which makes for a nice walk or bike ride around the Park. Visitors can enjoy a 1.8 mile walk around the ravine, let the kids play on our playground or use the challenging exercise course. Looking for a unique place to hold an event, our 14,000 square foot civic center makes for a nice wedding reception, birthday party or group outing.
AMPHITHEATER
The first Azalea Pageant was held at the Amphitheater in 1938 and the Azalea Festival was touted as one of the oldest festivals in Florida. The park, in partnership with The Friends of Ravine Gardens, hosts a spring concert series on the weekends at the Amphitheater in March and April.
BICYCLING
Bike areas are provided.
FAMILY REUNIONS
We have inside and outside locations available for family reunions. Offered are covered picnic pavilions, open-aired picnic locations around the park loop drive with grills and picnic tables, and rental facilities inside our community center.
GARDENS
This 146-acre park is a combination of formal and natural gardens. Natural vegetation ranges from mosses and ferns to woody shrubs and hardwood forest. Look for live oaks, hickory, sweet gum, longleaf pines, cabbage palm and cypress. About five acres are formal gardens, with stone terraces and water features. During the peak blooming season from January through April, the park bursts into color from thousands of azaleas, Chickasaw plums, dogwoods and camellias.
GEO-SEEKING
Are you ready for an outdoor treasure hunting game? Players try to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, using GPS-enabled devices and then share their experiences online. Ravine Gardens has some geocaches located within the park and trails.
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