Fort Caroline National Memorial

12713 Ft Caroline Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225, USA

Address:	12713 Ft Caroline Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225, USA
Phone:	+1 904-641-7155
Site:	nps.gov
Rating:	4.7
Working:	9AM–4:45PM 9AM–4:45PM 9AM–4:45PM 9AM–4:45PM 9AM–4:45PM 9AM–4:45PM 9AM–4:45PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 22

Steve Markos

I am a writer and photographer for National Park Planner and I visited Fort Caroline National Memorial in March 2015. Fort Caroline marks the general location of the first French settlement in North America. The exact location is no longer known, which is why the park has been designated as a “Memorial” and not as a “Historic Site.” In the 450 years since the settlement was established (June, 1564), man and nature have eroded and reshaped the land and the Fort Caroline site is now thought to be somewhere at the bottom of the St. Johns River. French presence was short lived, for just over a year after arriving in Florida the fort was sacked and nearly all settlers were massacred by the Spanish headquartered at St. Augustine. While Fort Caroline National Memorial is its own entity, it now lies within the boundaries of the Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve, which was created in 1988 and is part of the National Park system. Most people, including the National Park Service employees, make no distinction between the two. The National Memorial opened in 1953 and includes the reproduction exhibit of Fort Caroline, the Hammock Trail, the Spanish Pond, and the land on which the Ribault Monument is situated. An adjoining parcel of land known as the Theodore Roosevelt Area was acquired by the National Park Service for the Timucuan Preserve in 1990. It was originally donated to the Nature Conservancy in 1969 by Willie Brown. Two hiking trails can be found in this area and the Spanish Pond Trail connects the two parks together. For complete information on visiting the Fort Caroline National Memorial and the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, visit National Park Planner (npplan).

Krista Torsell

If you read up on the history behind this Fort, its like standing in the ring of a 16th Century MMA match between Jean Ribault and Pedro Menendez and if youve been to St. Augustine or Ft. Matanzas....we all know who won that fight. Technically, the first settlement in Florida but ego got the best of the French and because of that, I can only imagine what lies off the shores of Florida in those sunken ships. Very peaceful place, as were the French inhabitants that once lived in that area.

silver mount

Nice quiet well maintained. They have a little visitors center with a brief history of the fort and a small gift shop. 15 minutes or so. Beautiful view of the river and a short 5-10 minute walk to the fort via a dirt trail from the visitors center. They allow dogs, so next time I will take mine. They lock the gates promptly at 5 and come looking for you at 4:30. Youll be considered an intruder if you get there anytime after 4. Get there early and enjoy a couple of hours walking around

Scott Haberly

Brought a group of kids, and apparently they dont like it, the old man inside, is nothing but a big grump, and dont even ask to plug your phone in, in case of a emergency. He has 4 unused plugs, but will tell you they are all full. I thought the tax payers paid the light bill? He should be removed, if anyone is to feel welcome, hell make a comment about you, behind your back. Thank you Fort Caroline National park. Apparently its NOT worth saving, to be treated so nasty.

BeanaeB

My family and I would stop by this park on our way out of Florida any time we drove north out of state. I remember loving the fort structures and cannons when I was younger. It felt really neat being able to casually play around all of it. It definitely feels like its half fort, half swamp, with a little bit of public park sprinkled in. Not that uncommon of a combination here in Florida, though. Definitely worth checking out for an hour or so if youre passing through.

N English

My first hiking place and always my favorite. Full of history, and always something new to experience with regard to nature. Ive gone on much bigger hikes now, but this place will always be my first & favorite. Any skill level can enjoy this hike and because of the loops, you can make it as long or short as you like.

Topher Kersting

Friendly and informative volunteers and rangers do a great job of explaining the importance of Fort Caroline and the Timucuan people. My daughter enjoyed completing the Junior Ranger program, and we liked the short hike to the Fort Caroline re-creation. There are a few worthwhile hiking trails in the area.

Ramaswamy Narayanan

A pleasant place to walk around. Wonderful visitor center. Friendly staff. Fascinating history about the French settlers in Florida. I can see my wife and I visiting this place again. The spanish moss looks beautiful, but will kill the trees. Hope the park rangers know it.

Victor Loar

What a lovely place. I took my kids here to go for a hike and they absolutely loved it and so did I. The fort little forth there was a great place for my son to go look around and explore. And the trails were amazing what a wonderful day to be spent by all.

Ryan Trimble

Lot of history, plenty of literature to read along the paths but best to read up before going to to know to the full extent all thats happened here on this land, very peaceful and a great place for my young children to run around

Robert Hendrickson

Ok museum, good hiking from easy to a few small hills, watch the tree roots. Ribault monument has excellent views of the St. Johns river, boats and ships, and surrounding area looking mainly north and north east.

Zane Harriz

I often spend my down time walking the trails around Fort Caroline. Its a great place to clear your head and enjoy nature. The rangers are very friendly and its a great place to spot dolphins and manatee.

Charles DeLettre

visited past Sun., Carl and Sandy were very hospitable and helpful. My wife and I enjoyed it as usual.....live nearby. I am a Fr. Huguenot descendant, 74 Sr....family name origin is Bordeaux, Fr. Merci.

Jamie Marie Keller-Aschenbach

A wonderful walking place right in the Arlington area! Lots of dog & kid friendly trails, both long and short. Most weekends, were there with our 2 Doxies, taking in the sights and smells.

Gus Garcia

Even though the fort is not very large it is well worth visiting due to its history. My wifes service dog became a Bark Ranger here. It was a cool thing for both of them to do.

George Francey

Transporting back in time, just to try and understand and comprehend a little of emotions, thoughts and anxiety. It was a great understanding of this era. GREAT Experience!!.!

Heather Brushwood

Dogs welcome! You can have a pic of you and your dog taken and put on the "bark ranger" bulletin board posted at the beginning of the trail towards the fort. Nice nature trails.

Elijah F

As a replica of the original, the current fort doesnt completely show the history, but it is definitely sufficient. A nearby museum houses many interesting artifacts as well.

israel eskenazi

Spent about 2 hours here. Theres a simple small exhibit, the fort and a 1mi hike. Spolier alert!! The Spanish pond trails are right across the street, perfect for jogging.

Damien BONNET

Historical place for french and spanish. Kids are welcome to the museum which is free for all. Fort and trails around the museum. View points on the river and bird seeing.

Ken and Alicia Lund

Located in a really pleasant spot with some fun walks through Timucuan. Close to Jacksonville. Worth a stop for the history and the scenery in the ecological reserve.

Jeimy R

One of my favorite places in Jax! I love stepping through time when coming here. The only place you can "hike" up and down "hills" so a great workout on the trails.