Forest Capital Museum State Park

About Forest Capital Museum State Park

This museum celebrates the legacy of Florida forestry through the history of the Florida Forest Capital Museum and State Park. The importance of forestry in Florida dates back to the early 1800s, but the museum's focus is on the past, present and future.

The heart of the museum is dedicated to the long-leaved pine tree, which produces over 5,000 products. Together with the many other long pine trees growing on the museum grounds, the pine trees form a majestic canopy and offer visitors a pleasant hiking trail. On special occasions and on request, rangers offer interpretative tours. Next to it is a large collection of old-growing trees, as they were scattered throughout Florida at the turn of the century.

The park has three covered pavilions with 60 seats each and a small open-air pavilion with up to 10 seats.

Next to the visitor centre is Cracker's Farm, where the museum interprets the history of forestry and its valuable resources. The Forest Capital State Museum opened in 1973 and is located south of Perry, near the intersection of Interstate 35 and US 31.

The octagonal lobby of the Visitor Centre is furnished with a rare Peck cypress wall, which serves as a background for exhibits and photos of early logging. The center provides information about Florida State Parks and offers a variety of new features. A farmhouse is located on the south side of Perry, next to the museum and Cracker's Farm and the main entrance to the center.

It offers a covered gazebo with seating for up to sixty people and can be reserved for special events such as concerts, picnics, family events and other events.

Well-behaved dogs are welcome at Forest Capital Museum State Park, but must always be kept on a lead and not left unattended. For more information, call 850-584-3227 or email park @ forestcapitalmuseum.org.