kingsley plantation

CdnGoldy

I was sorry I couldn't get into the main house (its only open through reservations made ahead of time for Saturday tours). However, the giftstore carried a lot of information, the guides also were able to furnish a great deal of background detail too. The other buildings were all open and they were extremely interesting and all had large signs explaining details with photos and drawings throughout. Very interesting! Also quite sad to think about the slaves lives.

522kimm

Went here with my son, it was educational to say the least. The grounds are very well kept, with lots of signage letting you know what you are seeing, and letting you go back in time to see how things were. We did not tour the plantation house, but did walk all of the grounds.

BLP_9

Free NPS facility within the boundaries of a much larger park system. Avoid the audio and just get the brochure for the free tour of the plantation.

nermpook

Time to go back in time. Starting with your drive off highway A1A. The black top road turns into dirt. Drive slowly so you don't damage your car. It's a beautiful drive getting to the plantation. Upon arrival you will notice where the slaves slept at night. White wall buildings with no roofs. Then you can walk into the kitchen and see many artifacts that the slaves had to encounter. Like the locking wooden blocks for their ankles. Just looking at them and the photos you feel the pain. The knats were thick. You might want to put on some bug spray to enjoy your stay longer. Beautiful water front property with benches to sit on and absorb the beauty. Even got to watch a armadillo dig a path in the grass.

paulsJ4596GR

Only a brief drive from the city, a fun ferry ride, and a beautiful tree-canopied drive to the plantation transported us back in history. The plantation grounds and buildings, preserved and well-maintained, contain a great deal of history of Florida's yesteryear. The docent in the gift shop gave us a real feel for the times when Kingsley and his extended family eeked out a life for themselves and their slaves while they ran their cotton business. The plantation was an excellent stop in our tour of the coastal cities of Florida.

HilaryR410

This was a gorgeous find in the Jacksonville area. It is definitely off the beaten path, but it's worth it. There is no charge for admission, and the grounds are absolutely lovely. The historical markers are well done, and it's really a wonderful way to discover this American history. The audio tour is definitely worth doing!

B2H3

Old oak trees ,river access . History and nature walks.The kids can run wild .so can your imagination.

126billa

The drive from A1A down the oak tree covered road is perhaps the most beautiful place in Northeast Florida. Starting with the old tabby building on the left, one enters a historical area. The Kingsley Plantation shares a significant part of history but I miss not being able to enter the main house. That takes away from the ambiance of this historical site. I would loved to have met Anna Kingsley. Only wish that there had been a photo or portrait of her existing today.The most scenic golf course there was closed a number of years ago...that was tragic...thanks to environmentalists. It's all grown up with weeds and brush. No longer can one walk the fairways and see the true beauty of the land. I use to stay overnight in the old clubhouse in the 50's and sixties. I miss that.I recommend that locals and travelers visit the Plantation and island. Take a picnic basket, find a nice area and observe one of Florida's jewels.

jdh628

Some biker friends and I made a side trip to Kingsley on our way to Amelia Island. While riding motorcycles on a couple of miles of u paved roads is not fun, the plantation is a very interesting destination. The main house is still standing, and tours are offered. Ruins of the slave housing are nearby, and a bluff over the river offers a great view and place to picnic. I highly recommend a trip.

kilr0ywashere

We went through the Timucuan Preserve without any general plan. Having a few hours to spend, we idly crossed the ferry northward over the St. John's River and found ourselves driving down long country lanes and ending up at this very well preserved and historic displayed plantation. Admitting that slavery is a sad chapter in American history, it's better to learn and understand than to try to sweep it out of sight. Also, we enjoyed learning about the economics and business of the plantation, and seeing the sights where doubtless hundreds of people lived in days gone by. Additionally there are explanatory panels describing the even earlier French and Spanish influences in the area.It's all flat and level, and easy to get to (if a slightly long drive). The natural outdoor scenery is spectacular and just never ends. If you like history, or nature preserves, or drives in beautiful unspoiled outdoors, this makes a good stop. Even if out of the way a bit, treat yourself to a little unexpected learning.

delaroma

Its off the beaten path as you have to get off paved roads to get there. But don't let that stop you. Well worth the drive. Its a well preserved plantation home and slave quarters. Home is only opened up on weekends for tours. We learned a lot about what they farmed and how hard it was to do the work. Beautiful views of the river and surrounding areas. Great area for a picnic if the weather was nicer. The armadillo roaming around may have stole the show.

KelleyA420

We drove out there, walked around, found it very beautiful and interesting. There are still some old slave homes. The actual plantation home was not open to visitors when we were there.My daughter loved finding all the armadillos there.

charlesh864

The park service did a wonderful job with this site! It is a little drive off of the main road, but it is a scenic trip back there and I would say it is worth it. The plantation house and out buildings are in amazing shape. They preserved original tabby on the house and the slave/worker quarters. I have never seen a historic sight that had actual quarters from the era for the slaves/workers. It real gives one an idea of the cramped and poor living conditions that people had to live in back then. The displays throughout the grounds provided detailed information on what you are looking at. I would recommended this for anyone who would like to experience a well preserved sight and gain some historical insight.

235nelsb

Beautiful setting but sobering when you think of the human suffering that took place there. It is most poignant when you see the slave quarters where these poor souls lived out their little bit of leisure time. An added bonus is Ribault Club next door, a former golf course from the mid-20th century. The remaining clubhouse is glorious and used as a banquet/event rental facility. Wisely, they have created a 3-mile walking trail- it was mostly shaded and a great trek to get a workout- and it's all free! Take your kids for some history and some exercise.

foodlover560

This was interesting and educational. We would recommend it to anyone who likes history and wants an idea of what a plantation was like.