Park Summary for Print - Fort George Island Cultural State Park

A view of the water surrounded by trees.

Welcome to Fort George Island Cultural State Park

Native Americans feasted here, colonists built a fort, and the Smart Set of the 1920s came for vacations. A site of human occupation for over 5,000 years, Fort George Island was named for a 1736 fort built to defend the southern flank of Georgia when it was a colony. Today´s visitors come for boating, fishing, off-road bicycling, and hiking. A key attraction is the recently restored Ribault Club. Once an exclusive resort, it is now a visitor center with meeting space available for special functions. Behind the club, small boats, canoes, and kayaks can be launched on the tidal waters.

To reserve the Ribault Club for a special event, contact Amelia Occasions at 904-251-1050. Located approximately 16 miles east of downtown Jacksonville on State Road A1A, or three miles south of Little Talbot Island State Park.

For an eco-friendly experience you won't soon forget, sign up for a guided tour of Fort George Island on a cross terrain Segway with Ecomotion Tours. This 2 hour tour departs from the historic Ribault Club and visits the Kingsley Plantation while traveling along more than 3 miles of maritime forest, abundant with plant and animal life. No experience necessary, but advance reservations are required so please call 904-251-9477 for more information.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Fort George Island Cultural State Park, please call (904) 251-2320.

Hours of Operation

Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.
The Ribault Club is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Driving Directions

Fort George Island Cultural State Park lies approximately 16 miles east of downtown Jacksonville on S.R. A1A, or three miles south of Little Talbot Island State Park.

Park Fees

There is no entrance fee for this park.

Activities at Fort George Island Cultural State Park

	Bicycling Fort George Island Cultural State Park offers a loop bicycle ride through history. Pick up a copy of the Saturiwa Trail guide at the Little Talbot Island Ranger Station or in the brochure rack in front of the Ribault Club on Fort George Island. The loop is 4.4 miles and consists of paved road and hard packed gravel. For off-road bicyclists there is a three-mile biking-hiking trail that traverses the interior of the former Fort George Island golf course. The trail is suitable for large tired bikes. Guided Segway Trips. Looking for a unique and exhilarating experience? Explore the beauty of these barrier islands as never before—on Segways®. EcoMotion Tours is one of Talbot Islands State Parks’ visitors service providers operating on Little Talbot Island and nearby Fort George Island. EcoMotion Tours uses Segway transporters to provide an enjoyable and modern way of touring. Segways are two-wheeled, battery-powered devices that respond to the way you lean. These eco-friendly transporters are quiet and easy on the trails, providing a wonderful way to explore nature without disturbing its inhabitants. You’ll be equipped with a wireless headset so our guides can point out the fascinating plant and animal life along the trails. Ecomotion Tours provides helmets, orientation and training to ensure everyone has a relaxed and safe experience. No experience is necessary, but there is a minimum age requirement (13 years old) and a weight requirement (between 100-250lbs). Riders under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. All guided trips include instruction, interpretation, bottled water, and a snack. RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED. The tour on Little Talbot Island is a 5-mile trip through a mature maritime forest that leads to the beach. You’ll enjoy watching the true beauty of a coastal hammock unfold as your cross-terrain Segway transports you along this amazing island trail. This trip departs from the north parking lot of Little Talbot Island and will last about 2.5 hours. There are two tour options available for Fort George Island. The morning tour is nearly four miles long and travels through the island’s maritime forest and visits Kingsley Plantation. The afternoon tour is approximately an hour long and omits the Kingsley segment. Fort George tours depart from the Ribault Club. On these tours you’ll hear the storied history of the island and see up close the unique flora indigenous to this habitat. Visit Ecomotion Tours for schedules and call 904-251-9477 to make reservations.
	Boat Ramp The Ribault Clubhouse Water access, (unimproved boat ramp) behind the Ribault Clubhouse, is available for launching canoes, kayaks, and small flat bottom boats.
	Canoeing Canoeing and Canoe launch available
	Fishing Fishing the Fort George river from the shoreline is a popular activity. Do you need a Fishing License?
	Nature Trails There is a three-mile hiking/biking trail on Fort George Island. The trail runs through the interior of the former Fort George golf course. A successional process is returning the golf course land back to its natural state and restoring the maritime forest habitat. The trail is suitable for large tired bikes. 1 handicap Clivus Multrim is located on the premises.
	Pets Well-behaved dogs are welcome at Fort George Island Cultural State Park on our hiking trails, pavilions, paved park roads, parking lots, multi-use trails and our shorelines. They must be kept on a 6-foot leash at all times and can not be left unattended for more than a half-hour.
	Visitor Center The Ribault Club and Fort George Island Visitor Center serves as the gateway to the Timucuan Trail State and National Parks. The historic Ribault Club is open to the public every Wednesday to Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The Visitor Center, located within the Ribault Club, has interpretive exhibits depicting the rich natural and cultural history of the area and the island. Souvenirs can be purchased at the Club's book and gift store, which is co-managed by the The Ribault Club and Fort George Island Visitor Center serves as the gateway to the Timucuan Trail State and National Parks. The historic Ribault Club is open to the public every Wednesday to Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The Visitor Center, located within the Ribault Club, has interpretive exhibits depicting the rich natural and cultural history of the area and the island. Souvenirs can be purchased at the Club's book and gift store, which is co-managed by the National Parks Service. The grand rooms of the Ribault Club can be rented through Amelia Occasions, a park visitor service provider, who provides professional event management for private and business functions. Proceeds from the events managed by Amelia Occasions help support on-going maintenance and protection of this architectural treasure. For more information on club rental please call (904) 251-1050. Located within the Ribault Club are 2 Men's and 2 Women's restrooms, each with 1 handicap stall.

Special Events for Fort George Island Cultural State Park

ANIMAL SIGNS
Date: Sunday, August 3, 2008 at 1:00 p.m.
Description: Join a Park Ranger for a presentation and leisurely guided hike through different Florida ecosystems on a quest to characterize tracks left by an assortment of critters. This program will take place at the Ribault Club on Fort George Island Cultural State Park. No reservations are necessary and the program is free.

Fees: This program is free.
Contact: For more information, call 904-251-2320.
SECRETS OF THE SALT MARSH
Date: Sunday, August 24, 2008 at 1:00 p.m.
Description: Join a park ranger and discover the importance of estuarine systems that surround the inshore sides of barrier islands like those of the Talbot Islands State Parks complex. This ranger-guided hike along the salt marsh will help point out why these areas are one of the most productive ecosystems on Earth, the many roles the salt marsh plays, the plant and animal life found in this natural community, and the impacts humans have on this system. This program will take place at the Ribault Club on Fort George Island Cultural State Park. No reservations are necessary and the program is free.

Fees: This program is free.
Contact: For more information, call 904-251-2320.

Fort George Island Cultural State Park Ranger Programs

FLORIDA SEA TURTLES
Summer Months. Florida's beaches are critical nesting habitat for many species of sea turtles. This illustrated presentation emphasizes the importance of these magnificent and gentle creatures by telling the story of the variety of sea turtles, their life cycle, how the world has united to protect these endangered species, and what you can do to help ensure their survival.
Call 904-251-2320 for more details.
BARRIER ISLAND BIRDS
Semi-Annual. An interpretive program that discusses various types of bird species that can be found across the range of natural communities that comprises a barrier island. May be a power point slide show presentation, or an illustrated talk with photos and/or bird mounts.
Call 904-251-2320 for more details.
GUIDED TOURS OF THE HISTORIC RIBAULT CLUB
As requested. A walking tour of the historic Ribault Club that includes a general outline of Fort George Island history and information about the founding of this 1928 recreational resort.
Call 904-251-2320 for more details.
ARCHAEOLOGY AND HISTORY OF FORT GEORGE ISLAND
Semi-annual. A ranger-led interpretive program that includes a power point slide show presentation and showing of artifacts that relate to the ancient people of Fort George Island. Prehistoric and historic periods represented on Fort George Island include pre-historic Native Americans, the Timucua, European contact, including the Spanish and English periods, plantation agriculture era, and recreational era of northeast Florida.
Call 904-251-2320 for more details.
FORT GEORGE ISLAND BY BICYCLE
Semi-annual. A park ranger program that will explore the fascinating history of Fort George Island along 4 miles of scenic park roads. Participants can either bring their own bike or rent one (limited number of rentals) from the Little Talbot Island State Park Ranger Station prior to arriving at Fort George Island. The leisurely paced tour will spend approximately 60-90 minutes biking on paved and sand roads with numerous stops to learn about local history.
Call 904-251-2320 for more details.
NATURE WALK
Quarterly. Discover the exciting cultural history of Fort George Island while traversing through the natural communities that comprise this state park. Natural ecology and the cultural history of Fort George Island Cultural State Park are discussed during an hour-long walk along historic fairways returning to their natural state.
Call 904-251-2320 for more details.
RIBAULT CLUB VOLUNTEER TRAINING PROGRAM
As needed. An overview of the Florida Park Service, volunteering, Fort George Island history and ecology, Ribault Club history, and the Timucuan Trail State and National Parks partnership.
Call 904-251-2320 for more details.
SECRETS OF THE SALT MARSH
Quarterly. Discover the importance of estuarine systems that surround the inshore sides of barrier islands like those islands of the Talbot Islands State Parks complex. This ranger-guided hike along the salt marsh will help point out why these areas are one of the most productive ecosystems on Earth, the many roles the salt marsh plays, the plant and animal life found in this natural community, and the impacts humans have on this system.
Call 904-251-2320 for more details.
DISCOVERING ARCHAEOLOGY
Semi-Annual. Bring the whole family to discover how archaeologists reconstruct the lives of ancient people who once lived at the Talbot Island State Parks. This hands-on interpretive presentation is intended to inspire young minds to learn about and appreciate Native American culture through the objects they have left behind.
Call 904-251-2320 for more details.
POTSHERDS AND ANCIENT PEOPLE
Semi-Annual. This in-depth illustrated presentation is intended for adults interested in learning more about the intricacies of archaeological research at the Talbot Islands State Park, as well as the cultural history of these state parks.
Call 904-251-2320 for more details.
BEACH WALK
Quarterly. A walk on the beach that tells the story of the importance of undeveloped beach habitat, including many interesting facts about sea creatures and common shells found in the area.
Call 904-251-2320 for more details.
WHAT SLITHERS AT TALBOT?
Annual. Ooh! A snake! Will it bite me? Is it venomous? This interpretive program explores the snakes that are native to Florida and live at the Talbot Islands State Parks. Learn how to identify the most common snakes, their habitat, and their lifecycles. Discover how important these critters are to maintain healthy and balanced natural communities.
Call 904-251-2320 for more details.
ANIMAL INVASION
Annual. A diversity of plant and animal species survive in Florida's tropical environment, including both native species and exotic species. These exotic, non-native animals include feral hogs, armadillos, insects, and fungi, and often compete with species native to Florida. Find out how to identify these animals and what you can help Florida's natural communities thrive with native animals.
Call 904-251-2320 for more details.
NATIVE YARDS
Annual. Being a good steward of Florida's natural environment can start in your own backyard! You can help Florida's environment stay natural and healthy by planting native species, eradicating exotic species, and creating an earth-friendly mini-environment on your property. Learn what landscaping styles and plants will bring a diversity of native wildlife for you to enjoy.
Call 904-251-2320 for more details.
PLANT POLLUTION
Annual. A diversity of plant and animal species survive in Florida's tropical environment, including both native species and exotic species. These exotic, non-native plants include varieties of ferns, trees, shrubs, and grasses, and often compete with species native to Florida. Find out how to identify these plants and what you can help Florida's natural communities thrive with native animals.
Call 904-251-2320 for more details.
WHO'S WHO IN THE NIGHT?
Semi-annual. Join a Park Ranger for an introduction to the owls of Fort George Island. This guided night hike will take you through the woods and introduce you to the wonders of these amazing creatures. Please bring comfortable walking shoes, a water bottle, and a flashlight with red paper to put over the lens.
Call 904-251-2320 for more details.
TALBOT CRITTERS
Monthly. An educational presentation on the animals that inhabit the barrier island natural communities, including the beach, sand dunes, oak hammock, and estuarine marsh. This interpretive program may include a slide show presentation, mounted animals, and photographs. Park rangers adapt this program to all age levels and it is offered throughout the Talbot Islands State Parks.
Call 904-251-2320 for more details.
FLORIDA'S WATER ISSUES
Annual. This power point slide show provides an informative background on Florida's hydrological system, and strategies for water conservation. Usually presented during August, Water Efficiency Month, citizens learn how they can help protect Florida's most precious resource. By utilizing efficient water strategies Floridian's can help protect and enhance our more than 700 freshwater springs, 1,350 miles of coastline, and thousands of miles of rivers and lakes.
Call 904-251-2320 for more details.
EXPLORING THE HISTORIC LANDSCAPE OF FORT GEORGE
Annual. This guided Ranger hike provides an informative background about the historic sites of Fort George Island Cultural State Park. Focus is on the historic time period of the island in the 1800's. Presented as a leisurely paced Ranger led hike along park trails.
Call 904-251-2320 for more details.
THE MCGUNDO HOUSE RESTABILZATION
Annual. A Ranger will discuss how sand, water, and oyster shells are used to form "tabby", a 19th century building material similar to concrete, and how we used this material for our restabilization of the McGundo House.
Call 904-251-2320 for more details.

Fort George Island Cultural State Park History

Fort George contains the longest record of civilization in Duval County. The huge shell mounds found on the island are evidence of Indian habitation dating back over 7,000 years. A major food source for the native people were the oysters and fish found in the surrounding waters. After eating the edible portion, the oyster shells were discarded, accumulating over the years to form enormous shell middens seen today.

Originally called Fort Saint Georges, the fort was built in 1736 by General James Olgethorpe, founder of Georgia Colony. The fort no longer stands and its location has not yet be determined. Rising 65 feet above sea level, Mount Cornelia is reputed to be the highest point on the U.S. Atlantic coast south of North Carolina’s outer Banks. To learn more about Fort George island and its former inhabitants take the 4.4-mile self-guided Saturiwa Trail tour. Guided tour books are available at the Talbot Islands Ranger Station.

Fort George Island Cultural State Park Volunteer Information

Note: Volunteers must attend a one-day training session. Script for formal tours will be provided, but volunteers are invited to research and develop additional tour information as appropriate. Training sessions are held periodically throughout the year. Pre-registration is required. Please call the Talbot Ranger Station at 904-251-2320 or to register.

Optional Residence Offer for non-local volunteers: A campsite on Little Talbot Island may be provided in exchange for 20 hour/week service. All campsites have electricity and water. A dump station and possible septic is available. Optional lodge-style rooms with basic furniture can be provided on-site with shared kitchen facilities and common areas in exchange for 32 hour/week service. Term of position when campsite or room is provided is 6-16 weeks. Space is limited and offer is based on availability. If you are interested in becoming a Ribault Club volunteer, contact our Volunteer Coordinator at (904) 251-2320 or call the Talbot Ranger Station at 904-252-2320 for further information and training dates.

Resident Docent
Provides hosting and interpretive services at the Ribault Clubhouse on Fort George Island. The position is for 32 hours of volunteer work a week. This is independent work on tasks as well as working with a team of State and Federal employees. Term of position is 6 weeks with possibility of extension. Dorm-style rooms with basic furniture will be provided on-site with shared kitchen facilities and common areas. Occupants will be responsible for bedding and other personal items. The volunteer shall have a knowledge and interest in the protection, presentation and interpretation of the cultural resources. If you would like to apply for any of the volunteer job opportunities listed above, please fill out the Volunteer Application form provided. Please allow for a few days before receiving a reply, thank you!