Manager's Message

Debra Walker, Park Manager

Discover the rich history of Florida’s oldest state park and the site of one of the state’s largest Civil War battles. Enjoy a picnic, take a hike along our scenic trails and immerse yourself in the story of the renowned Olustee battlefield.

Mark your calendar for next February, when Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park comes to life during the annual battle reenactment. Join Civil War reenactors, living historians, period artisans and sutlers as they recreate the events of the battle. Over the weekend, more than 2,000 participants will offer living history demonstrations, showcasing military and civilian life during the Civil War.

The Battle of Olustee, fought on February 20, 1864, saw full-scale artillery, mounted cavalry and three African American regiments, including the 54th Massachusetts, engage in a fierce conflict. The battle resulted in 2,807 casualties and a Confederate victory.

The living history weekend features a Civil War-era battle reenactment on Saturday at 3:30 p.m., and the reenactment of the Battle of Olustee on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. Throughout the event, you can enjoy period music, crafts, lectures, demonstrations of battlefield surgery and portrayals of civilian life during the war. Military camps and drills by infantry and artillery units are scheduled throughout the weekend, along with color ceremonies, cavalry displays, authentic camps, exhibits, food and more.

The Olustee Battle Civil War Reenactment is proudly sponsored by the Florida Park Service, USDA Forest Service, Olustee Battlefield Citizen Support Organization, Baker County Tourist Development Council and the Blue Grey Army of Florida Inc. The event has been recognized as a "Top 20 Event in the Southeast" by the Southeastern Tourism Society!

The park is open year-round, inviting visitors to explore the historic grounds, enjoy a picnic, and view interpretive panels that detail the campaign leading up to the Battle of Olustee.

Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park is centrally located near several of Florida’s remarkable state parks, including Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, Big Shoals State Park, Suwannee River State Park, Suwannee River Wilderness Trail, Fort Clinch, Dudley Farm Historic State Park, Ichetucknee Springs State Park and O’Leno River State Park, to name just a few!