Park Summary for Print - Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park

Confederate Troops awaiting advancement of Union Troops. Commanding Confederate Officers on horseback.

Welcome to Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park

This park commemorates the site of Florida's largest Civil War battle, which took place February 20, 1864. More than 10,000 cavalry, infantry, and artillery troops fought a five-hour battle in a pine forest near Olustee. Three U.S. Colored Troops took part in the battle, including the now famous 54th Massachusetts. The battle ended with 2,807 casualties and the retreat of Union troops to Jacksonville until the war's end just 14 months later. In 1912, when many living Civil War veterans still attended reunions, the battlefield became the state's first historic site. Olustee Battlefield has a visitor center with historical information and artifacts. A reenactment is held every February and a Civil War Expo takes place in late summer. Scenes for Civil War movies, including the 1989 movie Glory, have been filmed during the reenactments. Visitors can enjoy a meal at the picnic area or take a walk along a mile-long trail that has interpretive signs describing the events of the battle. Located two miles east of Olustee on U.S. 90.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park, please call 386-758-0400.

Hours of Operation

The park is open every day from 8 a.m. until dusk. The Interpretive Center is open daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. All facilities are available free of charge.

Driving Directions

Olustee Battlefield is located on U.S. 90, 15 miles east of Lake City and 50 miles west of Jacksonville.
From I-10 exit at U.S. 90 west (Milepost Exit 324). The battlefield is located 5.5 miles from the exit.
From I-75, exit at U.S. 90 east (Milepost Exit 427) and travel approximately 20 miles to the park.

Park Fees

Admission Fee:

No entrance fee is required to enter this park.

Activities at Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park

	Interpretive Programs The interpretive center contains exhibits with artifacts and interpretive panels that tell the story of the campaign that led up to the Battle of Olustee. A short video documentary on the reenactment is included. . The Interpretive Center is open daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. During the annual reenactment of the Battle of Olustee, ADA port-a-lets are available for the viewing public.
	Nature Trails The park has picnic tables for public use and a one-mile trail with interpretive signs that follow the battle lines. A portion of the Florida Scenic Trail travels through the park.
	Pets Well-behaved dogs are welcome at Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park. They must be kept on a 6-foot leash at all times and can not be left unattended for more than a half-hour. Dogs are not permitted in the Visitor Center.
	Picnicking Picnic tables are located in a shaded grove of tall pine trees, across from the interpretive center. We welcome visitors to visit the Battlefield and have a quiet picnic at the park.
	Visitors Center Come to our Visitor Center for Information

Special Events for Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park

OLUSTEE BATTLE REENACTMENT
Date: Friday through Sunday, February 12 through February 14, 2010. Saturday’s battle begins at 3:30 p.m. and Sunday’s battle is at 1:30 p.m.
Description: The Battle of Olustee was fought on February 20, 1864. Full-scale artillery, mounted cavalry, and three African American regiments, including the 54th Massachusetts took part in the fighting that day. The Battle of Olustee was Florida’s largest Civil War battle, resulting in 2,807 casualties and a Confederate victory. More than 2,000 living history reenactors gather each year at Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park to present historically accurate portrayals of the war’s toll on both civilian and military life. Medical demonstrations are planned twice daily on Saturday and Sunday. Period music concerts, military camps and drills, and the lives of both soldiers and civilians during the war are portrayed by reenactors. The living history weekend features a Civil War-era battle reenactment on Saturday, as well as the reenactment of the Battle of Olustee on Sunday. Food concessions will be available. Pets are not allowed at Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park during the reenactment.

Educational programs are planned for Friday’s School Day when both public and private school students are invited to attend the reenactment. School groups may contact the park at 386-397-7009 to register for the event.

For additional information, visit online at Battle Of Olustee or call toll free 1-877-635-3655.

Fees: Admission on Saturday and Sunday is $7 for adults and $3 for children over age 5.
Student fees are $2 on Friday’s School Day.

Contact: For more information, call 1-877-635-3655.