Experiences
Explore the park in a new and challenging way. Experienced Geocachers have requested permission to hide caches containing trinkets, treasures or information in various places around the park. Please check the Geocaching website for the most up-to-date information and clues to locate these caches.
The Pause and Ponder Trail is a 0.3-mile loop nature trail at Dudley Farm's Visitor Center. This is your chance to take a quiet, meditative walk through the diverse habitat of Dudley Farm's woodlands. The area consists of a mixed forest interspersed with wild grape vines, American beautyberry and seasonal wildflowers. There is mystery here as the trail slopes downhill and curves out of sight.
A hand-hewn cedar bench is made for resting or bird-watching. Pileated woodpeckers can be heard calling, and native magnolias and live oaks create a majestic canopy.
- The trail begins and ends at the park's picnic area.
School groups and organizations can make reservations for tours one month in advance. Groups are limited to 40 people. For more information and to obtain a program reservation form, please call 352-472-1142. Dudley Farm does not have a staffed ranger station. Staff is often in the field assisting visitors.
- When calling, please leave a message and someone will contact you within 24 hours (48 hours on weekends).
Pick up a brochure and enjoy a self-guided walking tour of Dudley Farm. An authentic working farm, the homestead consists of 18 buildings, including the family farmhouse with original furnishings; an 1880s kitchen outbuilding; a general store; sweet potato cellar; and a cane syrup complex. Interpreters may be working the farm in the lifestyle of the 1880s to 1940s as they perform daily chores, work the crops and tend to livestock.
- The chickens are penned to protect them from natural predators. The turkeys are on the east side of the farmstead, free-ranging from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
The outdoor settings of Dudley Farm can hold up to 150 guests. With plenty of open space your wedding can be as lavish or as simple as you desire. Weddings can be held in the front portion of the park, providing a beautiful backdrop of moss-draped live oaks, open fields and rustic buildings.
- Please contact the park at 352-472-1142 for more information.
- Dudley Farm does not have a staffed ranger station. Staff is often in the field assisting visitors. When calling, please leave a message and someone will contact you within 24 hours (48 hours on weekends).
- For more information on hosting private events, download the Event Info Packet.
While Dudley Farm is not a prime location for wildlife viewing, visitors are able to see and learn about heritage breeds of livestock during their visit. Cracker cattle, chickens, turkeys and mules make their home at Dudley Farm.
- The chickens are penned to protect them from natural predators. The turkeys are on the east side of the farmstead, free-ranging from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Amenities
At the turn of the 20th century, neighbors would drive their horse and buggies past the Dudley Farmstead admiring the front yard. Today's visitors can see the spring bloom at its peak from March through May. Heirloom roses, amaryllis, larkspur and coreopsis provide an explosion of color.
The red buckeye tree, a Florida challenger, can be seen among the lovely blooms.
The park helps tell the story of the evolution of Florida farming from the 1850s to the 1940s.
Dudley Farm Historic State Park was designated as a National Historic Landmark on Jan. 13, 2021. The farm received this designation for its exceptional ability to illustrate the history of owner-operator farms in the southern U.S. in the late 19th and 20th centuries. A memorial plaque was unveiled at the park on Dec. 4, 2021.
Dudley assumed ownership of the farm in 1881 and began to develop the farm complex. The homestead consists of 18 buildings constructed between 1880 and 1945, including the 1880s family farmhouse and separate kitchen, general store, dairy shed, canning house, smokehouse, syrup house and mill, hay and tobacco barns, stables and drinking well.
Staff and volunteers dress in period clothing and complete traditional chores, including tending to livestock and sugar cane farming. Come experience a pioneer farm from the turn of the 20th century.
The historic site is supported by a visitor center, offering a film on the history of the site. The visitor center hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The farmstead is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Brochures, including large-print formats, are available at the visitor center. A tram is available upon request to assist with transportation from the visitor center to the farmstead.
A chair lift is available at the Dudley house to assist with access to the family farmhouse. Beach wheelchairs and a manual wheelchair are available upon request by contacting 352-472-1142.
- Before you visit, download a guide and a podcast cellphone tour provided by Visit Gainesville.
To ensure the safety of visiting pets and the park's livestock, pets are restricted to the natural trail, picnic area and visitor center lot. Pets are not allowed on the farmstead. Please pick up after your pet and ensure they are on a 6-foot hand-held leash at all times.
- View our Pet Policy.
