Message from the Manager

In 1970 the Florida Park Service acquired Ravine Gardens from the City of Palatka and the Azalea Festival was moved from the park to downtown Palatka. For the past eight years, Ravine Gardens State Park has been celebrating the Azalea Days festival at the park. This year’s celebration will focus on the history of the gardens. Ranger led hayrides will take visitors on the 1.8 mile loop around the ravines while interpreting the history of the park. In the Court of States there will be plant vendors and crafters, while in the picnic pavilion Vicky Hutto, Stan Bugouine, Danna Cribbs, JoAnn Burgouine, Randy West, George DeLoach and other entertainers will provide music. The Garden Club of Palatka is hosting their annual white elephant sale. The Palatka Art League will hold an All-member Art Show inside the auditorium of the Roy E. Campbell Civic Center. The first art show by the art group was held in Ravine Gardens in 1970. The art show will include stained glass, needlework, wood craving, photography, drawings, sculpture, figurines and paintings. The Friends of Ravine Gardens, Inc. gift shop will be open.

Ravine Gardens State Park has long been famous for its extensive plantings of azaleas and other ornamental plants. We are looking forward to the upcoming events and hope to see you there.

A steep ravine was created by water flowing from beneath the sandy ridges that flank the west shore of the St. Johns River. As time passed, the slopes of the ravine were colonized by grasses, shrubs and trees.

Recreational uses are generally passive, related to the aesthetic enjoyment of the gardens. Park programs emphasize interpretation of the park's natural and cultural attributes.

Hours of Operation

Ravine Gardens State Park is open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

Park Fees

Admission Fees - $4.00 per vehicle for up to 8 people Pedestrians, Bicyclists, Extra Passengers, Passengers In Vehicles With Holder of Annual Individual Entrance Permit, Members of Organized Groups - Admission Fee $1.00

Pavilion Fee
Large pavilions and small pavilion available for rental.

Ravine Gardens State Park 1600 Twigg Street, P.O. Box 1096 Palatka, Florida 32712 Phone: 386-329-3721 Fax: Contact Park for Number Park Manager: Randy Hester