dudley farm historic state park

Only three miles down he road, lies a historic gem: Dudley Farms. It is open every week to transport you make a hundred years to see how life use to be. But on special occasions, like Caning Weekend, the farm comes alive with many live demonstrations and crafts. Mule rides, cane squeezing, garden tours, etc. great place to take your family!

This is a restored working farm that represents the farm life of a family through three generations. Very nicely preserved, building as well as a lot of the equipment and furniture. Volunteers in period dress are very informed and generous with their time and knowledge. The fee was only $5 per carload and well worth the fee. My husband and I are history buffs and frequently tour historic places, we were very pleased with this. Definitely worth your time.

This was such a fun day for our family. Spent hours just strolling and make believing we lived in the old days. Kids bought sugar cane and spent hours sucking on the sticks. Very informational and educational. Everything is original and so well kept. Lots of hands on things to see and do. I highly recommend . It only cost five dollars for a car load. Ad there are places to picnic. Nice bathrooms.

Wonderful use of a couple of hours. See an actual antebellum farm with updates to the turn of the 20th century. Florida cattle are being bred back to the original Andalusian cattle that arrived here with the Spanish. Learn a lot about early Florida.

This was a beautifully kept piece of history. The guide in period clothing appeared to know the history of the Dudley's very well, though we would not have known any better. Cost was just $5 a car. I would love to see it when everything is in bloom.

Had the opportunity to visit for the day at Dudley Farm. The farm is a working farm, many aspects of the Dudley's 150 years on this site are there to view, through more than 18 buildings. The story of this families time here and the service they provided as a crossroads for travelers is extremely interesting, I highly recommend this days outing for those intrigued by the past and a true working life.There is a short video that takes you back to the start of this farm, I listed a fee but it is only 5.00 dollar's as you drive in.

Another fantastic Florida state park. For $5 a carload you can spend the afternoon learning how the plantation was run after the civil war. They have lots of activities as well as farm animals. Be sure to pack a picnic and snacks!

This is a Florida state park that always receives awards for it's accuracy and the programs it offers. It is not open every day of the week so check online for times. It is listed in the Florida state park system. It is the old family farm of the Dudley's who settled in this area in the late 1800's. The visitor center gives you the history and outside exhibits are period themed with volunteers tending to the animals and gardens. Schools take students as field trips and they offer special programs throughout the year. Definitely worth the visit. One to two hours or as long as you want.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this park demonstrates the evolution of Florida farming from the 1850s to the mid-1940s. The farm consists of 18 buildings. including the family farmhouse with original furnishings, a general store and post office. The farm is somewhat separated from the visitor center and requires some walking. There is a $5.00 per vehicle charge.

We chanced upon the Dudley Farm site while meandering Florida back roads. Since it's a State Park, there was a $5.00 admission for the carload. Adjacent to the parking lot was a Visitors Center which featured many relics of the time the farm was in operation as well as a very informative film on the history of the farm and the people who lived there. I suspect this building was constructed more recently but in the time period style. There were clean restrooms nearby and a path that led to the farm itself. A self guided map and brochure led the way and identified most of the buildings and gardens. For their age, most of the buildings were in remarkable condition, from the farmhouse itself to the three hole outhouse. The farm house was furnished with period furniture, although the second story was closed. Upon leaving the farm, we followed another trail back to the Visitors Center, passing the obligatory gift shop which also featured crafts and products produced by locals. With the possible exception of the insects (I got two good bites on my legs, should have used bug spray), and the many spiders in their webs, my wife really hates spiders, we had a really enjoyable time looking into the past.

This place is full of relics and antiques from days gone by and it's impressive how well they have restored and maintain the old buildings. So much history here, a great Florida gem!

Dudley Farm is located a few short miles from interstate 75 near Gainesville Florida. It is a State Park so there is a $5 entrance fee per car. Beautiful location among the fields and woodlands. There is no food to purchase however as we packed a picnic this was not a problem. Ample picnic tables in the shade were available. There is a small but well appointed museum and they show a short movie on the history of the site. It is a pre Civil War farm which stayed in the Dudley family until the last sister donated it to the state. There are seventeen original buildings and the walking paths are flat! A small store sells cold drinks, jellies books, etc. The storekeeper was delighted to give us a short history lesson. We learned that through the year there are several working days and we hope to return and visit on one of these.Note. Lots of places to eat and drink on the main Newberry Road.

Adults get a good feel for life on a 19th century Cracker farm and youngsters grind dried corn, feed chickens, and play games that don't require a high speed internet connection -- horseshoes, tug-o'-war, pump water from the well, and toss the feathered corncob.

Some of my wedding ivy came from this place. I remember picking pecans up from this farm, when I was a little girl. Visiting now, as a grown woman, I can fully appreciate all that "Aunt Myrtle" went through to keep this slice of heaven intact for the rest of us Floridians to enjoy! Love the cane grinding days... and the quilts are fabulous!!!

This was a true operating farm until 1983 when the last surviving family member donated the farm to the state of Florida. The buildings are all original on this 150 year old farm. There are many original items the family actually used. Great self guided tour opportunity.