Kingsley Plantation, Jacksonville: Hours, Address, Kingsley Plantation Reviews: 4.5/5
Kingsley Plantation
Kingsley Plantation
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
712 reviews
Excellent
380
Very good
247
Average
68
Poor
14
Terrible
3
The Hoppy Gal
8 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
This National Park site is part of the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve. Admission is free.
Access to the park, located on Ft. George Island, is via Heckscher Drive. Once you turn onto the island from Heckscher, you can choose either fork in the road to get to the plantation grounds. The road is maintained by the City of Jacksonville who only grades it once a year, so go slow and expect a number of bumps down the narrow road.
When you first enter through the gates of the park, you’ll see the tabby-constructed slave quarters on either side of the road. It’s okay to pull off to the side of the road at this point to visit the interpretive signs posted near the cabins.
The larger (although still small) parking lot is further down the road on your right. It can accommodate larger vehicles, buses and RVs, depending on how busy it is.
The Barn and Kitchen House are all open and unlocked with interpretive exhibits inside both. There is also a garden where sea island cotton, citrus, sugar cane, and indigo are seasonally grown and tended to by the NPS staff.
The Planter’s, or main, house is open to visitors on Saturdays and Sundays in an open house format: it will be staffed by a volunteer and/or ranger during 11:00, 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00, generally for a half hour at each appointed time.
Special events are also scheduled throughout the year, including the annual Kingsley Heritage Celebration in February and Harvest Day in October, where NPS staff, volunteers, speakers, and entertainers come together to share some Living History ideas, demonstrations, and practices.
Be sure to check out the Junior Ranger program at the Visitor Center building, located west (down the path to the left) of the main house. There are also a lot of nicely-curated books and souvenirs at the shop and you can check out a self-guided audio tour device with a current photo ID. Water is the only refreshment sold on the premises. Bathrooms are also located in this building (which used to house the Ft. George Club back in the ‘20s & ‘30s)
There are really rich and interesting stories of the people that traveled to the island, worked the plantation, and lived in the structures within the park’s purview. This is definitely worth the trip to uncover a little what life was like for different folks in Florida’s history.
Access to the park, located on Ft. George Island, is via Heckscher Drive. Once you turn onto the island from Heckscher, you can choose either fork in the road to get to the plantation grounds. The road is maintained by the City of Jacksonville who only grades it once a year, so go slow and expect a number of bumps down the narrow road.
When you first enter through the gates of the park, you’ll see the tabby-constructed slave quarters on either side of the road. It’s okay to pull off to the side of the road at this point to visit the interpretive signs posted near the cabins.
The larger (although still small) parking lot is further down the road on your right. It can accommodate larger vehicles, buses and RVs, depending on how busy it is.
The Barn and Kitchen House are all open and unlocked with interpretive exhibits inside both. There is also a garden where sea island cotton, citrus, sugar cane, and indigo are seasonally grown and tended to by the NPS staff.
The Planter’s, or main, house is open to visitors on Saturdays and Sundays in an open house format: it will be staffed by a volunteer and/or ranger during 11:00, 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00, generally for a half hour at each appointed time.
Special events are also scheduled throughout the year, including the annual Kingsley Heritage Celebration in February and Harvest Day in October, where NPS staff, volunteers, speakers, and entertainers come together to share some Living History ideas, demonstrations, and practices.
Be sure to check out the Junior Ranger program at the Visitor Center building, located west (down the path to the left) of the main house. There are also a lot of nicely-curated books and souvenirs at the shop and you can check out a self-guided audio tour device with a current photo ID. Water is the only refreshment sold on the premises. Bathrooms are also located in this building (which used to house the Ft. George Club back in the ‘20s & ‘30s)
There are really rich and interesting stories of the people that traveled to the island, worked the plantation, and lived in the structures within the park’s purview. This is definitely worth the trip to uncover a little what life was like for different folks in Florida’s history.
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
TrailTrekker15
Tallahassee, FL3,796 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We visited Kingsley Plantation on a rainy Sunday recently. For many years, this was a plantation run by slaves. Their stories and living conditions are on display here. There many old slave quarters near the front gate. The historic plantation home and barn were fascinating to walk through though they were largely empty. The home is only open at certain times so make sure to check ahead to catch a time when it can be toured. There is a gift shop with many books and souvenirs. Also, there is a dock with excellent views of the waterways of Timucuan Preserve. The road out to Kingsley Plantation is rough and full of potholes. It felt like stepping back into old Florida. It was definitely worth the visit!
Written February 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Lorell H
7 contributions
Jun 2021
Be sure to download the NPR narration to get the most out of this tour. We spent a few hours exploring and discovering aspects of plantation life that we had never realized. The narrated stops on the tour helped to bring to life a historic place and the people who were part of it. The grounds are beautiful and the riverside relaxing, but then the opportunity to reflect on the lifestyle of the times was most significant. It's not all black and white. I was most struck by the irony of a wealthy white plantation owner having to send his black wife and mulatto children to Haiti to protect their freedom once Florida was no longer a Spanish territory, but under the United State's laws. This was an educational, interesting, and free!
Written June 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Chris G
Knoxville, TN106 contributions
Jan 2020
Beautiful plantation house nestled in the middle of the marshlands. The story is a little different here in that the owners were a Caucasian man and an African woman. The National Park Service has a free audio tour of the grounds that is very informative. The house was not open when we were there, but not sure if that is always the case or not. The only negative is the audio tour comes out of the player directly and not a set of headphones. Made a lot of noise and hard to follow when other groups were in the same room with their players going also. We listened to each section outside before entering the rooms to combat this. Overall a great experience.
Written January 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Wendy N
Kissimmee, FL614 contributions
Mar 2022
Visitors can explore the grounds at Kingsley Plantation. This includes the slave quarters, barn, waterfront, plantation house, kitchen house, and interpretive garden. There are interpretive signs everywhere detailing the history of the plantation. We learned about the history of Kingsley Plantation taking a self-guided audio tour “Lion’s Story Teller.” So much interestng history to learn about. Highly recommend doing a tour.
Written March 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
B D
Tucson, AZ332 contributions
Aug 2020
Disappointed that I was not able to completely tour Kingsley Plantation due to Covid-19 as I have heard much about from a close family member who spent her summers in the plantation as a young girl when it was a country club. The Golf Course no longer exist but if you look closely enough you can still see some of the old berms. There is a great view of the waterway just behind the old plantation home where you may find some people fishing. Due to Covid, unfortunately, the old slave quarters were gated off when I visited. The plantation home looks like it is in some disrepair but I can't confirm what it is like in the inside since it was closed to visitors. As others have stated in reviews, the road to the plantation is not well maintained but please be respectful as there are many residents that live on that road. If you are interested in getting inside the plantation check for hours before visiting. Although I was unable to tour, the drive to the plantation was fulfilling. Like one review mentioned, it was a step back into time...a sleepy Florida area.
Written November 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Frank J
Calgary, Canada83 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
The Kingsley Plantation in Timucuan Preserve is a great visit. The plantation house and the remnants of 25 slave residences are very well preserved. There are lots of plaques to read and understand the plantation and what occurred on the site. This was different then plantations in Louisiana or Missisippi. It is right along the inland waterway and an interesting place. The road in is narrow with potholes so go slow and allow others to pass, not wide enough for 2 vehicles. We spent about 2 and 1/2 hours. The foliage is interesting also.
Written February 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
MelissaJW
Chattanooga, TN32 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
I'm a sucker for a plantation. I was a bit disappointed you can't go in the house. But that was just a part of the experience. Excellent interpretive displays on the slave culture of Florida. I'm now an expert in tabby. The preservation of the slave quarters is impressive.
Written January 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
mpcharles2013
Oak Ridge, TN30 contributions
Dec 2020 • Couples
What a great piece of history hidden away on Fort George Island. Beautiful views and well maintained buildings to get a real image of the history of the plantation. We went on a cold, windy day but on a nice, sunny day this would be a great place to view and bring a picnic to enjoy the views and nature. The road getting to it needs work, a lot of potholes but a nice hidden gem at the end of the road.
Written December 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Gary C
Grand Rapids, United States21 contributions
Feb 2022
Lots of history and property is well maintained. Able to go at your own pace. A little disappointed that the main house was not open for tours (only special occasions), but I get the why. Make sure to walk the whole grounds so you can see all of the buildings and grounds. The road coming in/out is a natural beauty type of road
Written February 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Roberta G
Beaver Falls, PA31 contributions
I have paralyzed vocal cords and some difficulty breathing. Is this going to be a problem visiting here?
noweeds
Ruffin, NC113 contributions
I would think as long as you visit in the cooler months when the heat and humidity are low you would be ok. The tour is self paced so you can stay at each exhibit as long as you like. Much of the area can be viewed from your car if necessary.
kendellbrink
Hilton Head, SC329 contributions
Is the house and tour handicap accessible? We are traveling with a wheelchair and walker.
Seamere
Kissimmee, FL890 contributions
Yes it is.
I used a scooter.
The main house is not open to the public when I went in April.
BUT everything else is accessible..even the barn.
Most areas are paved in gravel.
A walker would not make it but a scooter can.
A wheelchair might get tedious.
OffbeatTravel.com
Jacksonville, FL20 contributions
Just came back from a visit -- there is no admission charge to the park, and even the weekend tour of the house is free.
JMCSTL
Saint Louis, MO5,160 contributions
Very true. Similar historical attractions charge significant entry fees, and I would've gladly paid for our Kingsley visit considering the beauty of the grounds & the thoughtfully presented historical info.
Is there anyway to have a wedding here? And about how much would it be for if possible
Audrey K
Jacksonville, FL56 contributions
There is the Ribault Club which is available for weddings- it's a beautiful old home which is perfect for an event !
Not sure of cost
TheRibaultClub is the site
Rileymydog
Southern California6 contributions
How far is the Plantation from the Airport?
How much time should I plan on being there?
Is the main house still under renovation?
Kim W
109 contributions
Kingsley Plantation is approximately 29 minutes from the airport give or take a few. The main house is under renovation but they do give tours twice a day. You can still get the audio tours, free of charge, but it doesn't cover house.
oldcarguy1
Queensbury, NY
We would like to visit the Plantation somewhere around the twelfth to the fourteenth of January 2017. Are you open and if so are there any activities or tours available? Thanks
hoffman5
San Jose, Costa Rica148 contributions
Pretty sure they are open year round. They have a self guided tour that was pretty interesting.
Traveler3664
Los Angeles, CA21 contributions
Are dogs allowed on the grounds?
kjhatelklake
Dimock, PA136 contributions
I didn't see any while we were there. It was an extremely hot day and I wouldn't have brought a dog or child in that weather. It's a state park so maybe if you view a website on Florida park system it would tell you.
Traveler3664
Los Angeles, CA21 contributions
Is there anything to see in the main house?
Gay H
36 contributions
The main house was closed "For Renovations" when we were there, but we couldn't see that anything was actually being done. Just looked like they closed it up.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kingsley Plantation
- Kingsley Plantation is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near Kingsley Plantation:
- (8.18 mi) Hotel Palms
- (8.26 mi) One Ocean Resort & Spa
- (9.79 mi) Hampton Inn Jacksonville Beach/Oceanfront
- (9.73 mi) Courtyard by Marriott Jacksonville Beach Oceanfront
- (9.40 mi) Courtyard Jacksonville I-295/East Beltway
- Restaurants near Kingsley Plantation:
- (3.35 mi) Safe Harbor Seafood Market & Restaurant
- (8.06 mi) Seafood Kitchen
- (8.00 mi) Culhane's Irish Pub & Restaurant
- (8.29 mi) North Beach Fish Camp
- (9.75 mi) Metro Diner