Homosassa, Florida

Contact Information
12157 Heckscher Dr.
Jacksonville, 32226
(904) 251-2324

Driving Directions
The park is located in the small town of Homosassa, which is located about 3 miles west of the city of Homosassa Springs. Take U.S. Hwy 19 (northbound or southbound) to the town of Homosassa Springs, then turn west onto

C.R. 490 West (Yulee Drive). Proceed for approxiamately 2.5 miles to the park. There are brown and white highway signs that will lead you to the park. The Ruins of the Mill are situated within five feet of the road and should be easily seen.

Hours of Operation
Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

The most imposing feature of the plantation, was the sugar mill, located near the Homosassa River. The mill operated for 13 years, producing sugar, syrup and molasses. (Molasses was used to make rum.) The mill was abandoned during the Civil War and Yulee's plantation home, located down the river, was burned. The plantation and mill never recovered from the war.

During a visit to this small park you will see the ruins of this once prosperous mill. Still standing are the steam boiler, crushing machinery, and large cooking kettles (all shipped to Florida from New York) used to process the sugar cane. Also remaining are the stonework chimney, well and foundation all quarried and constructed by the slaves.

A small oval pathway leads visitors around the ruins to interpretive plaques that explain how the system worked.

Park Activities

Picnicking
Across the street from the ruins is the park's picnic area. A six table pavilion is available to groups on a first-come-first-serve basis. Grills and picnic tables are also scattered throughout the picnic area. Restrooms are available. There are no fees charged to visit the park.