Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park

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Parks

Florida

Nearby: Osceola Wildlife Management Area Wilderness Big Gum Swamp

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park is located in northern Florida and is the site of the largest Civil War battle in the state.

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Summary

Visitors can explore the park's museum and exhibits, which detail the events leading up to the battle and its aftermath. The park also features walking trails, picnic areas, and a campground for overnight stays.

One of the main reasons to visit Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park is to learn about the history of the Civil War in Florida and its impact on the state. The park's museum and exhibits offer a detailed look at the battle and its significance, while the walking trails provide a chance to explore the battlefield itself.

Some specific points of interest to see at the park include the Confederate cemetery, the battle reenactment field, and the restored earthworks that were used by soldiers during the battle. The park also hosts an annual reenactment of the battle, which typically takes place in February.

Interesting facts about the park include that it was established in 1909, making it one of Florida's oldest state parks. The Battle of Olustee took place on February 20, 1864, and resulted in a Confederate victory. The battlefield was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1970.

The best time of year to visit Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park is in February, when the park hosts its annual reenactment of the battle. However, visitors can also enjoy the park's amenities and exhibits year-round.

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

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