On the northeast part of Florida, just south of Jacksonville, you can find some fun budget friendly & free things to do in Middleburg and the surrounding areas. This collection of towns in Clay County has much to offer! You’ll find both historical and nature activities here for a very low cost.
**All the photos in this posting are Courtesy of Clay County, FL Tourism please find more information on ExploreClay.com
1. Military Museum of North Florida – FREE
One of first stops you’ll want to make in the Middleburg area is the Military Museum of North Florida. This museum contains interactive exhibits, real artifacts, and hands-on activities. View authentic military vehicles and a fighter jet cockpit. At this museum, the exhibits range from the Revolutionary war to Operation Iraq Freedom.
2. Camp Blanding Museum -FREE
This great museum tells the story of Camp Blanding, a WWII training base, that was built in less than 90-days by the same company that built New York City’s Empire State Building. Through the years, it was home to US soldiers and medical teams training here, German POWs living here and now serves as the FL National Guard’s Joint Training Center.
3. Mike Roess Gold Head State Park – $5 per car
This is one of Florida’s most historic state park and features waterways and hiking/cycling trails to enjoy throughout the park. You can swim and fish in the lake as well. In addition, the park has a short bike trail (3 miles). Want to ride more? Take the 6-mile paved connecting bike path at the entrance of the park. This path leads to the Palatka to Lake Butler State Trail.
4. Jennings State Forest – $2
If you want to find some elevation for hiking in Florida, make a stop at Jennings State Forest! There is only a $2 entry fee and it’s off the beaten path of crowds. You will want to check out the Pioneer Trail – which runs about 10 miles and is an out and back trail. For paddling, head over to Ellis Ford Recreation Area in the forest. Here, you will find a long paddling trail for your canoe, SUP, or kayak. In addition, check out the other recreation areas in the park at this link.
5. Town of Penney Farms Historical Museum – FREE
The small town of Penney Farms, founded by James Cash “J.C.” Penney, is honored to share their story of the man who founded the town and the great stories of the town and Penney Retirement Community and the New Hope community.
It is on the Florida Scenic Highway www.JCPenneyScenicHighway.org. As you arrive from the east on SR 16, a sign marks the beginning of the J.C. Penney Memorial Scenic Highway which is bordered by a thick magnolia and oak tree canopy dating back to the 1920’s. Proceeding west, the Penney Retirement Community, a National Register of Historic Places District, comes into view with its historic church and French Norman style architecture. A few blocks further at 4100 Clark Avenue is the Historic Museum and Town of Penney Farms Town Hall.
6. Clay County Historical Museum – FREE
Clay County History Museum has a variety of exhibits including those related to the railroad, life through the years and memorabilia from Slim Whitman, a world-renown yodeler and singer-songwriter who performed with Elvis. Also on the grounds of the Historic Triangle, people can tour the second oldest Jail in Florida and pay respects to those gave their lives for our freedom who are from Clay County by visiting the TAPS Monument.
7. Camp Chowenwaw Park
This camp was purchased from the Girl Scouts of the Gateway in 2006. The Girl Scouts had been using the site as a camp since 1933 for generations of young women in Northern Florida. It now offers recreation activities and preserving its historical heritage and resources. The park offers camping, kayaking, seasonal pool, and more.
8. Middleburg Museum
This museum tells the story of the history of the small town of Middleburg including but not limited to tales from Timucuan indigenous people, the Civil War, the turpentine era, and much more.
9. Bayard Conservation area
Visit the Bayard Conservation area to fish, hike, bike, or view wildlife in the wetlands. There are nice wide trails that are open like a forest road. The park is pet friendly if you’d like to bring your dog along. During the rainy season, many of the trails hold a lot of moisture, so it’s advised to bring waterproof boots or other footwear. The park has two camp areas in it as well. If you have a canoe or kayak, you can launch from one of the surrounding boat ramps and paddle into the park where the water is shallow near the cypress trees.
*Another note: Clay County also recently launched a History Passport that includes just a sampling of their history. They have a cell phone app called ExploreClay. In the tour section of the app, you’ll find the Clay County History Tour featuring 25 history locations.
Map of Free Things to Do in Middleburg & Green Cove Springs
Looking for more to do in the area? Check out our page on St. Augustine or Jacksonville.