Cedar Key Museum offers guests a chance to go back in time to experience the history of the area.

Cedar Key Museum State Park encompasses 18 acres and offers an opportunity to imagine yourself as naturalist John Muir, taking a quiet walk past large pines and oaks down to view Cedar Key's expansive salt marshes. John Muir did in fact spend a few months in Cedar Key in 1867, commemorated with a state historic marker located on the museum grounds.

The exhibits are now vintage examples from the 1950s to 1960s by the University of Florida design team, which at the time developed numerous displays for state parks. This offers a unique opportunity not only to learn about the history of Cedar Key, but also to appreciate the incredible craftsmanship that went into these museum displays.

The historic Whitman home commemorates the life of St. Clair Whitman, whose collections of seashells and native American artifacts are featured in the museum. The home has been restored to how it would have looked in the 1920s, offering yet another portal into the past.

Explore Florida’s history at Cedar Key Museum State Park.

Cedar Key Museum State Park

Twelve natural communities provide splendid opportunities for wildlife observation along miles of trails.

Located five miles east of Cedar Key, the reserve is over 5,000 acres with much to explore. It is accessed from two trailheads, one on State Road 24 and the other on Levy County Road 347. The trailheads provide access to the over 13 miles of multi-use trails located within the reserve - hike, bike or ride a horse.

Contained within the reserve's boundaries are 12 distinct natural communities including one of the rarest in the state, Florida scrub. These natural communities are home to a variety of wildlife including the Florida scrub jay, Florida mouse, gopher tortoise and bald eagle. 

The reserve's western boundary includes tidal marshes whose creeks are wonderful for either fishing from a canoe or kayak or simply paddling to observe wildlife. While the reserve does not have a canoe/kayak launch, the tidal marsh can be accessed by launching at the public boat ramp located at the FWC Senator George Kirkpatrick Marine Laboratory, located off State Road 24 at the entrance to Cedar Key.

State Parks Tagged With: Cedar Key