Sugar Mill Ruins of Florida’s Historic Coast
We love visiting historic sites! There’s something so cool about the feeling of going back in time. It’s like flipping a switch in your brain that instantly takes you to another dimension. Learning about how our world has evolved and seeing the remains of what used to be, is truly an incredible experience. Out of the many amazing historic sites in Florida, some of them are the Sugar Mill Ruins of Florida’s Historic Coast found along the Scenic and Historic A1A Coastal Byway.
So, get ready to explore! Because this historic coast covers from Ponte Vedra Beach down to Flagler Beach and it’s amazing!
Sugar Mill Plantations in Florida
These are some of our favorite Sugar Mill Plantation Ruins in Florida’s historic coast. Want to know the best thing about exploring them? Most of them are completely free! These historic plantation sites are family and kid approved! The first one we ever visited was the New Smyrna Sugar Mill Ruins. I personally fell in love with the coquina structures, the history behind it, and the complete beauty of the site. This one, in particular, has a nature trail that loops back to the plantation. The Bulow Sugar Mill Plantation is the one that might take the most time to explore. Mostly because it’s the biggest, and it’s also a State Park. I’m sure you’ll find plenty of activities to do while you’re there.
You’ll also be needing some extra time at the Dunlawton Plantation. It’s surrounded by a beautiful botanical garden perfect for meditation, and it’s also the site for Bongoland; an abandoned Dinosaur Park. Dummit Plantation won’t require much time to explore since it’s the smallest one of them all.
New Smyrna Sugar Mill Ruins
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, these ruins were once the site of steam-operated sugarcane and mill, back in the 1830s.
Plan your visit
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Admission: Free
Location: 600 Mission Dr., New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
Dummit Plantation Mill Ruins
Remains of the sugar and rum processing factory built in 1825, and owned by Thomas H. Dummit.
Plan your visit
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Admission: Free
Location: 2 miles north of Tomoka State Park on Old Dixie Hwy, Ormond Beach, FL 32174
Bulow Sugar Mill Plantation Ruins
The main attraction of the Bulow Plantation Ruins State Park, also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Operating from 1820, this was once the largest sugar mill in Florida. It was later burned down by the Seminoles during the Seminole War in 1836.
Plan your visit
Hours: 9 am to 5 pm. Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Admission: $4 per vehicle, using the honor box.
Location: 3501 Old Kings Rd., Flagler Beach, FL 32136
Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens
The history of this sugar mill factory dates back to before Florida was even a state. It was awarded to a Mr. Patrick Dean in 1804, and he grew sugar, cane, cotton, and rice in this site.
Plan your visit
Hours: Open daily from 8 am to 5 pm, except for Christmas Day and New Years Day.
Admission: Free
Location: 950 Old Sugar Mill Rd., Port Orange, FL 32129
I hope you get to visit these amazing historic plantations! As a reminder, carry mosquito repellent for your family and plan your day trip so that you can enjoy the plantations without being in a hurry.
