VISIT FORT CLINCH FOR A DAY TRIP   

Fort Clinch, A View From Brick Tunnel

Fort Clinch is a must-see attraction on Amelia Island.  Not just for the historic brick fortress, spectacular waterfront views, and opportunity to be out in nature and hike on trails.  But also for the park’s beach access, accommodated with restrooms, wooden walkways over the expansive dunes and some picnic tables to enjoy a lunch at the seaside on Amelia Island. 

Fall’s weather is ideal for enjoying the outdoors and nature on Amelia Island, with cooler temps and less folks around after the summertime peak tourism season. 

Fort Clinch Dunes, Atlantic Coast Beach

Visit quiet beachfront on the Atlantic coast, do some fishing, tour the historic fort built before the Civil War for a history lesson, or hike on nature trails (such as the Willow Pond Trail with guided tours offered every Saturday morning at 10:30).  It’s also a great place to ride bikes (both on paved park roads and within the coastal maritime hammock on trails for mountain bikers).

The Fort Clinch State Park on Amelia Island's north-end is open from 8 am until sunset.  A vehicle load of up to 8 people only costs $5 for a day at the park (and additional $2 per person to take a self-guided tour the fort itself).  There’s a new visitor’s center and gift shop at the entrance to the fort.  Near the fort parking lot, is also a playground and another picnic area for families to enjoy a packed lunch under the shady tree canopy.   

TOUR THE BRICK FORTRESS

 

Fort Clinch Brick Fortress

The brick fortress, a relic from the mid-1800s, is perched at the northern tip of Amelia Island, Florida, enclosed within brick walls, and offers a stunning, panoramic view of the Amelia River, Cumberland Sound, and Atlantic Ocean.  It’s a glorious view not to be missed if you are visiting this barrier island in northeast Florida.

Construction of this seacoast fortification began in 1847 (it’s a “Third System Fortification,” listed on the National Register of Historic Places).  The $2 ticket is a bargain for a million-dollar view, where you can stand adjacent to massive cannons along the fortress walls, looking out to the surrounding waterways.   

FORT CLINCH REENACTMENTS   

Held the first weekend of each month at Fort Clinch are “First Weekend Union Garrisons.”  Living historians recreate life at Fort Clinch during the Civil War period. Activities may include artillery demonstrations, medical demonstrations and soldier drills. Soldiers and civilians also take up duty in the laundry, infirmary, kitchen, barracks, quartermaster and carpenter shop. Candlelight viewings of the fort are also held on Saturday evenings every first weekend of the month (except December).

 VETERAN’S DAY TRIBUTE VERY SPECIAL AT FORT CLINCH

 

Fort Clinch State Park Riverfront Shoreline

The fort's Veteran’s Day event is very special.  This evening tribute to soldiers, being held Saturday night, November 8, 2008, the“History of the American Soldier”  is fantastic, with soldiers in period dress from throughout history – a timeline of about 18 representations of soldiers from American conflicts, firing authentic guns, with representative music of each era playing, and a narrator educating the audience.

 You’ll walk over the drawbridge and through the brick tunnel, into the parade grounds.  The fort will be flooded with a spotlight, giving it a luminous glow in the dark night.  A huge American flag atop the flagpole, will flutter wildly in the stiff, cool breezes (which are typical at this seacoast fort on a November evening).  Bring a lawn chair, definitely bring a blanket, and enjoy this very worthwhile, historic show -- a great learning experience for kids.  (Rather than an entry fee, for this event bring some canned foods to donate.)  The fort also holds other special events throughout the year (call this Florida state park for more information about the complete schedule, at 904-277-7274). 

CAMPING AT FORT CLINCH STATE PARK, FLORIDA  If you enjoy camping, the Fort Clinch State Park campground is a wonderful northeast Florida camping destination.  Reservations can be made at this campground online via Reserve America.  We took the family camping at Fort Clinch in mid-October, at the riverfront campground and pitched a tent.  We had a great time! (Also read blog about the Fort Clinch camping trip and campground amenities in Amelia Island Living's Social Network...)

 

 

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