Fort Clinch First Weekend Reenactments, Aerial Video

Amelia islanders and residents of Nassau County, Florida are a lucky bunch to have Fort Clinch State Park within easy reach. For tourists, it’s a must see venue when visiting!

Besides the fort itself, a wonderful relic of the Civil War period, the park property is the largest remaining natural area on Amelia Island, covering over 1,400 acres. Some of the great outdoor activities available include exploring nature, hiking trails, biking, birding, fishing (or strolling) along the half-mile-long pier, enjoying the extensive beachfront and camping overnight. (The photo above was taken on the beach just south of the Fort Clinch pier.)

Panoramic Waterfront Views

Stunning waterfront views can be seen from the cannon walls of the Fort itself. Another beautiful waterfront vista is seen from the fishing pier (pictured below). On the north side of the pier, maybe you’ll get a glimpse of an enormous, black Trident nuclear submarine — they are occasionally spotted in the channel, heading to or from Kings Bay Navy Base in neighboring Georgia. Near the riverfront campgrounds, you may also see shrimp boats on their way in or out fishing. Plus, sensational sunsets can be seen along the western riverbank at Fort Clinch. Like to paddle? Some launch kayaks from this area of the park’s riverfront, as well.

Union Garrisons: Held First Weekend Each Month

Any day is a good day to spend time at this park! Visitors always have option to watch an informative movie about the Fort’s history (in an air-conditioned building, the small museum adjacent to the gift shop/ticket/restroom building), before taking the pathway to the drawbridge to walk through what we like to call the “time tunnel” into the past — the year 1864. Usually, at least one reenactor roams the fort and interacts with visitors. However, once a month, “first weekends,” a special production with lots of reenactors offers a wonderful interactive history lesson. These “Union Garrison” living history weekends happen throughout the year on the first weekend of each month. This first weekend event allows visitors to interact with living historians, ask questions, take photos and be immersed in this Southern coastal fort, said to be one of America’s most well-preserved 19th Century fortresses. The fort’s grounds will be bustling with soldiers in period costumes. Watch firing demonstrations, marching drills, cooking and daily activities. Ladies in their dresses, sutlers displaying their wares, fife players and drummer boys bring every part of the Civil War era fort to life. Join in this unique, family-friendly learning experience at Fort Clinch in Fernandina Beach.

Fort Clinch First Weekend Event Hours

Saturday hours — 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Sunday hours — 9:00 am – 12:00 pm noon (sometimes till 1 pm)

Unique Visual Perspective of Fort Clinch

Get a better idea of the Fort’s layout at water’s edge by watching this aerial video, a birds-eye view most have never seen (produced by Dronematic Photography, this YOUTUBE video was filmed back in September 2014).

Fees include a $6 per vehicle Park entrance fee plus an additional $2 per person Fort admission fee. It’s one of the best bargains around, a great value for enjoying a relaxing day spent outdoors. Visiting the Fort is an educational experience for the kids, grandchildren and adults, alike. For additional information, contact Fort Clinch at (904) 277-7274.

Bird Alert!

After seeing that birds-eye view, no wonder they love to fly into Fort Clinch. Some parts of the park’s shoreline are seasonally sensitive bird nesting areas. Please respect the warning signs and roped off areas and stay out of these spots to help protect nesting birds. See tips about how to “Share The Shore With Wildlife.” “Most shorebirds and seabirds nest and raise their young between February and August each year in Florida,” according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. On Amelia Island, two highly sensitive bird nesting areas within Fort Clinch State Park and Amelia Island State Park are roped off during nesting periods, please keep your distance.