Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve Visitor Center

OPERATING HOURS

The Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve Visitor Center is typically open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 AM to 5 PM, except when closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Times can always change, so be sure to check the official Timucuan Preserve’s Operating Hours and Seasons web page for the latest schedule.

AMENITIES

• Ranger-staffed information desk where you can pick up a park brochure for both the Timucuan Preserve and Fort Caroline National Memorial
• Book and souvenir store
• Where the Waters Meet, an exhibit on the natural and human history of the Jacksonville area
• Restrooms
• Picnic tables are located on the side of the building, and a picnic pavilion is behind the building

EXHIBIT

The Where the Waters Meet exhibit starts off with a discussion of the natural history of the area. Much of the Timucuan Preserve is made up of salt marsh wetlands and estuaries. Unlike a bay that has a large mouth open to the ocean, there are only a few small openings that bring water into the estuaries. Motorboats, canoes, and kayaks can access the inland waterways from various boat launches within the park.

Where Waters Meet exhibit at the Timucuan Preserve Visitor Center

The majority of the exhibit covers the human history of the Timucuan Preserve, starting with an in depth look at the Timucuan Indians who lived here when the French arrived in 1562. Much is known of the Timucuan because of French journals and reports. Their appearance and customs were well documented by artist Jacques le Moyne, who was part of the 1564 expedition and one of the few to escape alive after the Spanish attacked Fort Caroline, killing most everyone in the process. Any drawings you see in the exhibit are reproductions of le Moyne’s drawings.

Timucuan Indian exhibit at the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve Visitor Center

The exhibit covers the Spanish occupation of Florida and up through the territory’s eventual inclusion into the United States of America. The last bit of information is from 1990, which indicates that the same exhibit has been on display since the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve was created.

Timeline of European history at the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve Visitor Center

1594 Spanish cannon recovered from a wreck off the coast of Vero Beach

SCHEDULING YOUR TIME

It takes about 45 minutes to read all of the information in the Where the Waters Meet exhibit, though most people just browse through sections that peak their interest. Add fifteen minutes to talk with the Rangers and pick up the brochures you need, and you could spend up to an hour at the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve Visitor Center.

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