Central Florida Parks with History
Contents
Fort Christmas Park is one of few central Florida parks with history and wildlife in one place. It’s a great park to visit on an afternoon. It’s located 20 miles east of Orlando off State Road 50 heading towards Titusville, Kennedy Space Center and Merritt Island.
Park History
This historical park is named after the famous Fort which was originally built on Christmas day in 1837. It was built to protect European settlers during the Seminole Indian war (1835-1842).
The original Fort has long since gone, but a replica of it exists at the Park along with many Seminole and military artifacts.
When you approach the wooden Fort it looks like a log cabin – perhaps something more reminiscent of the wild west of America than central Florida! It’s set among many old oak trees.
What’s there to see?
There are numerous historic structures dotted throughout the park. These date from the late 1800s to the 1920s. There’s a ranch house which has been made to reflect life in the late 1900s. There’s even a school here – the Union School (1906) which is probably one of the smallest you’ve ever seen!
For more information and photos of these historic buildings click here.
Pictured above: some of the many historical artifacts on display.
Park Amenities
There are picnicking sites with barbecues, a baseball pitch, a volleyball court, a covered playground and basketball courts.
Location Map, Opening Times and Admission
Summer Opening Hours
- Park opens 8am-8pm Monday – Sunday
- Fort opens 10am-5pm Tuesday – Saturday, 1pm-5pm Sunday
- House opens 10am – 12pm and 1pm -3.30pm Tuesday – Saturday, 1pm-3.30pm Sunday
- Gift Shop opens 8am-5pm (Monday – Saturday)
Winter Opening Hours
- Park opens 8am-6pm Monday – Saturday, 1pm-5pm Sunday
- House opens 1pm-3.30pm Sunday
Admission FREE
Address:
1300 Fort Christmas Rd (CR 420)
Christmas, Florida 32709
Telephone: 1-407-568-4149