Park Summary for Print - Cedar Key Museum State Park

Stately sabal palms are gathered around the large windows of the museum. This block shaped building is constructed of tan brick with aluminum window and door frames.

Welcome to Cedar Key Museum State Park

Picturesque Cedar Key, on Florida's Gulf Coast, was a thriving port city and railroad connection during the 19th century. The museum contains exhibits that depict its colorful history during that era. Part of the collection has sea shells and Indian artifacts collected by Saint Clair Whitman, the founder of the first museum in Cedar Key. Whitman's house is located at the park and has been restored to reflect life in the 1920s. A short nature trail gives visitors the opportunity to see wildlife and birds, as well as native vegetation. Small gray squirrels, doves, mockingbirds, blue jays, woodpeckers, and green tree frogs can be seen on the museum grounds and along the walking trail. The museum is open Thursday-Monday from 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and is closed on Christmas. Located off State Road 24 on Museum Drive.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Cedar Key Museum State Park, please call 352-543-5350.

Hours of Operation

The museum and exhibits are wheelchair accessible. The museum is open Thursday through Monday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The museum is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday, and on Christmas.

Driving Directions

Take S.R. 24 west into Cedar Key. Once in town, follow the official signs to locate the museum at 12231 SW 166th Court.

Park Fees

Admission Fee:

$2.00 per person, museum admission fee. Children 5 and younger are free.

Activities at Cedar Key Museum State Park

Nature Trails

A short nature trail gives visitors the opportunity to see wildlife and birds, as well as native vegetation. Small gray squirrels, doves, mockingbirds, blue jays, woodpeckers, and green tree frogs can be seen on the museum grounds and along the walking trail.

Pets

Well-behaved dogs are welcome at Cedar Key Museum State Park. They must be kept on a 6-foot leash at all times and can not be left unattended for more than a half-hour. Dogs are not permitted in the museum or St. Clair Whitman house.

Visitor Center

Experience what life was like in Cedar Key during the 19th century. The museum contains exhibits that depict its colorful history during that era.

Special Events for Cedar Key Museum State Park

FESTIVAL OF TREES
Date: November 26th through December 28th, 2009. 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. The museum is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday, and on Christmas Day.
Description: Celebrate the holiday season in Cedar Key! View four beautiful theme decorated Christmas trees on display in the Museum lobby. Each tree is decorated by a different non-profit organization in the Cedar Key area.

Directions: Take S.R. 24 west into Cedar Key. Once in town, follow the official signs to locate the museum at 12231 SW 166th Court.

Fees: Free to view the trees. Museum entrance is $2.00 per person, children 5 and younger are free.
Contact: For more information, call 352-543-5350.

Participation Requirements
CEDAR KEY SCRUB HAYRIDE
Date: Saturday, December 19, 2009 at 12:00 noon AND 2:00 p.m.
Description: Enjoy a leisurely interpretive hay ride through Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve. Learn about the natural communities and the wildlife that call the Scrub home. Hayrides will take place at Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve.

Reservations are required for this program. For more information and to reserve your spot, call 352-543-5567.

Directions: Hayrides will depart from the Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve picnic area, located six miles east of Cedar Key on S.R. 24

Fees: This event is free.
Contact: For more information, call 352-543-5567.

Participation Requirements

Cedar Key Museum State Park Ranger Programs

ST. CLAIR WHITMAN HOUSE TOUR
The St. Clair Whitman house focuses on the life of St. Clair Whitman and his collection of natural items. This is a self-guided tour which will provide you with a look in the past as you tour through this restored house.

Participation Requirements

Call 352-543-5350 for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cedar Key Museum State Park

Question: What year did the hurricane destroy Atsena Otie Key, the island cross from Cedar Key?
Answer: In 1896, a hurricane destroyed Atsena Otie Key, one of the largest islands in the Cedar Keys. The losses brought the demise of the Faber Lumber Company, which supported the Eberhard Faber pencil industry. A number of homes were also destroyed. The hurricane left it’s mark on Cedar Key as well, destroying hotels, the ice factory and other businesses and homes.

Cedar Key Museum State Park History

Cedar Key was settled in the early 1840’s by Augustus Steel and was flourishing by 1861. With the completion of the Cross Florida Railroad constructed by Mr. David Yulee, the bustling port of Cedar Key was connected to the Florida east coast in Fernandina. The railroad carried lumber, turpentine, cotton, seafood products and passengers.

Salt was an important commodity in the 1800’s. During the War Between the States, salt was obtained for the Confederacy from the evaporation of sea water in kettles and boilers around Cedar Key. In 1862 a Federal force attacked by sea and captured the city. The forces destroyed the kettles and boilers hoping to further deprive the Confederates of much needed supplies. Museum exhibits include the fishing and lumber industry, the Civil War period and information on the history of Cedar Key.

Cedar Key Museum State Park Volunteer Information

Volunteers can do many things -- greet visitors, conduct tours, help rangers remove exotic plants or maintain the natural beauty of a beach, waterway or trail.