Manager's Message

Come and experience the Real Florida frontier at Fort Foster Historic Site. Fort Foster was one of the original Seminole War forts constructed in Florida during the early 1800s. Today a replica wood picket style fort has been constructed on the original site. Park Rangers provide tours, and explain the Fort operations and living conditions, as well as telling the history of the Seminole Wars in Florida. A visit to Fort Foster can be a very enjoyable addition to your visit to Hillsborough River State Park. Come for the day, or camp overnight in the parks campgrounds.

- Kim Tennille, Park Manager

Welcome to Fort Foster State Historic Site

Fort Foster State Historic Site is part of Hillsborough River State Park, though located on the East Side of US 301 from the park. Fort Foster is a reconstructed fort from the Second Seminole War. The Fort is located 1800 feet from the parking lot and has no restrooms available. Tours of the fort are offered (weather permitting) on Weekends and an annual Fort Foster Rendezvous with skirmishes is held in February. Special tours for organized groups are available on request, for information contact Hillsborough River State Park at least two weeks in advance.

An interpretive center is located on the West Side of U.S. 301 in Hillsborough River State Park. The interpretive center contains exhibits about the fort, the Seminoles, and the Second Seminole War. Admission to the visitor center is included in the entrance fee to Hillsborough River State Park.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Fort Foster State Historic Site, please call 813-987-6771.

Hours of Operation

Fort Foster is not open for visitation on a daily basis and does not have regular operating hours. The Fort is opened for guided tours and for special events. Private tours of Fort Foster for organized groups are available, call 813-987-6771 at least two weeks in advance if interested.

Tour Times: Saturday at 2 pm, and Sunday at 11 am

Driving Directions

All Visitors to Fort Foster must enter through Hillsborough River State Park first. Hillsborough River State Park is located 9 miles north of Tampa and 6 miles south of Zephyrhills on US Highway 301. From I-75, South bound from Ocala take the SR 54. Exit #279 east to Hwy 301, travel South for 6 miles, and the park will be on your right-hand side. From I-75, North bound from Tampa take the Fowler Ave. Exit #265 east to Hwy 301, travel North for 9 miles, and the park will be on your left-hand side. From I-4, West bound take Exit 10 go north on C.R. 579 to US 301, follow the signs and go North 7 miles the park will be on your left-hand side. From I-4, East bound take Exit 7 (be careful of the merges) and go North on US 301 for 14 miles, the park will be on your left-hand side.

Park Fees

Tour Fee
Adults $2.00
Children 6 - 12 $1.00
Children under 6 Free

Fort Foster State Historic Site

Hillsborough River State Park, 15402 US 301 North
Thonotosassa, Florida 33592
Phone: 813-987-6771
Fax: Contact Park for Number