Florida Agricultural Museum Explores Sunshine State's Farming Legacy

Famous for our sun-kissed oranges, it may come as no surprise that Florida is the top orange-growing state. Fun fact: Florida produces more than 90% of America’s orange juice! But beyond the citrus groves, the Sunshine State is home to 47,500 farms and ranches that contribute more than $104 billion to Florida’s economy every year. A great place to learn about Florida's agricultural past, present and future is located just 25 minutes north of the Beach Front Motel. The Florida Agricultural Museum in Palm Coast stands as a testament to the state's rich agricultural history. Stepping onto the meticulously preserved grounds is like entering a time capsule, transporting visitors to an era when the state's prosperity was deeply rooted in farming and ranching.

Originally located in Tallahassee, the Florida Agricultural Museum and its 11 historical buildings moved to their new home on 460 acres in Flagler County in 1997. Led by energetic, knowledgeable tour guides, tours are available Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. You'll explore the various buildings that date from 1880 to 1920, including a fully stocked general store, five buildings from a citrus complex and a 1920s dairy barn. A short wagon ride takes you to an authentic 19th-century Florida cracker homestead, a term that refers to colonial-era settlers who would "crack" whips to herd cattle. Along your agricultural journey through time, you'll encounter plenty of farm animals, including rare heritage Florida cracker cows and horses.

There are numerous exhibits that interpret agricultural issues of yesterday, today and tomorrow. Visitors can explore the homestead's fully furnished farmhouse, barn and outbuildings, each brimming with artifacts and tools from a time when self-sufficiency was a way of life. It's a captivating journey through the challenges and triumphs of Florida's pioneers, showcasing their resilience in the face of the harsh subtropical environment. Follow the heavily treed 3/4-mile hiking trail to the Hewitt's Sawmill archaeological site. Discover the water-powered sawmill that operated from 1770 to 1813, where water still flows through the earth dam constructed by slave labor so many years ago.

Maybe the best way to explore the 460-acre property of the Florida Agricultural Museum is on a guided horseback trail ride. The gentle and well-trained horses are suitable for riders of all levels. You'll travel through wooded trails, around a beautiful lake and over the highway on a wildlife bridge. From the saddle, you'll have a unique vantage point to see the pioneer homestead, historic buildings and heritage livestock. Trail rides are offered every day of the week except Mondays and are available by reservation.

During your next stay at the Beach Front Motel, take a break from the sand and surf and have some fun on the farm at the Florida Agricultural Museum. This historical destination beautifully captures the spirit of Florida's farming and ranching heritage while actively involving visitors in the preservation of traditions that shaped the Sunshine State. If you're looking for something different to do during your seashore getaway, plan an outing to the Florida Agricultural Museum to explore Florida's fertile soil beyond our citrus groves.