Beluthahatchee Park

St. Johns County Parks and Recreation manages this four-acre park on the Beluthahatchee, a man-made 18-acre lake. Stetson Kennedy purchased the property in the 40s and platted it in 1949 to create a sustainable community with land set aside as a wildlife refuge, to show how human and natural habitats could co-exist. 

The Beluthahatchee Park

Originally a creek near the St. Johns River, Beluthahatchee Lake was formed when Mill Creek was impounded. The lake has high bluffs on either side, and the ghosts of trees that formerly grew on the shores of Mill Creek. The property has huge live oaks, southern magnolia, laurels, and pignut hickory trees, attracting herons, egrets, eagles, ducks, grackles, and ospreys. 

History of Beluthahatchee Park

Stetson Kennedy's writing career started in 1942 with the book Palmetto Country, followed by other notable works such as Southern Exposure in 1946, Jim Crowe Guide in 1956, The Klan Unmasked in 1957, and The Jim Crow Guide in 1959. An author, social activist, and environmentalist, Stetson won the Gustavus Meyer Award for doing the most to combat bigotry in 1995.

Several artists visited Stetson in his home, most notably Woody Guthrie, who spent much time at Beluthahatchee. He said he had written more than 80 songs while staying there. He also completed Seeds of Man, his autobiography, while staying in the home on the lake. Zora Neale Hurston, author of Their Eyes Were Watching God and several other novels, enjoyed visiting the property, claiming that Beluthahatchee was "A place where all unpleasantness is forgiven and forgotten."

In 2003, the park became a Literary Landmark with an additional marker in Kennedy's name. He then received a life estate in 2005. 

Amenities at Beluthahatchee Park

• Nature trails
• Picnic pavilions
• Wildlife viewing
• Canoe dock
• Restroom facilities

Events at Beluthahatchee Park

The parks department hosts outdoor events at the park. Check their website for dates and times. 

On most months, Bob Patterson, of the Lullaby of the Rivers Festival, produces Second Sundays at Stetson's, a live acoustic music performance by one or more local and visiting artists. 

The organizers of some events may offer tours of the homes on the property, including the home Stetson built and lived in for years. 

Visit Beluthahatchee Park

Admission: Free, some programs may request a donation. 

Address: 1523 State Road 13, Fruit Cove, Florida 32259

Parking: Public spots are available in front of the site.

Other Parks Near Beluthahatchee Park

Alpine Groves, Aberdeen, Riverfront, and Veterans Park are all relatively close by. Check our local Parks Directory and the article Exploring Nature from River to Sea.