A destination for environmental education with a dash of regional history, the St. Johns River Center in downtown Palatka tells the story of Florida’s longest and most storied river.
Resources
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Overview
Location: Palatka
Address: 102 N. First Street, Palatka
Fees: Free
Restrooms: Yes
Land manager: Putnam County
Phone: 386-328-2704
Open Tue-Sat 11-4, Sun 1-4. You may see crowds here on weekdays before these posted times, as the center is a destination for field trips for local schools.
Directions
From SR 19, follow SR 100 east to where it merges with US 17. Continue south along US 17 through downtown Palatka, making the final right turn off US 17 just before the bridge over the St. Johns River. Parking for the River Center is immediately on the right, with additional street parking along First Street.
About the Center
Inside this interpretive center, the kids can keep busy with a succession of hands-on activities designed to introduce them to the St. Johns River, its habitats, and history.
No kids in tow? No problem. There’s plenty to learn by reading the interpretive panels along the walls and in the themed exhibits.
The center serves as a welcome center for the Bartram Trail in Putnam County, so you’ll find a map of Bartram Trail sites in the region.
There is also a good bit of background on naturalist William Bartram, who documented the St. Johns River by journaling and sketching what he saw in 1773 and 1774.
Explore More
Learn more about the St. Johns River at these nearby stops on the Bartram Trail in Putnam County.
Ravine Gardens State Park With swinging bridges over a deep ravine painted in bright colors by azaleas each February, Ravine Gardens State Park offers hiking and biking loops in Palatka
Palatka Water Works On the grounds of the Water Works Environmental Education Center, explore the historic Palatka Water Works and a short interpretive trail dedicated to William Bartram's travels as Puc Puggy, the Flower Hunter.
Palatka Riverfront Park Re-imagined to showcase the beauty of the St. Johns River, Palatka Riverfront Park offers a quarter-mile riverfront walk with panoramic views. 
- Michael Crotty Bicentennial Park - November 3, 2026
- A.J. Henry Park - November 1, 2026
- Okeeheelee Nature Center Trails - October 22, 2026