Cedar Key, Florida

• What is the Cedar Key Historical Society Museum?
  • The Cedar Key Historical Society Museum is Cedar Key’s premiere cultural and historical museum, showcasing exhibits on the region’s history from prehistory through the present day.
• Where is the museum located?
  • The museum is located within the Cedar Keys Historic and Archaeological District.
• When was the museum founded?
  • The museum was founded in 1979 through the vision of local artist Polly Pillsbury, who worked with citizen donors to preserve the region’s history.
• How many buildings does the museum encompass?
  • The museum spans two preserved historic buildings:
  • The 1871 Lutterloh Building – Features exhibits on fossil findings, indigenous cultural artifacts, economic industries, and the region’s connection to naturalist John Muir.
  • The Andrews House annex – Originally constructed on Atsena Otie Key, this building houses exhibits on the area’s railroading history, manufacturing, and medical and dental history.

609 2nd St, Cedar Key, FL 32625, Phone: 352-543-5549

• What is Cedar Key State Museum?
  • Cedar Key State Museum is a popular Florida state park in Cedar Key, featuring the preserved home of Saint Clair Whitman.
• What is the history of the Whitman House?
  • The house was originally constructed in the 1880s and acquired by Saint Clair Whitman around 1920. It has been restored to its historic early 20th-century appearance and décor.
• What exhibits can visitors see inside the museum?
  • The house showcases exhibits including:
  • Collections of sea shells and indigenous artifacts originally displayed by Whitman.
  • Dioramas depicting life in Cedar Key throughout history.
• What outdoor attractions are available at the museum?
  • A short nature trail offers opportunities to observe native wildlife and vegetation, including native and migratory birds.
• Is there a historical marker on-site?
  • Yes, a marker commemorates the site's 1867 visit by famed naturalist John Muir during his walk from Kentucky to Florida.

12231 SW 166th Ct, Cedar Key, FL 32625, Phone: 352-543-5350

For Nature Enthusiasts

• What is Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge?
  • Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge is an 891-acre U.S. National Wildlife Refuge located near Cedar Key, accessible via State Road 24.
• When was the refuge established and why?
  • The refuge was originally established in 1929 to protect native bird populations from overkilling for fashion plumage.
• What wildlife can be found in the refuge?
  • The refuge provides a safe habitat for more than 20,000 native birds, including white pelicans and bald eagles. Other wildlife includes manatees and dolphins.
• How many islands are included in the refuge?
  • The refuge encompasses 13 barrier islands and is also home to the 379-acre Cedar Keys Wilderness Area, established in 1972.
• What outdoor activities are available?
  • Popular activities include:
  • Fishing – Click here for fishing license fees and info.
  • Nature photography
  • Wildlife watching
  • Paddling – Many companies offer guided paddling tours or self-guided map routes for kayak rentals.
• What historical attractions are within the refuge?
  • The Cedar Keys Light Station is open to the public for guided tours several times a year.

16450 NW 31 Place, Chiefland, FL 32626, Phone: 352-493-0238

• What is Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge?
  • Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge is a 53,000-acre U.S. National Wildlife Refuge located in Levy and Dixie Counties near Cedar Key, about an hour south of Gainesville.
• When was the refuge established?
  • The refuge was established in 1979 to protect one of the largest undeveloped river delta ecosystems in the United States.
• What areas does the refuge cover?
  • The refuge stretches for 20 miles along the Suwannee River estuary and an additional 20 miles along the Gulf of Mexico coastline.
• What wildlife can visitors see at the refuge?
  • Native wildlife includes:
  • Manatees
  • Deer
  • Sturgeon
  • Turkeys
  • Bald eagles
• What recreational activities are available?
  • Visitors can enjoy:
  • Fishing
  • Paddling
  • Hunting
  • Nature photography
  • Wildlife watching
• Are there any facilities for wildlife observation?
  • Yes, the refuge features several observation towers and boardwalks for visitor use.
• What interpretive programs are available?
  • Visitors can participate in nature walks and a wildlife driving tour program.

16450 NW 31 Pl, Chiefland, FL 32626, Phone: 352-493-0238

• What is the Cedar Key Railroad Trestle Nature Trail?
  • The Cedar Key Railroad Trestle Nature Trail is a 1,700-foot rail trail located on the barrier island that contains the city of Cedar Key, accessible via State Road 24.
• What is the history of the trail?
  • The trail follows the route of a former railroad line that connected Cedar Key to Fernandina Beach, which operated between 1861 and 1932.
• What kind of environment surrounds the trail?
  • The trail is surrounded by lush native vegetation and is home to a variety of native migratory and shorebird species.
• What can visitors see at the end of the trail?
  • At the end of the trail, a shallow bay contains a number of preserved trestle posts that once supported a bridge carrying trains across the water to Cedar Key.
• Are bicycles allowed on the trail?
  • No, bicycles are not permitted due to the trail’s sandy, uneven terrain.

Grove St, Cedar Key, FL 32625

• What is Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve?
  • Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve is a 5,000-acre Florida state park located approximately six miles northeast of Cedar Key along State Road 24.
• What types of habitats are preserved in the reserve?
  • The park protects 12 distinct natural habitat areas, including a rare Florida scrub habitat.
• What wildlife species can be found in the reserve?
  • The reserve is home to species such as:
  • Florida scrub jay
  • Southern bald eagle
  • Gopher tortoise
• How can visitors access the reserve?
  • There are two trailheads, accessible via:
  • State Road 24
  • Levy County Road 347
• How many miles of trails are in the reserve?
  • The reserve features more than 13 miles of multi-use trails, open to hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders.
• What recreational activities can visitors enjoy?
  • Popular activities include:
  • Paddling
  • Fishing
  • Birding
  • Geocaching
  • Wildlife watching
• Are there facilities available for visitors?
  • Yes, the SR24 trailhead offers day-use picnic areas and public restrooms.

FL-24, Cedar Key, FL 32625, Phone: 352-543-5567

• What is Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park?
  • Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park is one of Florida’s most unique state parks, covering 34,000 acres in the Cedar Key region.
• How can visitors access the park?
  • The preserve is only accessible by boat from Cedar Key and Yankeetown.
• What type of habitats are preserved in the park?
  • The park spans 20 miles of shoreline tidal marsh habitats along Waccasassa Bay.
  • It also preserves some of the last remains of the Gulf Hammock, Florida’s largest hydric hammock, which once covered more than 100,000 acres.
• What endangered species can be found in the park?
  • The preserve provides habitat for:
  • The endangered salt marsh vole
  • The West Indian manatee
  • A variety of saltwater sporting fish species
• What recreational activities are available?
  • Visitors can enjoy:
  • Saltwater and freshwater fishing (with a valid Florida fishing license)
  • Boating
  • Paddling
  • Birding
  • Wildlife watching
• Are camping opportunities available?
  • Yes, the park offers primitive campsites, available on a first come, first served basis.

8312 SW 125th Ave, Inglis, FL 34449, Phone: 352-543-5567