ABOUT ORANGE PARK HISTORY TOURS
Embark on a journey with Orange Park History Tours as we unveil the hidden stories of Orange Park and its surroundings. Using historic photographs, we transport you back in time, allowing you to stand in the footsteps of the photographers and perceive history through their lenses. Picture a bygone era when steamboat paddle wheels churned up white foam on the St. Johns, the aroma of fresh produce filled the air at the Kingsley Ave. pier, and wagons creaked along dirt roads.
To enhance your experience, we integrate a scavenger hunt and various escape room-like challenges, making it a captivating journey you'll be reluctant to end. To step into this immersive exploration of the past, simply call us or visit our website to schedule your tour. For those interested in a group tour, we offer the option to arrange a private experience. Please contact us to tailor a tour to your group's interests. Remember, reservations are required for all our engaging tours.
Honoring Our Community: Special Discounts for Service Organizations
Orange Park History Tours is proud to honor our various dedicated and hard-working professionals and service organizations by offering a 50% discount on our tours. Over the next 3 months, we will recognize a different group each week. For more information or to book your discounted tour, call, text or e-mail us at 239-340-1292 or OrangeParkHistoryTours@gmail.com
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May:
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May 2nd, 3rd, 4th: Active Military
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May 9th, 10th, 11th: First Responders
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May 16th, 17th, 18th: Hospital Personnel
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May 23rd, 24th, 25th: Clay County Public Schools Personnel
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May 30th, 31st, June 1st: Veterans
June:
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June 6th, 7th, 8th: Woman’s Club of Orange Park
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June 13th, 14th, 15th: BASCA
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June 20th, 21st, 22nd: American Legion/VFW
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June 27th, 28th, 29th: Garden Club of Orange Park
July:
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July 4th, 5th, 6th: Art Guild of Orange Park
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July 11th, 12th, 13th: Pet Rescuers
GUIDED HISTORY AND CEMETERY TOURS
This is a one-hour, 1-mile tour that focuses on the heart of Orange Park. Stroll back in time with founder Washington Gano Benedict, who will transport you to 1877 when the first three streets were laid out, orange trees were planted, and the thrill of steamboat whistles filled the air.
You will be captivated by the stories of Benedict's marketing schemes, the killer freeze of 1894, the sunken Civil War boat just offshore, horses and wagons falling off the pier, the infamous "Monkey Farm," and many more.
For those who enjoy solving mysteries, you will break open an 1800s wax seal and discover the first clue to solving the mystery of the Monkey Farm's missing chimp. Utilizing information along the route, you'll open locks and find keys that will unravel the mystery.
Younger guests can participate in our digital scavenger hunt by taking photos of the monkey faces placed along the tour route. These are the monkeys that escaped from the Monkey Farm. Collect all of them and receive free food coupons from local partnering fast-food restaurants.
Wondering what the heck the Monkey Farm is? You'll find out. It's part of Orange Park's HIDDEN HISTORY!
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Want to delve deeper into the past? Join our Magnolia Cemetery tour, which highlights the movers and shakers who helped build Orange Park. Hear fascinating stories of Civil War veterans, mayors, the “Ice Man,” the Clarkes, Gen. Copeland, a WWI balloonist, a Pearl Harbor survivor, and many more—all with their own unique tales. Cemetery tours are held on Wednesday and Friday evenings.
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Step Back in Time
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18 US dollarsStep Back in Time
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20 US dollarsStep Back in Time
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18 US dollarsStep Back in Time
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Step Back in Time
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18 US dollarsStep Back in Time
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18 US dollarsStep Back in Time
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20 US dollarsStep Back in Time
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18 US dollars
*For group rates, contact us for more information.
Location
All tours start at the
Urban Bean located at
2023 Park Ave. 32073. Look for your guide in historical attire.
Parking
History tour parking is available on
the SE corner of
Kingsley Ave. and Park Ave.
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Cemetery tour parking is available at the Clarke House or on Kingsley Ave at the Baptist church.
Duration
All tours last
approximately an hour
and 15 minutes covering a one-mile walking distance.
Pet Friendly
We welcome well-behaved pets to join our tours, allowing you to share your historical adventure with your furry companions.
When
The tours take place on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, starting at 6:30 PM.
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Refunds
Refunds will be issued in the event of tour cancellations due to inclement weather.
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MEET OUR GUIDE
Bob Scallan
Meet Bob Scallan, an enthusiastic history teacher and former school administrator who breathes life into the history of Orange Park. As a dedicated member of the Historical Society of Orange Park, Bob established Orange Park History Tours with a mission to unveil the town's enthralling tales.