CAMP BLANDING MUSEUM
AND MEMORIAL PARK

By  Mike Miller May 3, 2025

OVERVIEW

Camp Blanding Museum and Memorial Park is in Kingsley Lake, a small town near Starke, Florida

The museum honors the military history of Camp Blanding. Housed in a restored World War II barracks, the museum showcases artifacts, photos, and exhibits.

Outside, visitors can explore military vehicles, aircraft, and memorials. It’s a free, family-friendly site run by the Florida National Guard, offering a glimpse into the sacrifices of service members. 

Camp BlandingCamp Blanding Memorial Park

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Camp Blanding, established in 1939, served as a major training center during World War II. It trained over 800,000 soldiers, making it Florida’s fourth-largest “city” at its peak.

The camp also housed German prisoners of war. Today, it remains an active training base for the Florida National Guard.

The museum, opened in 1990, preserves this history, focusing on the camp’s role in World War II and later conflicts.

Exhibits include uniforms, weapons, and a diorama of the POW camp, connecting visitors to the past. 

VISITING DETAILS

The museum is located at 5629 State Road 16 West, Building 3040, Starke, FL 32091, just outside Camp Blanding’s main gate. It’s open daily from 12 PM to 4 PM. Call (904) 682-3196 to confirm hours.

Admission is free, but donations support operations. Allow about 1.5 hours to explore indoor exhibits and outdoor displays. Parking is available for cars, but RVs may find it tight. Restrooms and a small gift shop are on-site.

The nearest food is in Starke, eight miles away. Guided tours are available, and staff are knowledgeable. Check the website for updates on events like “Night at the Museum.” 

INTERESTING FACTS

  • A World War II dog-tag machine, found in a base cleanup, is a rare museum treasure.  
  • Kids can try on Army helmets from different eras.  
  • The outdoor park features a self-guided tour with tanks, ambulances, and a Huey helicopter.  
  • Volunteers share detailed stories of the camp and its history.  
  • Many artifacts come from civilians with ties to the camp.  
  • The museum also honors Audie Murphy, a World War II hero, through an annual field training exercise held at Camp Blanding.

CAMP BLANDING MUSEUM WEBSITE

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