NATURAL BRIDGE BATTLEFIELD
     HISTORIC STATE PARK

By  Mike Miller August 25, 2025

Tucked away in the quiet woods of North Florida, just a short drive from Tallahassee, Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park offers a captivating blend of history and nature that's perfect for those seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures.

This small but mighty park preserves the site of a pivotal Civil War skirmish while showcasing a unique geological feature where the St. Marks River vanishes into a sinkhole and flows underground for a quarter mile before resurfacing.

Confederate Monument and Yankee Visitor

It's a place where you can step back in time, feel the weight of Florida's past, and enjoy the serene beauty of moss-draped oaks and winding paths.

Far from the crowds of theme parks, this hidden gem invites you to slow down and discover the real stories that shaped the Sunshine State.

The park's claim to fame is the Battle of Natural Bridge, fought on March 6, 1865, during the waning days of the Civil War.

Union forces, aiming to capture Tallahassee and cut off Confederate supply lines, advanced toward the natural bridge formed by the underground river.

This strategic spot allowed a ragtag group of Confederate defenders—including elderly men, young cadets from the Florida State Seminary (now Florida State University), and local volunteers—to hold the line against a larger Union army.

Over the course of a fierce day-long engagement, the Confederates repelled multiple attacks, inflicting heavy casualties and forcing the Union troops to retreat.

Historic Sign and Visiting Yankee

This victory ensured Tallahassee remained the only Confederate capital east of the Mississippi River never to fall to Union hands.

Today, the park's earthworks, monuments, and interpretive signs bring this dramatic chapter to life, reminding visitors of the human cost of war in a state often overlooked in Civil War narratives.

Located at 7502 Natural Bridge Road in Woodville, about 15 miles south of Tallahassee off U.S. Highway 319, the park is easy to reach yet feels worlds away from the hustle.

It's open daily from 8 a.m. until sundown, year-round, with a modest admission fee of $3 per vehicle or $2 for pedestrians and cyclists—paid via an honor box, so bring exact change.

Amenities include picnic areas with tables and grills, short hiking trails that wind through the battlefield, and restrooms.

Guided tours are available upon request, especially during the annual reenactment the first full weekend in March, when living history comes alive with period costumes and demonstrations.

It's ideal for families, history buffs, or anyone craving a peaceful day immersed in Florida's heritage—combine it with a nearby stop at Wakulla Springs for a full backroads itinerary.

NATURAL BRIDGE STATE PARK WEBSITE