Vintage Putnam: How to Experience the Vibrant History of Putnam County, Florida

The communities of Putnam County boast a vibrant past that appeals to history seekers who are looking for a peek into days gone by. From an old-school diner to places that showcase the area’s architectural and agricultural significance, there’s no shortage of ways to have a vintage experience as you explore the history of Putnam County. Here are a few of our favorite ways to embrace the area’s colorful past. 

Walk the path of one of Florida’s earliest explorers 

Putnam County has been a unique destination that’s garnered the interest of outdoor explorers for years – even dating back to the 1700s. One of Putnam County’s most famous visitors was William Bartram. His exploration of the area is documented in his book, Travels, and offers a vibrant description of the flora and fauna he found at that time. Historians have done an excellent job of preserving this history and have created a way for visitors to see the area as he saw it over 250 years ago. There are over 30 sites on the Putnam County Bartram Trail, including many that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places such as Mount Royal, Ravine Gardens State Park, and the Puc Puggy Trail at the Water Works Environmental Education Center.

You can also step back in time and rediscover the St. Johns River at the St. Johns River Bartram Frolic & Festival happening April 25–26, 2026 on the Palatka Riverfront.

Celebrate William Bartram’s legacy through outdoor adventure, history, and recreation along the Bartram Trail, featuring kayaking, biking, guided hikes, riverboat tours, live music, reenactors, vendors, and more. Come explore the landscapes that inspired Bartram and still define our river community today.

Get married at a historic plantation

The Rodman Plantation was originally built in 1903 and the original home is still there. You may hear it referred to as “The Big House” these days, or see it listed as the Cummings House on the National Register of Historic Places, but no matter what you call it, one thing is certain – this is one of the area’s most well-preserved pieces of history. It is currently an event venue and has become a popular place to get married in Palatka. If you’re looking for a wedding location that has deep historical roots, you’ll want to check out this spot. 

Visit one of Florida’s first organic farms

Another great wedding venue in Putnam County is Eagle’s Nest Farms, and it brings its own form of historical significance. This farm in Crescent City dates back to 1900 and even though organic farming practices weren’t prevalent at the time, Levant P. DeWolf held firm to his beliefs of not using chemicals. The farm has changed hands over time, but it has stayed true to its roots and has remained an organic farm. It now serves as a research and production facility for Yaupon Brothers American Tea Co. In addition to serving as a unique place to get married or host an event, you can also take a tour of Yaupon Brothers and learn more about this special tea that has its own Native American past. 

Embrace arts and culture inside a historic library

Another spot on the National Register of Historic Places is the building that formerly housed the Larimer Memorial Library. This historic building is the current home of the Larimer Arts Center and is a great place to discover Palatka’s vibrant art scene as you peruse the rotating exhibits on display. This is also where you’ll find the Scarlett-Hill Theater, which is where the area’s community theater group, River City Players. Their 2026 season includes performances of “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Terms of Endearment,” and more.   

Eat at Florida’s oldest diner

Just across the street from the Larimer Arts Center is where you’ll find Angel’s Dining Car – the most historic and unique dining experience in Putnam County. The restaurant is housed inside of a vintage train car and has been open since 1932, making it Florida’s oldest diner. The green and pink awnings on the railcar boast some of the diner’s specialties like burgers, fries, and shakes, but they have a robust menu with a variety of offerings. As another way to embrace their past, they also still have curbside service and will even come out to your car to take your order if you prefer to eat outside. The jukebox and neon on the railcar’s interior add to the historic vibes, though, so many people opt to eat inside. 

Learn about Putnam County’s railroad history 

The A.C.L. Union Depot is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Palatka Railroad Preservation Society maintains the David Browning Railroad Museum where there is a collection of artifacts. The museum can be found in the waiting area of the train station. 

The town of Interlachen also has roots in the railroad industry and was first settled in the late 1800s. When you visit today, you can see a caboose located in the town center that memorializes the town’s history. You can also see some of the other Putnam County locations listed on the National Register of Historic Places such as Interlachen Hall, Interlachen Academy, the First Congregational Church of Interlachen, and Lincoln Lane School.  

Ride ATVs on 100-year-old railroad beds

Putnam County is home to the best place in Florida to ride ATVs, and even better, this adrenaline-fueled attraction also has its own historical notoriety. Hog Waller Campground and ATV Resort sits on over 1,100 acres and has about 90 miles of rideable trails that spread through an expansive forest. Many of the trails at Hog Waller date back over 100 years, as this was once a significant logging and turpentine community. There are also some trails that are on old railroad beds from the retired Ocklawaha Valley Railroad.

Visit a 100-year-old fish hatchery

The Welaka National Fish Hatchery was built in 1926 and is one of the oldest fish hatcheries in Florida. It was operated by the state when it was originally built, but as of 1938, it’s now a part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. They work hard to support healthy fish populations, but they also have a free aquarium that you can visit to learn more about their work and see many of the local aquatic species. 

Play a round of golf on a 100-year-old course

The Palatka Golf Club celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2025, and this is a fun way to experience Putnam County’s history. The course was designed by the renowned golf course architect, Donald Ross. Many of his courses are no longer in existence, and of those that are, most are private courses. This is one of the few Donald Ross courses that you can actually play. Adding to the allure of this course is that it has stayed true to its original style. It still boasts his original design, as he intended it to be, and is a preserved piece of Palatka’s past. 

Stay in a historic home 

Palatka’s North and South Historic Districts are both listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and it’s easy to take a drive through these charming residential neighborhoods and view the elegance of the historic homes. Visitors also have the opportunity to stay in one, too. The Grand Gables Inn (also known as the Sherman Conant House) is located in the South Historic District and dates back to the late 1800s. You can rent out the entire home, which accommodates up to 21 overnight guests. The Queen Anne home has been restored to its original splendor, and offers a chance to stay overnight in a cherished piece of Palatka’s history. The house has a few unique assets as well, such as a hidden underground tunnel. 

Visit more of Putnam County’s historic districts

More historic districts exist outside of Palatka, too. In northwest Putnam County, you’ll find the city of Melrose. The Melrose Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and while you’re there, you can visit another spot on the register – the Melrose Woman’s Club. The Daurer History Museum located in Heritage Park is a great place to include in your time there also if it aligns with your visit. Currently, it is open on the first Friday of each month during the monthly Melrose Art Walk, and it has some historic photographs and artifacts, as well as rotating exhibits. 

The Crescent City Historic District is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has a variety of interesting spots to explore, such as the colorful Hubbard House, which has earned its own spot on the list. Don’t stop your journey there, though. Crescent City has developed its own historic walking tour, and you can print a map that will take you to over 20 places of historical significance. 

See the oldest bald white cypress tree in Florida

For great food in Crescent City, check out 3 Bananas, located alongside Crescent Lake. The building the restaurant is housed in has its own historical notoriety, as it's the oldest commercial structure in Crescent City. The building that first opened as a mercantile store in 1883 is impressive in its own right, but in the back there’s another special artifact awaiting visitors. It’s hard to miss the enormous tree – a bald white cypress that is almost 700 years old. Its age makes it the oldest bald white cypress in the state of Florida. 

Shop for vintage souvenirs at Palatka’s antique shops

After a deep dive into Putnam County’s colorful history, there’s no better way to top it off than with some souvenir shopping. Historic Downtown Palatka is a great place to shop until you drop, and you’ll find multiple antique shops that offer the opportunity to find one-of-a-kind vintage souvenirs. Home decor, furniture, antique dishes, books, and records are just a few of the things you may find at Deputy’s Attic, Elsie Bell’s, and Lemon Street Market & Mercantile. 

As you meander through downtown, you can also check out more buildings on the National Register of Historic Places such as the building that housed Hotel James, which dates back to the early 1900s.

Diving Deeper Into the History of Putnam County 

These are just a few of the best historical places in Putnam County. Your journey through the area’s history can also take you to a diverse array of notable spots. Also included on the National Register of Historic Places are old churches in Palatka such as Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church and St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, as well as other historic sites such as Central Academy, the Bostwick School (now the Bostwick Community Library), and the historic site that houses the Tenney House and Groveland Hotel. The Bronson-Mulholland House is another well-known historic home that’s listed in Palatka. Although you can view it from the outside, tours are paused at the moment due to renovations. 

Those seeking specific historical information related to Putnam County, Florida can also contact the Putnam County Historical Society. They have done an excellent job of preserving the area’s fascinating history and even have old city directories, census records, and yearbooks in their archives. 

Also be sure to download the Visit Putnam FL app for Apple or Android to learn more about all of the great things to do in Putnam County.