In addition to our recreation facilities, Palatka's central location provides fishermen, kayakers, and boaters safe and convenient access to the beautiful St. Johns River. The St. Johns River winds and narrows to the south of Palatka and passes through large areas of protected natural areas, making it easy to enjoy the wildlife of Florida's Freshwater Coast.

Launching and Mooring Facilities

The city currently has boat ramps and mooring facilities in the Palatka Riverfront Park at:
301 River Street
Palatka, FL 32177

The ramps are free and open 24 hours a day and provide a deep, concrete access to the St. Johns River. The attached parking lot has paved parking for 70 vehicles and 40 trailers. There are several staging docks near the ramp. 

Paddlecraft Lauch Beach

Directly south of the Memorial Bridge in Palatka, the City maintains a hand-launch beach for kayaks, canoes, etc.  There is a parking near the launch. 

For more information on additional public launch facilities in the Palatka and Putnam County area, please visit the Putnam County Boat Ramps Page.

St. Johns River Center

The center serves as an educational resource regarding the ecological significance of wetlands, the conservation and sustainability of these areas, and the need for a balanced approach to usage among all communities.

• The purpose of the center is to: Commemorate the distinct and diverse ecosystems within the St. Johns River and its associated wetlands regions.
• Enlighten the broader community, particularly students, on the physical attributes and ecological intricacies of the St. Johns River wetlands areas.
• Interpret the vital role played by these wetlands areas in fostering ecological diversity within the broader context of the St. Johns River system, encompassing its plant life, wildlife, lakes, rivers, and streams.
• Establish the linkages between the river system and its surrounding wetlands to the evolution of a unique historical, cultural, recreational, commercial, and industrial landscape for our community.
• Develop curricula for the center that draw from contemporary, peer-reviewed scientific research, all while maintaining a balanced perspective that harmonizes environmental preservation with the recognition of private property rights and the requirements for sustainable commercial, industrial, and economic growth.
• Located at 102 North First Street in Palatka, the center serves as a prominent location for promoting the study of area wetlands by visitors, tourists, academics, and others interested in our natural environment.

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Water Works Environmental Education Center

The Water Works Environmental Education Center (WWEEC) is owned by the City of Palatka. The Water Works Committee and volunteers build trails, conduct tours, host field trips and meet regularly to review goals and progress.

The WWEEC is open to the public every Wednesday (from 8 a.m. – noon) and the 1st Sunday afternoon of each month (1:30 p.m.—5 p.m.), with volunteers from the Water Works Advisory Group available at the WW Building to answer questions and give guided tours of the facility.

The WWEEC supports the Putnam County and William Bartram trails network by acting as a trail hub, providing access to WW nature trails, identifying Bartram plants through appropriate signage, and displaying exhibits that describe William Bartram's contribution to natural history exploration of the St. Johns River area.

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Bronson Mulholland House

The Bronson-Mulholland House stands as a cherished historical landmark with a rich and fascinating history. This elegant residence, which is also known as the Judge Isaac H. Bronson House, has played a significant role in the community's heritage. More Information

Putnam County Historical Museum

Putnam County Historical Society operates two historical museums in the City of Palatka and hosts county-wide educational events on a bimonthly basis. More Information

Bartram Trail

The Riverfront Park also serves as the Trailhead for the Bartram Trail. The Bartram Trail in Putnam County was formed in order to re-establish the sites of William Bartram's travels in our region and make them accessible via waterway, hiking, biking, and driving routes. William Bartram, a botanist, artist, naturalist, humanist, and author, explored the area along the St. Johns River in Putnam County during his excursions into Florida in the late 1700s.

The heart of William Bartram's book "Travels" documents our local flora and fauna, and records his colorful encounters with local traders and native tribes. His work has great poetic, historical, and educational value. Our staff is dedicated to providing the best possible activities and facilities for your enjoyment. If you need assistance in locating a particular park, please contact our staff at 386-329-0103.

Ravine State Gardens

Palatka is also home to the Ravine State Gardens, which can be visited year-round. In a continuous effort to improve our services, we encourage you to contact us with questions, comments, and concerns.

Palatka Golf Club

The Palatka Golf Club is a public, city-owned but privately managed 18-hole course. Designed by the legendary golf course architect Donald Ross in 1925, the course has retained its classic Ross design elements, making it one of the best municipal golf courses in the country.  For more information