The 2nd annual Source to Sea Celebration is a time to honor the exclusive group of individuals who have paddled all 310 miles of the St. Johns River. All are welcome to celebrate with us throughout the day as we explore Putnam County. The day’s events will culminate with a celebration at Azalea City Brewing Company where you will have the opportunity to meet fellow river lovers and individuals who have completed the St. Johns River Source to Sea journey.

Schedule of Events

Hike Dunn’s Creek State Park | 10-11:30 a.m.

Join our Education Director, Ashleigh Boice, and members of the Putnam Land Conservancy for a hike at Dunn’s Creek State Park. We will take in the quiet beauty of this natural hidden gem and focus on the importance of Dunn’s Creek to the natural habitat of the area. The hike will be easy to moderate at 2.6 miles long through a combination of flat and hilly terrain. Areas vary from grassy, sandy, shady, and sunny. Closed-toe shoes, a hat, water, bug spray, and sunscreen are recommended. The length will be around 90 minutes but may run longer if we add stops along the way. Wildlife sightings are likely with species such as deer, turkeys, gopher tortoises, fox squirrels, and eagles. This hike is not recommended for children under 12.

Enter the park at the Dunn’s Creek State Park main entrance: 320 Sisco Road, Pomona Park, FL 32181. Drive the entrance road to the parking lot (it’s a mile or so), which is adjacent to Dunn’s Creek itself. We will gather there before we set out on the hike. Separate Dunn’s Creek State Park Vehicle Fee is $5 per car and will be paid in cash onsite at the entrance.

Register to let us know you’re coming!

River Cruise | 2-4 p.m.

Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the St. Johns River on the Pride of Palatka, hosted by St. Johns Riverkeeper. We will have speakers discuss the history of the river in the area, its current health, and more. $15 suggested donation for adults, $10 suggested donation for children. Boat will disembark from the Palatka Riverfront dock.

Register to reserve your spot!

Kayak Deep Creek | 2-4 p.m.

Explore Deep Creek with an expert guide from Earth Kinship! You can rent a single or tandem kayak, or bring your own.

Register to reserve your spot!

Source to Sea Celebration | 5-8 p.m. at Azalea City Brewing Company

The Source to Sea Celebration taking place at the Azalea City Brewing Company is a time to honor those who have paddled all 310 miles of the St. Johns River. There will be a brief program followed by a chance to mingle with these extraordinary honorees. The celebration will include food trucks and live music by Sam Pacetti.

Register to let us know you’re coming!

Other Activities to Enjoy in Palatka

Hike or Bike at Ravine Gardens State Park | Park opens at 8 a.m. | 1600 Twigg St. Palatka FL

Ancient ravines and the banks of Whitewater Branch, a spring-fed creek that flows into the St. Johns River, have been transformed into a rustic tropical garden at Ravine Gardens State Park. Explore miles of paved and unpaved trails, geo-seek, bring a picnic, or simply enjoy the scenery. Peak bloom season for hundreds of azalea bushes is January-March.

View the trail map online. Admission is $5 per vehicle or $2 per pedestrian/cyclist.

Visit the Bronson-Mulholland House | Opens at 1 p.m.

Built in 1854, the Bronson-Mulholland House is a stunningly furnished antebellum home sitting on more than two acres of expansive lawns and charming gardens with brick paths, live oaks, and magnolias. Step into the past as you explore its gracious rooms and gardens.

Take the Mural Tour of Downtown Palatka | View the map

Downtown Palatka boasts more than 30 murals depicting the historical, cultural, and natural riches of Palatka and Putnam County. These larger-than-life pictorial renderings range from “Harlem Nights in Palatka” to “Putnam County Wildflowers.” They create a fun walking tour and make fine selfie backgrounds, too.

Bike on the Palatka to St. Augustine State Trail | Opens at 8 a.m.

The Palatka to St. Augustine State Trail is a multi-use recreational trail along a corridor that stretches through St. Johns and Putnam counties. Learn more on the Florida State Parks website.