- Attraction: Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park
- Location: 18700 S CR 325, Cross Creek, FL 32640
- Industry: Historic Site
- Website: https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/marjorie-kinnan-rawlings-historic-state-park
Picture this: you’re walking through a rusty gate into an orange grove where time seems to have stopped in the 1930s.
Chickens peck around your feet, Spanish moss drapes ancient oaks, and you can almost hear the gentle tapping of typewriter keys from the farmhouse porch.
Welcome to the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park, where Florida’s beloved Pulitzer Prize-winning author penned “The Yearling” and captured the essence of Old Florida forever.
Located in the tiny community of Cross Creek between Ocala and Gainesville, this National Historic Landmark transports you to a bygone era when life moved slower and stories grew from the soil itself.
Rawlings called this her “place of enchantment,” and after spending 25 years here writing some of America’s most treasured literature, it’s easy to see why this remote backwoods homestead stole her heart completely.
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Keep Exploring →What Makes This Literary Haven Special
The Guided House Tours: You’ll step inside Rawlings’ actual home, preserved exactly as it was when she lived there. Costumed docents in period dress treat you like honored guests, sharing intimate stories about how she transformed a simple dogtrot house into her creative sanctuary.
The typewriter still sits on the porch table where she crafted her masterpieces, and you can peek into the guest bedroom where literary giants like Robert Frost and Margaret Mitchell once slept.
The Living Farmyard: This isn’t just a museum – it’s a fully functioning 1930s farm that brings history to life.
You’ll encounter friendly ducks and chickens wandering the grounds, watch volunteers in overalls tend the garden, and see the same orange, grapefruit, and tangerine trees that Rawlings herself planted. The seasonal kitchen garden blooms with herbs, flowers, and vegetables just as it did in her time.
Literary Pilgrimage Experience: Walking these grounds feels like stepping directly into the pages of “Cross Creek.”
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Discover MoreYou’ll discover the inspiration behind her vivid descriptions of Florida’s wilderness, from the citrus grove that funded her writing career to the tenant house where her beloved workers Martha and Will Mickens lived. Every structure tells a story of depression-era rural Florida.
Authentic Cracker Architecture: The house itself is a masterpiece of practical Florida design. Built in the 1880s as a two-room cabin with a dogtrot (open hallway), it showcases how pioneers adapted to Florida’s climate before air conditioning.
Large windows provide cross-ventilation, and the elevated foundation allows cooling airflow underneath – innovations that modern architects still admire today.
Atmosphere & Natural Beauty
Old Florida Charm: The moment you enter through that weathered gate, you’re transported to what Rawlings called “half-wide, backwoods country.” Spanish moss sways overhead, and the dirt paths wind through citrus groves exactly as they did nearly a century ago. You’ll find yourself walking in the footsteps of one of America’s greatest storytellers.
Peaceful Rural Setting: Nestled between Orange Lake and quiet country roads, the homestead offers a serene escape from modern life. The air fills with the sweet scent of orange blossoms in season, and you can sit in the same shady spots where Rawlings found inspiration for her nature writing. Mallard ducks paddle through metal water troughs while honeybees work the flower gardens.
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Keep Exploring →Nature Trails & Wildlife: Two short hiking trails let you explore the landscape that so captivated Rawlings. The East Grove Trail follows the original access road to her orange grove through a hammock, while the jungle trail behind the house winds through fern forests to a magical cypress grove. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, from the farm animals to native birds and butterflies.
Other Considerations
Exceptional Value: At just $3 per vehicle for grounds access and free guided tours (donations appreciated), this represents incredible value for a National Historic Landmark experience. You’re getting access to authentically preserved American literary history at a fraction of what similar attractions cost elsewhere.
Best Visiting Times: Plan your visit for October through July when house tours operate Thursday through Sunday. The cooler months (October-April) offer the most comfortable experience, as the historic house lacks air conditioning. Summer tours run shorter due to heat, so aim for the 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. slots if visiting in warmer months.
Family-Friendly Adventure: Kids love the farm animals and treasure hunt aspect of finding the hidden geocache on the grounds. The stories of Jody Baxter from “The Yearling” particularly resonate with young visitors, making this an excellent educational outing that doesn’t feel like a history lesson.
Literary Connection: Reading “Cross Creek” before your visit enhances the experience tremendously. Rawlings’ vivid descriptions of daily life, from the zigzag-painted outhouse door to her famous guests, come alive when you can see exactly where everything happened. Many visitors report feeling deeply moved by the connection between place and literary inspiration.
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Discover MorePet-Friendly & Accessible: Well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome to explore the grounds, and accessible viewing options ensure everyone can enjoy the farmyard and exterior areas. The grounds feature interpretive exhibits and a full-color interior display for those unable to take the walking tour.
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park
📍 18700 S CR 325, Cross Creek, FL 32640
