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Starting Point: International Drive, Orlando
Starting your journey from International Drive, you’re already in the heart of Orlando’s tourism area. It’s the ideal place to kick off a day trip to nearby historic sites and ancient ruins.
1. Turnbull Ruins – New Smyrna Beach
Distance from International Drive: ~1 hour, 10 minutes (55 miles northeast)
What You’ll See: Located in New Smyrna Beach, the Turnbull Ruins are part of Old Fort Park and feature the foundations of coquina stone structures dating back to the 18th century. Originally built by Andrew Turnbull as part of an ambitious plantation project, these ruins offer a glimpse into early colonial efforts in Florida and are free to explore.
Highlights: The labyrinthine layout of the foundations, thought to be remnants of a fort or even an early sugar mill, showcases the challenges early settlers faced. The ruins are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
2. Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park – Flagler Beach
Distance from International Drive: ~1 hour, 20 minutes (65 miles northeast)
What You’ll See: Bulow Plantation was once one of the largest sugar plantations in East Florida, flourishing in the early 19th century. This 150-acre site includes the remnants of a sugar mill, wells, and the foundation of the plantation house, all set within lush forests.
Highlights: Walking through the ruins of the sugar mill, you can almost feel the intensity of the plantation’s past. The site, which was destroyed during the Second Seminole War, serves as a monument to the rise and fall of sugar plantations in Florida.
3. Tomoka Mounds and Middens – Tomoka State Park
Distance from International Drive: ~1 hour, 30 minutes (70 miles northeast)
What You’ll See: This site in Tomoka State Park contains ancient Native American burial mounds and shell middens that date back over 2,000 years. Tomoka Mounds are some of the oldest Native American sites in Florida, created by the Timucua people who inhabited the region long before European contact.
Highlights: These mounds are some of the earliest evidence of human settlement in the area, giving insight into the life of Florida’s indigenous peoples. A walk through the park offers scenic views and a sense of ancient history.
4. Mound Key Archaeological State Park – Estero Bay
Distance from International Drive: ~3 hours (180 miles southwest)
What You’ll See: Mound Key, an island in Estero Bay, is believed to have been the ceremonial center for the Calusa people. Archaeologists have uncovered large shell mounds and the remains of a 16th-century structure, possibly the royal house of the Calusa king.
Highlights: Accessible only by boat, the site offers an adventurous experience. The Calusa, known as “The Shell People,” built the island using layers of shells, creating one of Florida’s most impressive indigenous sites.
Additional Note: Unique Mentions Outside of Florida
While not directly near Orlando, some notable ancient ruins in the U.S. add context to America’s historical diversity:
- River House Ruin in Utah: A cliff dwelling built by Ancestral Puebloans, showcasing advanced masonry and cultural heritage.
- Lake Mead Ruins in Nevada: Exposed by drought, these ruins reveal early 20th-century settlements, offering insights into more recent U.S. history.
Conclusion
From Orlando, you’re within driving distance of some of Florida’s oldest and most intriguing ruins. Each site tells its own story of ancient cultures, colonial struggles, and Florida’s rich historical tapestry. Whether you’re interested in early Native American history or colonial remnants, these sites make for a fascinating day trip from International Drive.
