Discover Bonifay

Bonifay brings together historic connections, events, and recreational opportunities in the surrounding area. If you’re looking for hotels in Bonifay, consider what you’d like to focus on during your stay: the history of Holmes County, a rodeo event, golf, or time outdoors. Access to Interstate 10 also offers a convenient guide for planning your trip.

Historic Connections and Architecture

Bonifay is one of the important communities in Holmes County along the Historic Highway 90 Corridor. The corridor runs parallel to the historic CSX rail line through the former timberland of Northwest Florida. Local attractions are therefore also part of a regional story shaped by the history of the timber industry.

The Holmes County Museum is housed in a log cabin at 412 West Kansas Avenue. On April 13, 1999, the cabin was moved to its current location in Bonifay and put to use as a museum. The move is part of its history: the museum building itself is a log cabin, and its current location is associated with a specific date.

Within the broader destination of Holmes, Waits Mansion is one of Bonifay’s historic attractions. The two-story building was constructed in 1919–1920 as the residence of successful timber businessman George Orkney Waits and is now a private residence. Its style is described as Mediterranean Revival. Distinctive architectural features include recessed verandas and fluted Doric columns on the ground floor. Fluting refers to the vertical grooves in the columns; this description identifies specific architectural elements rather than just naming the style.

Rodeo and Events

Bonifay hosts the World's Largest All Night Sing. Another named event is the Northwest Florida Championship Rodeo Parade. The 2026 edition was scheduled for October 2 and 3, at 1 p.m. each day. The route began at the northern edge of town in front of Piggly Wiggly, continued south along Waukesha Street/Highway 79, turned right onto Veterans Boulevard, and ended in front of Memorial Field (Arena). The route may be adjusted for future editions, so check the details for the specific edition if you’re planning to attend at a later date.

Golf and Outdoor Activities

Dogwood Lakes Golf Course has a layout with six par-5, six par-4, and six par-3 holes. The breakdown lists all three par categories with the same number of holes. The scenic setting includes 151 acres of natural surroundings, elevation changes, wildlife, and wooded terrain.

Ponce de Leon Springs State Park is near Bonifay, 20 minutes to the west. Visitors can swim and snorkel year-round in its clear freshwater spring. The park is also part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail and offers bird and wildlife watching, fishing, picnicking, and easy hikes. These activities provide options beyond spending time at the spring. Check conditions before your visit.

Local Specialty and Getting There

For more than ten years, Donutland has served Bonifay and the surrounding areas with freshly made, handmade German-style doughnuts every day. The business is locally owned and veteran-operated. This specialty adds another dimension to the area’s offerings alongside its historic and scenic attractions.

Bonifay is easy to reach via Interstate 10. Whether you’re interested in local history, an event, or outdoor activities, these different themes can help shape your plans for your stay.

Discover more destinations: Ponce De Leon.

Return to the broader travel overview: Holmes.