Perry: History, Forestry and Coastal Nature

A trip to Perry can focus on local history, forestry, fishing, or coastal nature. When looking for a hotel, it helps to first consider whether you are more interested in historic buildings, Florida’s forests and how they are used, or landscapes and activities on the water. The topics range from a restored railroad depot in Perry to a museum a few miles away and the Gulf coast. This lets you plan your trip around a specific interest.

Local History and Historical Perspectives

Perry’s historic downtown includes a recently restored railroad depot dating from the steam locomotive era. It provides a tangible architectural link to the city’s railroad history. The Old Perry Post Office dates from the WPA era. Together, the buildings represent two distinct historical periods: the steam locomotive era and the WPA era.

The North Florida Cracker Homestead interpretive site offers a different perspective. Built in 1864, it illustrates everyday life typical of that period. The historical focus thus shifts from the railroad depot to a way of life in the 19th century. If you are interested in history, these topics are easy to distinguish: a restored building from the railroad era on the one hand, and a depiction of everyday life typical of 1864 on the other.

Forests, Museum and Festival

Forest Capital Museum State Park is a few miles from Perry and is dedicated to informing visitors about Florida’s forests and the industries associated with them. Its exhibits show the history of forestry in Florida as well as products made from the longleaf pine native to the state. The topics therefore connect forest history with the use of forests and the industries associated with them. This is a different focus from the history of individual buildings downtown.

The Florida Forest Festival also offers its own perspective on forestry history. It began in 1955 as a countywide “Pine Tree Festival” and was established as an educational initiative to reduce forest fires. The Florida Forest Festival includes the “World’s Largest FREE Fish Fry.” The program may change from year to year; if the festival is important to your travel dates, check the dates and program details in advance.

Fishing, Coast and Regional Perspectives

Perry offers opportunities for freshwater and saltwater fishing, including scalloping. Check seasonal rules and conditions before taking part. Beach Road runs 18 miles south from Perry to the coast, providing a specific direction for planning time on the water.

Hagens Cove is on the Gulf of Mexico and features shallow waters, grassy areas and a diverse range of wildlife. This includes saltwater fish, horseshoe crabs and birds; eagles are occasional visitors. For trip planning, the topics are easy to distinguish: in Perry, fishing opportunities are the focus, while Hagens Cove is described by its location on the Gulf, its waters and its wildlife.

In the broader regional travel area around Perry, the 155-mile Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail includes side trips to springs, wild rivers, historic sites, wildlife refuges and small coastal towns. These side trips give the regional travel picture a broader scope than individual buildings or exhibits. The range of topics extends from Perry’s local and forestry history to a long paddling route with a variety of natural and cultural destinations.

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