About the Bartram Frolic
SAVE THE DATES for the 2025 Frolic on the Riverfront!
Join us as we celebrate our St. Johns River and the 250th anniversary of William Bartram’s 1774 travels through Palatka. April 11, 12 & 13.
About Our Bartram Heritage
In the fall of 1774 William Bartram experienced what is known as the Indian Frolic at Spalding’s Lower Store. His 9-month stay on his favorite river in Putnam County is documented in Bartram’s masterpiece TRAVELS. The annual St. Johns River Bartram Frolic on Palatka’s riverfront will celebrate our National Heritage River, the Bartram National Recreation Trail in Putnam County, and offer our county as a historic eco-tourism and recreation destination.
Online Schedule Overview
FRIDAY ACTIVITIES – April 26
Bartram Springs-to-Springs Kayaking Tour: 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Guided kayak tour following the route of the Bartram’s hike from Johnsons Spring to Johnsons Bluff on December 28, 1765 with stops at 3 Bartram sites.
Palatka Trail Town Celebration and Cycling Event: 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
A leisurely 6-mile bicycle tour to Bartram sites at Ravine Gardens, the Bartram Mural, riverfront kiosk & bass sculpture, ending at the River Center to meet the Trail Town Mayor, Robbi Correa, and Bartram Reenactors. We return to the brewery up St John’s Avenue to continue the celebration.
This is an intermediate level ride. Please bring bike in good working order & helmet.
No registration is needed
VIP Frolic: 6:00 PM 9:00 PM – Invitation-only event. 100 dignitaries, sponsors and Frolic participants will be invited to the St. Johns River Center for celebration and frivolity.
SATURDAY ACTIVITIES – April 27
Pride of Palatka Guided River Boat Tours: Reservations for all cruises are required. You must click on “get tickets” on Eventbrite to see the options for ticket purchase.
- 1:00 PM Cruise #1 St. Johns Riverkeeper Tour
- 2:15 PM Cruise #2 History of Palatka, St. Johns River Heritage Tour
- 3:30 PM Cruise #3 Bartram National Recreation Trail Tour
- 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Bartram Sunset Wine Cruise hosted by Billy Bartram, the Long Warrior and Trader Job Wiggins
Register for Cruise 1 – St Johns Riverkeeper Cruise
Register for Cruise 2- History of Palatka & St John River Cruise
Register for Cruise 3 – Bartram National Trail Historic Cruise
Register for Cruise 4 – Sunset Riverboat Wine & Appetizer Cruise
Bartram Historic Rollestown Kayaking Tour: 8:30 AM – 11:00 PM: A guided 2-mile round-trip paddle from the East Palatka Pico Road Boat Ramp to the site of historic Rollestown.
Register for any Paddling Tour
Tales of the St. Johns River: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM: This will be a schedule of storytellers about Bartram’s Travels, our River and more. In the St. Johns River Center. No registration required.
Songs of Bartram and the St. Johns River: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM: Music will be adjacent to the Veterans Memorial Fountain on Memorial Parkway. No registration required.
Pontoon Boat Tours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM: NORTHSTAR CHARTERS will provide guided tours from the Riverfront. No reservations required. Limited 6 passengers per tour.
Florida Trail Association guided hike – 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM – A 5-mile guided hike in Rice Creek Conservation area that explores the Florida National Scenic Trail and a Bartram site.
SUNDAY ACTIVITIES – April 28
Bartram Trail Guided Bus Tour: Palatka to Mount Royal 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
A guided bus tour that includes 12 Bartram Sites – Puc-Puggy Playground, Palatka Waterworks, Riverfront Park, Rollestown, Dunns Creek, Satsuma Spring, Welaka, Beecher Springs Run, Mount Royal. Tour will depart and return from the St. Johns River Center. A $25 donation to the BTSF is expected. Reservations are limited and required.
Mount Royal Paddle, Preaggregation and Prayer: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM:
Guided historic paddle from Renegades on the River in Georgetown to the Mount Royal Boat Ramp (1 mile) followed by a hike to the top of Mount Royal (.6 mile) for a reading of Bartram’s prayer for the environment by a Quaker friend.
Bartram Symposium: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Westminster Hall of the 1st Presbyterian Church. The Symposium will feature six Bartram scholars and experts including dramatic alligator videos by National Geographic videographer Mark Emery and Bartram’s St. Johns River by Rob Mattson.
Advanced reservation is requested but not required.
Passport to the Past
Between 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM on Saturday, April 27
The St. Johns River Center will host an educational adventure for families visiting ten educational stations and living historians to learn about our river’s nature, its history and our legacy. Those completing the activity will be rewarded. This is great for the whole family. Register near the St. Johns River Center.
Passport to the Past is an educational adventure that’s fun for the entire family. Visit each of the ten stations from William Bartram’s travels to Putnam County in 1765 and 1774.
With each one you complete, you collect a new sticker or stamp to place in your official Passport to the Past booklet Those completing the activity will receive a prize.
Living History – Meet Billy Bartram, the Long Warrior: King of the Seminoles, Bartram’s guide and interpreter, Job Wiggens, Fort Mose’s militia and families, and other 18th-century residents of Florida
Nature-based Vendors, demonstrations, and Environmental Groups – 20 or more booths along the Riverfront and St. Johns Avenue.
Songs & Stories of Bartram and the St. Johns River
Tales of the St. Johns River 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM: This will be a schedule of storytellers about Bartram’s Travels, our River, and more. In the St. Johns River Center. No registration is required.
11:00 Kathy K & David F
12:00 Back In Time (Sweets)
1:00 Storytelling Simms
Songs of Bartram and the St. Johns River. 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM: The music will be adjacent to the Veterans Memorial Fountain on Memorial Parkway. No registration is required.
10:30 Billy Ennis
11:30 Chuck H & Sam W.
1:30 Hairi Buffalo
2:30 Dick Bozung
Palatka Trail Town Celebration and Cycling Event
Palatka Trail Town Celebration and Cycling Event
Friday April 26, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Departing from the Azalea City Brewery 5:00PM and ending at the St. Johns River Center. This is an intermediate level ride. Please bring bike in good working order & helmet.
A leisurely 6-mile bicycle tour to Bartram sites at Ravine Gardens, the Bartram Mural, riverfront kiosk & bass sculpture, ending at the River Center to meet the Trail Town Mayor, Robbi Correa, and Bartram Reenactors.
Riders are invited to return to the brewery after this to continue the celebration.
No registration is needed for this event.
Pride of Palatka Riverboat Tours
Pride of Palatka Guided River Boat Tours Saturday, April 27
Reservations for all cruises are required. You must click on “get tickets” on Eventbrite to see the options for ticket purchase.
- 1:00 PM Cruise #1 St. Johns Riverkeeper Tour
- 2:15 PM Cruise #2 History of Palatka, St. Johns River Heritage Tour
- 3:30 PM Cruise #3 Bartram National Recreation Trail Tour
- 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Bartram Sunset Wine Cruise hosted by Billy Bartram, the Long Warrior and Trader Job Wiggins
Register for Cruise 1 – St Johns Riverkeeper Cruise
Register for Cruise 2- History of Palatka & St John River Cruise
Register for Cruise 3 – Bartram National Trail Historic Cruise
Register for Cruise 4 – Sunset Riverboat Wine & Appetizer Cruise
Living History
Between 10:00 am – 4:00 pm on Friday, April 26
William Bartram (1735-1823)
Mike Adams as William Bartram.
William Bartram’s exploration of Florida is familiar to people throughout the world, thanks to the publication TRAVELS in 1791 – America’s first literary masterpiece. William Bartram (his friends and family called him Billy) came to Putnam County two times. The first time was with his father, John in 1765. The second time, in April 1774 was to explore and document what he found. Bartram’s discoveries and illustrations of nature documented tropical flora and fauna and his vivid descriptions made his book a worldwide sensation. His book has descriptions of his encounters with the native people. While in Florida, he drew over 50 illustrations of plants, animals, fish, turtles and birds. Locally we are largely unaware of the importance of his explorations and subsequent writings to literary history, environmental science and the settlement and later development of Florida. He and his cast of characters are uniquely ours – “They belong to Putnam County – it’s your history and heritage.”
The Long Warrior
Jim Sawgrass as “Micco-Chlucco The Long Warrior, King of the Seminoles”
The Long Warrior is representative of the Native Americans present in our area during the time of Bartram’s visits to Florida (1765-1774). The Long Warrior is spoken of several times in TRAVELS always with respect and in a positive light. Bartram first met the Long Warrior at the Treaty of Picollata in 1765 near St. Augustine. He is seen as a strong and intelligent leader. Billy’s illustration of Mico-Chlucco, The Long Warrior – “King of the Seminoles” was his only portrait. The Long Warrior will be one of the living history actors at the Frolic. He was a much-respected friend of William’s and was instrumental in enabling him to safely travel throughout Florida in 1774.
Job Wiggens
Robert Wilson, aka Job Wiggens – Bartram’s friend, guide and interpreter.
William Bartram was befriended by Job Wiggens on his travels in Florida. Bartram said “the old interpreter, Job Wiggens, often my travelling companion, friend and benefactor.”
Bartram resided at Spalding’s Lower Store which was Florida’s main trading post with the Indians (Native Americans). Wiggens was the main negotiator and interpreter for the Store and took Bartram along on his ventures across Florida. Bartram calls him “the old trader” and “the old interpreter”.
Guided Kayak Tours
Friday, April 26
Bartram Springs-to-Springs Kayaking Tour 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM.
Guided kayak tour following the route of the Bartram’s hike from Johnsons Spring to Johnsons Bluff on December 28, 1765 with stops at 3 Bartram sites.
Saturday, April 27
Bartram Historic Rollestown Kayaking Tour – 8:30 AM – 11:00 PM: A guided 2-mile round-trip paddle from the East Palatka Pico Road Boat Ramp to the site of historic Rollestown.
Sunday, April 28
Mount Royal Paddle, Preaggregation and Prayer – 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM:
Guided historic paddle from Renegades on the River in Georgetown to the Mount Royal Boat Ramp (1 mile) followed by a hike to the top of Mount Royal (.6 mile) for a reading of Bartram’s prayer for the environment by a Quaker friend.
Register for any Paddling Tour
Rice Creek Hike
Rice Creek Hike – Saturday April 27, 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM
A 5-mile guided hike in Rice Creek Conservation area that explores the Florida National Scenic Trail and a Bartram site. Participants need transportation to the trailhead 15 minutes northwest from the Palatka Riverfront on Highway 100.
Join the Florida Trail Association (FTA) for a guided loop hike on the Florida National Scenic Trail. Here the Florida Trail traverses the former site of a 1700s rice plantation and passes an impressive shelter known as the Rice Creek Hilton. An 1,886 foot long boardwalk built by FTA volunteers transports hikers right into the wild heart of the swamp. Explore floodplain swamps, pine flatwoods and mixed upland forests lush with epiphytes and wildlife. We will also visit Bartram site 3b which marks the point where Bartram and his companions attempted to paddle Rice Creek but were forced to turn back by dense vegetation. Adding to the intrigue, the mythical Bardin Booger is said to have lurked amongst these ancient cypresses and thick palmettos.
This hike is just over 5 miles long and hikers should come prepared with at least 1 liter of water and supportive shoes with traction. Sun protection and comfortable clothing recommended. Bug spray will be provided on site. No bathroom facilities on site. Hikers should meet at the Rice Creek Conservation Area Trailhead on Highway 100 just north of Bardin Road.
Bartram Trail Equestrian Ride at Dunns Creek State Park
Between 8:00 am Friday April 26 – 3:00 pm Sunday April 28
Bartram Trail Cracker Horse Ride and Campout at Dunns Creek State Park – 8:00 AM Friday – 3:00 PM Sunday: Friends of Dunns Creek State Park will host equestrians for trail rides and camping in the park (Bartram site). Reservations are required and limited.
See Friends of Dunns Creek State Park Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1027548165004924
Location Address:
Dunns Creek State Park,
320 Sisco Rd., Pomona Park, FL
Bartram Trail Guided Bus Tour
Sunday, April 28
Bartram Trail Guided Bus Tour – Palatka to Mount Royal 9:30AM – 12:30 PM
A guided bus tour that includes 12 Bartram Sites – Puc-Puggy Playground, Palatka Waterworks, Riverfront Park, Rollestown, Dunns Creek, Satsuma Spring, Welaka, Beecher Springs Run, Mount Royal. Tour will depart and return from the St. Johns River Center. A $25 donation to the BTSF is expected. Reservations are limited and required.
Food and Drink
Saturday, April 27
10:00 am- 4:00 pm There will be Food Trucks available along the St. John’s river front.
Bartram Symposium
Sunday, April 28
3:00 PM: Sam Carr – 250TH Anniversary of William Bartram Travels to Florida
Sam Carr is president of the Bartram Trail Society of Florida and past president of the Bartram Trail Conference. He will share his passion for William Bartram’s travels to Palatka, and its legacy. “The Bartram Trail in Florida was created by William Bartram 250 years ago this month. His TRAVELS creates for us a wonderful and meaningful heritage of nature, art, science and literature the Bartram Trail Society in Florida seeks to preserve.”
3:30 PM: Dr. Christpoher Robinson – Bartram’s Contributions to the Discovery of Bird Migration
Dr. Robinson teaches psychology and neuroscience at Reinhardt University and has been researching and writing on William and John Bartram for nine years. He has mapped and written a critical edition of John Bartram’s Onondaga trip and is currently working on a new edition of William Bartram’s Travels. “For centuries, people have recognized that birds disappeared in the winter and wondered where they went. In most accounts, the discovery that birds migrated was not demonstrated until 1822 when a stork with an African arrow in its neck was shot in Germany. However, 30 years earlier, near the end of his discussion of his travels through Florida, William Bartram gave a list of nearly 200 birds in an effort to show that birds migrate.”
4:00 PM: Brad Sanders – Beyond the Alachua Savanna
Brad Sanders is the author of GUIDE TO WILLIAM BARTRAMS’ TRAVELS and Director of the Bartram Trail Conference. He is the primary authority on the Bartram Trail. “In the summer of 1774 William Bartram journeyed to the Seminole town of Talahasochte on the Suwannee River. This excursion is significant for it includes observations of animal behavior as often as it does plant descriptions. Bartram visited Manatee Spring and explored what is now Dixie County. He described the landscape of west-central Florida known as karst and he left us one of the first accounts of Seminole culture and life.”
4:45 PM: Lee Pinkerson – The Bartram Troubadour Sings the Bartram Story
Lee Pinkerson and Bill Snyder – AKA “Harri Buffalo” will share original Bartram stories by song in a delightful performance telling of the Bartram legacy in Florida including Talahasochte and Ahaya- the Cowkeeper. This will be the first public performance of some of the songs.
5:15 PM: Brent Martin – The Bartram Trail Conference
Brent Martin is the executive director of the Blue Ridge Bartram Trail Conservancy, director of the Bartram Trail Conference, and the owner of Alarka Expeditions in Franklin, North Carolina. He is the author of several books, including George Masa’s Wild Vision. His latest edition is “A Hiker’s Guide to the Bartram National Recreation Trail in Georgia and North Carolina”. Brent will introduce the 2024 Bartram Trail Conference – Franklin, NC, May 31 – June 1, 2024
5:30 PM: Dean Campbell – The Bartram Trail in Florida
Dean Campbell is the vice president of Bartram Trail Society of Florida, and Director of The Bartram Trail Conference will close the symposium with a review of all that has happened because of the William Bartram legacy in the state of Florida. Efforts by Nassau, Duval, St. Johns and Alachua Counties to establish the Bartram Trail of Florida will be shared.
Advanced reservation is requested but not required.
Local Lodging
Best Western Inn of Palatka
119 US Highway 17 S
East Palatka, FL 32131
(386)325-7800
Crystal Cove Riverfront Resort & Suites
133 Crystal Cove Riverfront Resort Dr
Palatka, FL 32177
(386)325-1055
Georgia Boys Fish Camp
217 Butler Drive
Satsuma, FL 32189
(386)325-7764
Grand Gables Inn Bed & Breakfast
603 Emmett Street
Palatka, FL 32177
(386)329-6166
Hampton Inn
100 Memorial Parkway
Palatka, FL 32177
(386)530-2420
Smita Patel, Manager
Holiday Inn Express Palatka Northwest
3813 Reid Street
Palatka, FL 32177
(386)325-2500
Quality Inn & Suites
201 N 1st Street
Palatka, FL 32177
(386)328-3481
Regency Inn
100 Federal Street
Palatka, FL 32177
(386)328-1587
Sleep Inn & Suites
3805 Reid Street
Palatka, FL 32177
(386)325-8889
Private Boat Tours and Boat Rentals
Available from the riverfront by local businesses ongoing from 10:00 – 5:00. Please make reservations directly with the vendors. For reservations contact:
- Karen Chadwick, North Star Charters, Welaka
- (386) 983-1256
- North Star Charters
- KarenChadwick95@yahoo.com
