Dummett Sugar Mill Ruins
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Dummett Sugar Mill Ruins

4.2
·157 reviews·Ormond Beach, United States

Explore the atmospheric ruins of a 19th-century sugar mill, a quiet historical site nestled in Florida's natural landscape.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Cooler months (Nov-Apr)

Fewer mosquitoes, pleasant weather

CrowdLow
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Dummett Sugar Mill Ruins

Dummett Sugar Mill Ruins

Best Time

Cooler months (Nov-Apr)

Fewer mosquitoes, pleasant weather

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the atmospheric ruins of a 19th-century sugar mill, a quiet historical site nestled in Florida's natural landscape.

4.2
(157 reviews)

"A kewl place to enjoy some history and nature, though mosquitoes are a major concern."

Vertical photo
TIP

🦟 Bring Mosquito Repellent

Mosquitoes are notorious here! Pack strong repellent to avoid being eaten alive.

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Grounds

While the main ruin is fenced, the surrounding nature offers a peaceful walk.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Crumbling Sugar Mill

The Crumbling Sugar Mill

Central ruins

Explore the remnants of a 19th-century sugar mill, a tangible link to Florida's complex past and Civil War history.

Nature's Embrace

Nature's Embrace

Surrounding grounds

Wander through the natural Florida landscape, appreciating the quiet beauty that now envelops the historic site.

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Planning Your Visit

Mosquito Alert!

Prepare for relentless mosquitoes, especially during warmer months. Pack strong repellent and consider visiting during cooler, drier periods to fully enjoy the historical ruins and surrounding nature without constant buzzing.

Limited Historical Context

While the ruins are intriguing, on-site information is sparse. Bring your own research or focus on the visual appeal of the crumbling structures and natural setting, as detailed historical accounts are not readily available.

Best Times

When
Cooler months (Nov-Apr)
Why
Fewer mosquitoes, pleasant weather
Crowd
Low
When
Early mornings
Why
Escape heat & bugs
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#yuleesugarmill #civilwarhistory #homosassaflorida #abandonedflorida
@beyondflorida
13.3K likes • 278.3K views

🦟 Bring Mosquito Repellent

Mosquitoes are notorious here! Pack strong repellent to avoid being eaten alive. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Grounds

While the main ruin is fenced, the surrounding nature offers a peaceful walk. Reddit

#seminolewars #beyondflorida #floridahistory
@beyondflorida
2.6K likes • 35.8K views
Today we're visiting the Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens in Port Orange, Florida. During 1952, in order to boost tourism, Bongoland opened at this location featuring several concrete dinosaurs. The park closed only 5 years later but the ruins of these magnificent beasts still live on. #HikeTheSunshine #FloridaHikes #ExploreFlorida #NatureTrails #HikingAdventures #GetOutside #SunshineState #HikerLife...
@hikethesunshine
1.7K likes • 11.3K views

🧐 Research History Beforehand

Limited signage means doing your homework enhances the visit. Reddit

📸 Capture the Atmosphere

The ruins offer a unique, albeit fenced, photographic opportunity. Reddit

Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park has the most beautiful oak trees and foliage! You can even see the remnants of the burnt down sugar mill plantation on site. This is a must see for the nature lovers! ##natureenthusiast##natureencounter##floridanatue##historical##statepark##sugarmill##plantation##flaglerbeach##fairchild##oldoaks##beautifultrees##sceneryvideos##sceneryvisual
@goodenergywave
1.3K likes • 37.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🦟 Bring Mosquito Repellent

Mosquitoes are notorious here! Pack strong repellent to avoid being eaten alive. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Grounds

While the main ruin is fenced, the surrounding nature offers a peaceful walk. Reddit

🧐 Research History Beforehand

Limited signage means doing your homework enhances the visit. Reddit

📸 Capture the Atmosphere

The ruins offer a unique, albeit fenced, photographic opportunity. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(157 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Dummett Sugar Mill Ruins to be an interesting historical site, offering a glimpse into Florida's past, though its appeal is somewhat limited by a protective fence and sparse historical information. The natural setting is pleasant, but the pervasive mosquito population is a significant drawback for many. It's often recommended as a brief stop rather than a primary destination.

"It's worth visiting but it's nowhere near as impressive as some of the other sugar mill ruins nearby. There was not much left of these ruins but what is there is interesting. A fence keeps you from getting very close to them. Beware of the mosquitoes though. They were eating us alive as soon as we got out of our car."

GL Stewart

"Would be nice to see more historical records and history on it. One sign just doesn't say enough. Some trails around there would be nice too. Awesome 200 year old place is cool though."

Craig Mann

"Interesting, though there is a high fence all around the structure. I’ve always meant to stop there, and I finally did, but I probably won’t go back. It’s good to see it once, but Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park is better in my opinion. Dummett is free, however. The state park is not."

Micah

What People Like

Interesting historical ruins
Free admission
Natural setting

What People Dislike

Aggressive mosquitoes
Fenced-off ruins
Limited historical info

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Dummett Sugar Mill Ruins is located in Volusia County, Florida. While specific public transport options are limited, it's best accessed by car. Many visitors stop here en route to other nearby attractions like Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park. TikTok

Yes, there is typically parking available at the site, allowing for easy access to the ruins. Reddit

Absolutely! It's a great stop for a quick historical detour, often combined with visits to nearby state parks or coastal areas. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, visiting Dummett Sugar Mill Ruins is generally free, making it an accessible historical site. Reddit

As an open-air historical site, it's typically accessible during daylight hours. It's advisable to check local listings or park advisories for any specific restrictions. TikTok

Yes, it's a site of historical interest that can be appreciated by all ages, though younger children might require closer supervision due to the nature of the ruins. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can see the significant remnants of a 19th-century sugar mill, a testament to Florida's plantation history and Civil War era. The site is fenced, but you can still get a good view of the structures. Reddit

While some visitors have expressed a desire for more extensive trails, the immediate area around the ruins offers a natural setting for a brief exploration. Reddit

Yes, the atmospheric ruins and surrounding natural beauty provide excellent opportunities for photography, especially for those interested in historical or abandoned sites. TikTok

The mill was a center of plantation life and played a role during the Civil War era, with some accounts mentioning it being burned. It offers a glimpse into Florida's agricultural past. TikTok

🎫 🦟 Nature & Wildlife

Yes, mosquitoes can be a significant issue, especially during warmer months and humid conditions. It's highly recommended to bring strong insect repellent. Reddit

The surrounding natural Florida landscape may host various local wildlife. Enjoy the natural setting, but be mindful of your surroundings. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Dummett Sugar Mill Ruins can be a quick, educational stop for families. While the ruins are fenced, the historical aspect can spark curiosity about the past. It's a good opportunity to discuss Florida's history in a tangible way. However, be prepared for significant mosquito activity, which might make longer stays challenging for younger children. Bringing plenty of repellent and keeping the visit relatively brief is key. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For those watching their wallets, Dummett Sugar Mill Ruins is an excellent choice as it's typically free to visit. This allows travelers to experience a piece of Florida history without any admission fees. It's a perfect addition to a road trip or a short detour when exploring the surrounding areas, offering historical value without a cost. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into Florida's Past

The Dummett Sugar Mill Ruins stand as a poignant reminder of Florida's complex history, particularly its ties to the plantation era and the Civil War. Built in the early 19th century, this site was once a bustling center of sugar production, a vital commodity during that period. The ruins, though partially fenced off, offer a tangible connection to the lives and labor that shaped this region. Videos highlight the historical context, noting its role as a plantation and its eventual decline. TikTok+1

Visiting the ruins provides an opportunity to reflect on the economic and social landscape of antebellum Florida. While the site itself may not be as expansive as some other nearby historical locations, its significance lies in its authenticity and the stories it silently tells. The surrounding natural environment has reclaimed much of the area, creating a unique juxtaposition of human history and nature's resilience. Reddit

Navigating the Site and Its Challenges

When planning a visit to the Dummett Sugar Mill Ruins, it's crucial to be prepared for the natural elements. Many visitors, including those sharing their experiences on Reddit, consistently warn about the prevalence of mosquitoes. These insects can be particularly aggressive, especially during warmer and more humid times of the year. Packing potent insect repellent is not just a suggestion but a necessity to ensure a comfortable experience. Reddit

Furthermore, the historical structures are protected by a fence, which limits how close visitors can get to the ruins themselves. While this is for preservation, it means you'll be viewing the mill from a distance. Despite this, the visual impact remains, and the surrounding grounds offer a pleasant, albeit brief, natural escape. Some visitors suggest researching the history beforehand, as on-site interpretive information is minimal, making it a site best appreciated with some prior knowledge. Reddit+1

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