Experience the History of the Civil War like never before!

The Kirby Family Farm is very proud to host the 20th Annual Nature Coast Civil War Reenactment again this year. One of the largest reenactments in the Sunshine state, the Battle features a full size historical locomotive on Florida's largest private railroad, Calvary units, and one of the biggest displays of Cannon fire in the Southeast!

March 11th and 12th, 2017, Gates open at 10:00 AM and features battles at 2:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday. Friday is set aside for Living History Day.

Before the battle there’s a whole day of fun including live music, daily artillery and live mortar demonstrations, Union and Confederate camps, Sutlers, authentic artifacts, and more. Enjoy a optional train ride through the battlefield and camps. The Kirby Family's farm fun will be open and available too including the antique carousel, TeaCups, Scrambler, and more. Vendors will be offering unique art, crafts, toys and collectibles.

 

“The Only place known in America where you can ride a Civil War era railroad through a Civil War Battlefield.”

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

 

What are the Dates and Times?

Saturday, March 11th and Sunday, the 12th, 2017, are the Battle days! Gates open at 10:00 AM and features battles at 2:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday. Throughout the day you can enjoy activities, entertainment and more.

 

I'm a Teacher or Home School parent, where can I get Living History day information?

Living History day will be held on Friday, March 10th, from 9:00 AM until 2:00 PM. Groups young and old, Schools and Home schoolers, are encouraged to register early for this unique learning experience for all ages. Several learning stations will be set up throughout the farm with presenters sharing knowledge and offering hands on demonstrations. Please realize there is not a battle reenactment on Living History day and amusement rides will not be in operation. For more information on Living History day please Click on the button and/or contact us at 352-812-7435 or info@kirbyfarm.com.

 

 

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Where can I find Reenactor information and registration?

For Reenactor information Click on the Reenactor link for details including Registration and to discover all the after hours events planned for the participants.

 

 

 

 

Can I purchase tickets in advance?
You can Pre-Register! Space is limited for each night of operation. To best serve our guests and ensure that they are able to enjoy every aspect of the day, we recommend pre-registration for admission.

 

Where do I Pre-register for tickets?
You can Pre-register online at our Online Ticket Center. In the event tickets are still available, they will be available at the gate. If you plan on waiting until the day of the event PLEASE check in advance for availability.

 

 

 

 

How much are tickets and who needs one?
Day Pass: Saturday or Sunday-Due to popular demand we are continuing to offer an All Ages Special of $10 per person, ages 3 and up. Children 2 and under are FREE. Children 2 and under may be required to sit on their parent or guardians lap aboard the train. A day pass includes entry onto the farm, the battle, live entertainment, full access to camps and sutlerys, all demonstrations, all basic activities, optional train ride aboard the civil war era railroad, and a ride on the carousel.

The Kirby Family Farm's Scrambler, Tea Cups, Wiggle Worm, Tractor ride, and other amusement rides are available for all inclusive unlimited ride wristband for $10 that can be obtained on site. *Rides close 10 minutes prior to the battle.

Weekend Super Pass: Friday-Sunday: Weekend Super Pass $20 in advance, $25 at the gate if available. Your Weekend Super Pass is valid the entire Nature Coast Civil War Reenactment Weekend, Friday-Sunday. It includes everything the Day pass includes plus, entry all weekend (including the Friday Living History Day Pass), an also includes unlimited ride wristband for all additional amusement rides. 

 

What does my ticket include?
Your Day Pass to The Nature Coast Civil War includes your entrance onto the farm and battle. Optional ride aboard our old-fashioned railroad as it travels back in time through the battlefield and soldier camps, all basic activities, demonstrations, carousel, and live entertainment, are included FREE.  Train rides are first come, first serve.  Gates open at 10:00 AM on Saturday and Sunday, first train leaves approximately 10:15 AM and trains run every 30 minutes. Trains will not carry guests during the battle from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM as it is participating in the battle and will be transporting troops. Train rides will resume immediately following the battle. Additional amusement rides are available for an all inclusive unlimited ride wristband for $10 (includes ALL basic and optional activities). 

 

Your Weekend Super Pass is valid for entry the entire Nature Coast Civil War Reenactment weekend, Friday thru Sunday. The Weekend Super Pass includes everything the Day pass includes plus, entry all weekend (including the Friday Living History Day Pass), an also includes a unlimited ride wristband for all additional amusement rides.

 

Additional cost and/or restrictions may apply to food purchases, professional photos, animal food to feed our animals, and souvenirs.

 

What are will-call tickets?
Guests may need to pick up their tickets at our will-call kiosks upon arrival. Our friendly volunteer family members will be on hand to assist with will-call tickets. Please have photo ID and confirmation number for verification.

 

Are there any refunds or exchanges if I cannot attend?
There are no refunds or exchanges. We recommend that you verify your dates with family and friends before purchasing tickets. Tickets cannot be replaced if lost, stolen, or destroyed. Due to overwhelming demand, tickets are only valid for the event, date, and time for which they were issued.

 

What time should I arrive?
Gates open at 10am. We can not admit guests onto the farm or have food services available to you until 10am. The first train leaves at 10:15am and trains run each half hour.

 

Where exactly is The Nature Coast Civil War & Festival located?
The Nature Coast Civil War can be found at Kirby Family Farm, a 501c3 Not for Profit Educational destination located in Williston, Florida. On the second weekend in March the Kirby Family Farm goes back in time to the Civil War era. For travel directions, check out our Map & Directions.

 

 

 

 

Are there places to eat at the event?
We offer a variety of concessions on the farm. You can expect to find a tasty selection of food items available for purchase, including authentic Fry Bread and more Civil War era food. We also offer modern meal combos, Barbecue, Fresh hamburgers, hotdogs, cowboy chili, kettle corn, funnel cakes, ribbon fries, boiled peanuts, and more. Prices are comparable to fast-food restaurants. We offer picnic tables to enjoy your meal.

 

May we bring our own coolers with food and drink?
Sorry, we do not permit coolers or outside food or beverages onto the Kirby Family Farm. No alcoholic beverages are allowed on the premises.

 

What about large groups?
We are able to accomodate any size groups with advance registration. Bus access is available. Groups of 50 or more with advance registration can ride on thier own railroad car, groups of 250 or more can ride on thier own train. For groups of 20 or more we can arrange custom package values that can include meal vouchers and additional featured activities. We encourage large groups to arrive no later then 9:30 to be able to enjoy the first train ride out, enabling them to enjoy other activities as thier schedule allows. Groups reservations and additional information are available now by contacting us at info@kirbyfarm.com.

 

What happens in the case of inclement weather?
This event is rain or shine. We do everything in our power to remain open for all event dates. In the case of high winds we may not be able to offer all activities for safety reasons. The Nature Coast Civil War Reenactment & Festival does not give refunds or exchanges to those who are unable to attend their scheduled day due to weather conditions. In the rare case of a cancellation, we will post a notice online, as well as update our main phone recording at 352-812-7435. Tickets for an upcoming date or future visit may be offered at the discretion of managment in the event of a cancellation.

 

What can I bring with me?
Camcorders and cameras are welcome. Folding chairs and blankets are welcome and encouraged. Profanity, alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, and firearms are not permitted on the premises. Smoking and tobacco use is permitted in designated smoking area only. No pets are allowed.

 

Is this event wheel chair and stroller accessible?
Kirby Family Farm has hosted several guests in wheelchairs and strollers. The train is wheelchair accessible. We recommend you use discretion as it is a farm and the terrain is as such.

 

All monies received are collected as a donation supporting the cost and development of the Kirby Family Farm in whole as well as each individual activity.