This magical, secluded world, an “animal planet” of its own, is within a 15 minute drive of Kingsland. Don’t miss the opportunity to see it
The road leading into White Oak is unmarked. (Visitors do need a map to guide them into the property, which is arranged when you are an expected guest – See directions at bottom). Those visiting this exclusive retreat to vacation, participate in national and international conferences, or special corporate group functions, don’t have to worry about being harassed by the media with its limited public access. The property is a refuge for both man and animal.
White Oak Plantation
What was originally a rice plantation, then later cultivated for cotton and timber, has been developed into a wonderful sanctuary for both man and beast. A place offering ultimate seclusion with a unique animal conservation center.
This huge 7,500 plantation straddles the St. Marys River on the Florida/Georgia border. It is located in Nassau County Florida, near Amelia Island, and actually crosses the St. Mary’s River, with 1,000 acres on the Georgia side of the waterway.
This enchanting, private oasis is a magical place to learn about efforts to help save rare animals. But it also offers a golf course, an equestrian center with 25 miles of horse trails and jumps, multiple lodges, swimming pools, tennis courts, an archery range, a dance studio for performing artists, a yacht club, and even a couple of lanes of bowling. A very unique combination of amenities, a storied history, and the setting of a natural preserve.
White Oak Plantation has been an exclusive destination for famous Americans including a U.S. president, foreign political dignitaries, global policy makers as well as movie stars, musicians, and dancers like Mikhail Baryshnikov (there’s a dance studio on the property named after him, that hosts dance companies).
A sampling of previous guests at White Oak include President Clinton, Colin Powell, Al Gore, Madonna, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Julia Roberts, and John Travolta. Plus, the heads of some of America’s top corporations, Nobel laureates, and foreign dignitaries.
581705 White Oak Rd.
Yulee, FL, 32097
The Man behind White Oak Plantation
The late Howard Gilman, former chairman and CEO of Gilman Paper Company of St. Marys, Georgia which became the largest privately-owned paper and building products company in the USA is that man behind White Oak Plantation. Gilman was a performing arts lover, avid collector, supported medical research (cardiology and HIV/AIDS), and had a strong commitment to animal conservation. And that’s why amidst the pines, live oaks, crape myrtle and palmettos in Nassau County, Florida and on the Georgia border are species of endangered animals.
White Oak Conservation Center
Established in 1982, White Oak Conservation Center is one of the world’s premiere wildlife breeding, research, and training facilities. It occupies 600 acres of the 7,400 acres of pine and hardwood forest and wetlands that make up White Oak Plantation. With a global reputation, the center is dedicated to maintaining genetically healthy breeding of rare and near extinct animals, with species survival plans. Home to hundreds on the property. What White Oak has is a “genetic bank” in captivity. Besides trying to save animal species, White Oak is an educational center with a veterinary hospital offering internships and residencies, and they provide training for wildlife professionals and students of zoology.
The White Oak Conservation Center “conserves and sustains some of the earth’s rarest wild animals through innovative training, research, breeding and field programs that contribute to the survival of wildlife in nature”.
Amidst the pines, live oaks, crape myrtle and palmettos are species of endangered animals. You see white and black rhinos, grazing zebras, Bongo Antelope, giant Eland, Okapi, tigers, cheetahs, Florida panthers and rare birds – over 60 species of endangered animals have been present on the grounds. The Conservation Center has developed a captive breeding program for the okapi, described as “perhaps the most unique large mammal in the world”.
Take a tour of the animal conservation area of White Oak Plantation in an open van for the 90-minute exploration. Call 904-225-3396 for more information
White Oak Plantation – Corporate Meeting Space
A really unique meeting destination off the beaten path. White Oak Plantation will sure intrigue even the most seasoned corporate travelers. Ideal for smaller meetings, White Oak Plantation can accommodate around 50 overnight guests and about double that for a day conference or meeting.
Suffering from the recession, a catalyst to invite the public into this very special place in northeast Florida reportedly is economic (to raise funds to help run the plantation). So those who utilize the venue for meetings will be helping to support Gilman’s ideals — conservation of endangered species, support of the arts, and funding medical research.
White Oak Plantation - Cedar 3 Golf Course
Truly one of the most exclusive and scenic facilities you’ll ever experience. White Oak Plantation Cedar 3 Golf Course is a located within the 7,400 acre White Oak Plantation preserve. The Steve Melnyk Designed 9-hole Championship regulation Private course opened in 1989 and provides an unparalleled experience.
The 9-hole Championship Bermuda grass course is ingeniously plotted with 54 different teeing grounds, playing like an 18-hole course. The strategic placement of tee boxes creates 27 distinct holes. This 72 par plays from 5,158 to 6,942 yards, with the signature hole being a 370 yard par 4 which features a series of three cascading waterfalls.
Numerous P.G.A. champions, celebrities, and heads-of state seek out the luxury and privacy of the White Oak Plantation Golf Experience.
White Oak Plantation Golf Course
581705 White Oak Rd
Yulee, FL 32097
(904) 225-3218
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- Free HOT Breakfast buffet - view listing
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Quality hotel features & amenities:
- Interior corridor - 100% Smoke Free
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Comfortable elegantly appointed WELL LIT rooms include:
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Convenient Location on I-95 at Exit 3
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- 15 minutes from Kingsland, GA
Directions TO White Oak FROM - GEORGIA
Take I-95 South to Florida Exit 380/old 130 (Hwy 17) – first exit in Florida. Exit to the right - heading north on Hwy 17. Travel 1.75 miles and turn left onto Owens Rd. (dirt road), which is directly across from the Agricultural Station. Follow Owens Rd. for 3/4 of a mile and you will turn right at the White Oak Plantation sign.
