Exchange Club Island

Island Access

Positioned in the St. Johns River just east of downtown Jacksonville, Florida lies Exchange Club Island - a 34-acre cozy location that you can't simply drive to. This urban island is only accessible by water, making it a good destination if you're into boating, kayaking, or paddleboarding. Most folks launch from the Arlington boat ramp, which puts you about a mile's paddle from reaching this little piece of wilderness in the city.

Historical Background

Interestingly, this island hasn't always been around. It emerged around 1940 as a byproduct of dredging work done by the Army Corps of Engineers. Originally bearing the rather unimaginative name Mud Island (you can guess why), it found new purpose in 1956 when it was handed over to Duval County to serve as public parkland.

The island got its current name thanks to the Exchange Club, a civic-minded local group that took it upon themselves to transform the former mud pile into something people would actually want to visit.

Park Features

Today, the island provides a quiet contrast to Jacksonville's urban setting. A winding nature trail loops around a good portion of the island, letting you meander through lush Florida vegetation and possibly spot some wildlife - including some surprisingly domestic residents like chickens and turkeys that call the island home.

Dotted throughout the greenery are several picnic shelters and covered pavilions where you can take a break in the shade. The city has recently updated these facilities, which can be used for family gatherings or a relaxing afternoon.

One of the island's more unexpected features is the three small lakes or ponds hidden away in its interior. These quiet water bodies are interesting features to discover as you explore.

Facilities

The southern end of the island welcomes boaters with a boat dock that makes tying up straightforward. There's also a dedicated kayak launch if you're arriving via paddle power.

Inclusion seems to have been on the designers' minds, as there's a wheelchair-accessible path leading to one of the picnic pavilions and grill areas.

If you're planning to make a day of it, you'll appreciate the grilling stations near the picnic areas - fantastic for cooking up some burgers while enjoying river views. When the tide pulls back, you can even enjoy a small beach area that emerges along the shoreline.

Camping

For the more adventurous souls, the island offers two primitive campsites. Spending the night on the island can be a unique experience, but be prepared - these are back-to-basics sites without many amenities.

Visitor Information

Heads up - you won't find any restrooms on the island, so plan accordingly. It's also smart to wear sturdy shoes as some areas might have broken glass from less considerate visitors past. And as with any natural space, try to leave the island exactly as you found it - or maybe even a little better.