Cowhunters & Pioneers: HOMESCHOOL DAY
September 24, 2025 from 10am-2pm
Discover what life would have been like for a child growing up in a Florida farming and ranching community over 100 years ago! Educators in historic dress will welcome guests to the 1885 Carlton House, Okahumpka Depot, Terry Store, School House and more authentic structures. Students will learn cowhunter skills, like how to read a cattle brand and what to pack for a long cattle drive.
Each young learner will enjoy demonstrations of daily chores and skills such as butter churning, laundry, cattle roping and a period school house lesson.
Activities:
See our model train display
Explore our historic buildings
Learn to read cattle brands
Help with old fashioned laundry
Print a post card on an antique printing press
Practice a lesson in a one-room school house
Try out turn-of-the-century toys
and more!
Lecture Add-on: Cracker History in Florida
Price: $2 add-on to Homeschool Day general admission ticket
Ages: The lecture is designed for students aged 12-18
Time: 45 minute lecture starts at 11am
Homeschoolers aged 12 and up can attend a private lecture on Cracker History in Florida given by college professor Gary G. DeSantis. Learn more about where Florida’s settlers originated; when and why they came to Florida; and the beliefs, values, and habits they brought with them. This event is a must see for older homeschool students and parents, who are interested in learning more about Florida’s pioneer history. As an additional bonus, a take home lesson plan for further study is Cracker Country’s gift to you when a parent signs their children up for the class.
Bring a Picnic Lunch: Picnic tables are available for a picnic lunch.
Shopping: There are lots of unique items to be found at the General Store! The store features nostalgic and reproduction items, historical toys and games, books, candy, and many other unique gift items. The General Store accepts cash and all major credit cards. Proceeds from sales in the General Store help support Cracker Country's education programs.
General Pricing: $14 per person 4 years old and up, children 3 years old and younger will be admitted for FREE. Advance ticket purchase required- this is a very popular event and there are limited tickets available. Tickets only available online. All ticket sales are final.
Parking: Free parking - enter Orient Rd only. Please follow the directions listed on our website and not GPS. Directions
