Originally called "Orange," the city was renamed Chipley in 1882 after the railroad businessman and Florida state senator William Dudley Chipley. Uncover some of the local backstory with a stroll through the South 3rd Street Historic District, located between Jackson Avenue (Highway 90) and South Boulevard. It contains 13 historic buildings, many of which are of the Queen Anne Victorian style. The Washington County Courthouse was built in 1932 using the Classical Revival Style of architecture after the county seat was moved from Vernon in 1927. Locals and visitors to Chipley have the unique experience of walking amongst wolves at Seacrest Wolf Preserve, a non-profit organization dedicated to wolf conservation and preservation of the important keystone species through education. You can give a truly meaningful gift and help save wildlife through the organization’s Adopt a Wolf or Wolf Dog program, where you can assist in the continuing care and feeding of the chosen wolf/wolf dog through a monthly sponsorship. Your sponsor kit includes a certificate and an 8x10 photo of the chosen wolf/wolf dog, a hat and a free guided tour of Seacrest to meet the wolves and wolf dogs.
Another popular Chipley attraction is Falling Waters State Park, a 171-acre park that contains a 73-foot waterfall, the highest in the state. The sinkholes at the park were used as a hideout by Indian warriors fighting against Andrew Jackson during the Seminole Wars. The park is the site of a Civil War era gristmill that is powered by the waterfall. Also on the park site is an 1891 distillery and the first oil well in Florida, drilled in. The well never produced what was the anticipated oil and was capped in 1921. Other state parks within a 50-60 mile radius include Falling Water, Bear Creek State Park, Chattahoochee State Park and Fairchild State Park. Enjoy horseback riding in northwest Florida through Sunshine Riding Trails. They provide a 2-hour on their beautiful Tennessee Walking with access to over 10,000 acres of Florida sand hills and preserved forest to explore. When you start planning your visit to the area, you’ll have a convenient location to rest and recharge when you stay at one of our Choice Hotels in Chipley, FL. Book a room online now!