The Town of
Steinhatchee
was originally named "Stephensville" after James Howard Stephens, a local
pioneer who founded a post office at the location in 1879. Even earlier in the
1800's, the area was known simply as "Deadman's Bay", and was explored by Andrew
Jackson, and later by Zachary Taylor, during the Seminole Indian wars. In 1931
the town was named "Steinhatchee" after the river whose north bank it occupies.
Its neighbor on the south side of the river is the Town of Jena. The name
"Steinhatchee" is derived from the native American "esteen hatchee", meaning
"river of man".
Like many
of the small coastal towns on the Nature Coast of Florida, Steinhatchee is a
long desolate road away from civilization - in this case, 10 miles south on
State Road 51 from where U.S. 19 runs through Tennille. The town was founded as
a fishing village. But during the Civil War the area was instrumental in
producing salt from sea water for the Confederate Army. Today, fishing is the
major industry here ... both commercial and sport fishing. And from June through
September, scallop harvesting is one of Steinhatchee's most popular activities -
attracting scuba divers and snorkelers from all over the world.
A rectangular grid of tree-lined streets nestled into a bend in the river,
Steinhatchee prides itself for its "old Florida" charm. Highway 51 becomes
Riverside Drive as it follows the river bank through the downtown area. A number
of high-end eateries are located within easy walking distance of tourist
accommodations in the area. Whether you prefer a simple hotel, a condo on the
riverfront, a cozy cottage, or an AirBnB place - you'll find plenty to choose
from here.
In addition to sport fishing, the community draws tourists who like kayaking,
hiking and bicycling. Located at the mouth of the Steinhatchee River, kayakers
can explore the numerous channels along the Gulf salt flats. More ambitious
kayakers may want to plan a day trip and paddle 7 miles upstream to Steinhatchee
Falls in the
Steinhatchee Springs Wildlife Management Area. Visitors who bring along their bikes will find the shady streets in the
town provide a great way to get just about anywhere in Steinhatchee. And hikers
will enjoy being surrounded by a number of conservation and wildlife management
areas with trails to explore.
Each December, Steinhatchee celebrates the holidays with "Christmas in the Park"
and a boat parade down the river. On Independence Day, the 10th Street bridge
between Steinhatchee and Jena is closed to traffic, and the two communities
enjoy a huge fireworks celebration. And if you visit in February, make sure to
check the dates for the town's most popular annual event - the
Fiddler Crab Festival.
Activities & Facilities
Hotel or B&B
Restaurant
Playground
Picnic shelter
Dogs allowed
Short hiking trails
Long hiking trails
Paved bike trails
Swimming
Open gulf kayaking
River or lake kayaking
Motor boating
Fishing