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state parks

 
Cedar Key Museum State Park

This museum celebrates the thriving port city and railroad connection that was Cedar Key in the 19th century. Exhibits include sea shells and Indian artifacts collected by St. Clair Whitman, the founded of the first museum in Cedar Key. His house is also located on the property and has been restored to reflect life in the 1920s. Visitors can walk to the nature trail to see the local wildlife and vegetation.

12231 SW 166 Court
Cedar Key, FL 32625
352-543-5350
www.floridastateparks.org/cedarkeymuseum/

 

Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve

The Gulf of Mexico’s salt marshes give way to swamps, forests, pine flatwoods and scrub setting the stage for nature studies and wildlife observation. Miles of trails weave through the different habitats. The shallow waters and creeks provide opportunities for canoeing and kayaking. The reserve is working to restore the scrub habitat after more than 80 acres had been cut using heavy equipment. These improvements will help the plants and animals thrive in the reserve.

State Road 24
cedar Key, FL 32625
352-543-5567
www.floridastateparks.org/cedarkeyscrub/

 

Crystal River Preserve State Park

This park, located in between temperate and sub-tropical climate zones, allows for different communities to grow according to their location in the preserve. These undisturbed islands, inlets, backwaters and forests are revered by nature lovers and photographers. Hikers and cyclists will enjoy the nine miles of trails, while anglers can spend a relaxing day fishing at the Mullet Hole. The two-and-a-half mile interpretive trail is perfect for those wanting to study the wildlife and surroundings.

3266 N. Sailboat Avenue
Crystal River, FL 34428
352-563-0450
www.floridastateparks.org/crystalriverpreserve/

 

Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park

Amongst the Florida humidity lies this 120 feet deep sinkhole, that provides a cool oasis. Visitors can take in the serenity with the sounds of the waterfalls as they cascade down the slopes. Small streams weave in and out of crevices, and lush vegetation thrives in this shady retreat. Since the early 1880s, visitors have frequented this natural beauty. Interpretive displays provide information about the history of the sinkhole and its surrounding wildlife.

4732 Millhopper Road
Gainesville, FL 32653
352-955-2008
www.floridastateparks.org/devilsmillhopper/

 

Dudley Farm Historic State Park

This park demonstrates the evolution of Florida farming from the 1850s to the mid-1940s through three generations of the Dudley family. This is an authentic working farm, which includes a family farmhouse with original furnishings, a general store and post office. The park staff sports period clothing and participates in daily chores. Deer, wild turkeys, gopher tortoises and bluebirds are still seen in this farm’s fields.

18730 W. Newberry Road
Newberry, FL 32669
352-472-1142
www.floridastateparks.org/dudleyfarm

 

Etoniah Creek State Forest

This state forest contains 8,679 acres of various natural communities that provide homes for various wildlife and scenic bottomland hardwoods and banks. This is an ideal setting for hiking, fishing, canoeing, hunting, nature study, wildlife viewing and photography. There are also two designated trails for horseback riding.

390 Holloway Road
Florahome, FL 32140
386-329-2552
www.visitflorida.com/destinations/moreinfo.php/ID=8075/detail=park

 

Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail

This old railbed-turned-greenway is both a paved multi-use recreational surface and a grassy path for equestrians. The 16-mile journey down the trail encounters citrus groves, small railroad towns and coal-burning locomotives. Kiosks along the way allow for educational, self-guided tours.

3400 SE 15 Street
Gainesville, FL 32641
352-466-3397
www.floridastateparks.org/gainesville-hawthorne

 

Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park

This site was the home of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, the author of many major literary works and 1939 Pulitzer Prize fiction winner. Her home exemplifies the old style of architecture from the Crackers, descendents of pioneer settlers. This site has been named a National Historic landmark, which is an honor given to less than 2,500 historic places in the nation. Visitors will be able to go back in time as they are surrounded by 1930s period attire and farm life.

18700 S. CR 325
Cross Creek, Fl 32640
352-466-3672
www.floridastateparks.org/marjoriekinnanrawlings/

 

 

Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

This full service, secluded park is the perfect setting for camping, cabins, picnics, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, canoeing and star gazing. Located on rolling sandhills, the park features a deep ravine that cuts through the area to form the Gold Head Branch. Marshes, lakes and scrub provide a habitat for a variety of wildlife.

6239 S.R. 21
Keystone Heights, Fl 32656
352-473-4701
www.floridastateparks.org/goldhead/

 

O’Leno State Park

Located along the banks of the scenic Santa Fe River, the park features sinkholes, hardwood hammocks, river swamps and sandhills. The park features a scenic suspension bridge that spans the river. Visitors are able to picnic at one of the pavilions or fish in the river. Canoes and bicycles are also available for rent. The park also houses a full-facility campground for those longing for an overnight stay.

410 S.E. Oleno Park Road
High Springs, Fl 32643
386-454-1853
www.floridastateparks.org/oleno/default.cfm

 

Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park

This park commemorates the site of Florida’s largest Civil War battle on Feb. 20, 1864. This battlefield became the state’s first historic site in 1912. The park has a visitor center with historical information and artifacts as well as reenactments every February. Visitors can also walk along the mile-long trail that has signs along the way describing the events of the battle.

US 90
Olustee, Fl 32072
386-758-0400
www.floridastateparks.org/olustee/

 

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

Paynes Prairie became Florida’s first state preserve in 1971 and is now designated as a National Natural Landmark. More than 20 distinct biological communities provide for a variety of wildlife, including alligators, bison, wild horses and more than 270 species of birds. Exhibits and an audio-visual program at the visitor center explain the area’s history and habitats. The 50-foot observation tower allows for a panoramic view of the preserve.

100 Savannah Boulevard
Micanopy, Fl 32667
352-466-3397
www.floridastateparks.org/paynesprairie/

 

River Rise Preserve State Park

The Santa Fe River reemerges from its underground portion as a circular pool in River Rise State Park. Surrounded by quiet woods and huge trees, anglers can spend a relaxing afternoon fishing. Equestrians can explore over 20 miles of trails and camp overnight with their horses.

410 Oleno Park Road
High Springs, FL 32643
386-454-1853
www.floridastateparks.org/riverrise/

 

San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park

The limestone outcrops and extreme changes in elevation of this park provide ideal conditions for many species of hardwood trees, including several champion trees. The 18 natural communities found in the preserve are homes to numerous wildlife species. For a truly solitary wilderness experience, the southern-most two-thirds of the park is designated for hiking only.

12720 NW 109 Lane
Alachua, FL 32615
386-462-7905
www.floridastateparks.org/sanfelascohammock/

 

Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park

This center, located on the banks of the Suwannee River, honors the memory of American composer, Stephen Foster, composer of “Old Folks at Home.” The song made the river famous. The museum exhibits some of Foster’s most famous songs. The Craft Square allows for visitors to see quilting, blacksmithing, stain glass making and other crafts. Hiking, bicycling, canoeing and wildlife viewing are also popular activities. Cabins in the park allow for overnight stays.

U.S. 41 North
White Springs, FL 32096
386-397-2733
www.floridastateparks.org/stephenfoster/

 

Suwannee River State Park

This state park combines a natural setting where the Withlacoochee River meets the Suwannee River with historic remnants. The Suwannee River was important to Florida’s history as outlined by the vestiges located throughout the park. Mounds of earthworks built during the Civil War to guard against incursions still remain on site. The park also has one of the state’s oldest cemeteries and a paddle-wheel shaft from a 19th century steamboat. Five trails weave through the park.

20185 County Road 132
Live Oak, FL 32060
386-362-2746
www.floridastateparks.org/suwanneeriver/default.cfm

 

Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park

Accessible only by boat, this preserve has become a favorite of anglers because it has both saltwater and freshwater fishing. The park also is home to many species of endangered and threatened animals. Visitors can enjoy a picturesque view of nature from a canoe.

P.O. Box 187
Cedar Key, FL 32625
352-543-5567
www.floridastateparks.org/waccasassabay/default.cfm





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