Florida Parks
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A Weekend Camping Trip To Tomoka State Park, Florida
Take a step back in time and enjoy a weekend of camping at the Tomoka State Park, Florida. A timeless park full of history, and scenic settings to relax in. Brief History Tomoka became a state park in 1945, but it has a vast history of welcoming visitors. Be sure to visit the Tomoka Point and explore what use to be the site of the Timucuam Native American Village, Nocoroco. The village dates back to at least 1300 years ago. This was a thriving village until the devastation of European diseases decimated the Native American population. Several plantations were also established in this area, most notably that of Richard Oswald.…
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A Weekend Camping Adventure at Silver Springs
If you crave an outdoor adventure Silver Springs State Park is the perfect camping destination for you. Enjoy hiking, kayaking and glass bottom boat tours in this historically famous park. Silver Springs State Park Silver Springs has been a popular tourist destination since the 1820’s. People have been drawn to this area because of the crystal clear waters and abundant wildlife. There are monkeys in the park, but as hard as we tried we were not lucky enough to spot one. The park has been privately owned for over a hundred years. It is best known for its glass bottom boat tours and as a movie set location. The state…
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A Weekend at Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park
We spent the weekend at Florida’s newest state parks, Ruby B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs, located near the small town of High Springs. This over 400 acre park was once privately owned and operated from the 1960’s until it was sold to the state in 2017. It is truly a gem that is home to a several natural springs besides Gilchrist. You will have fun exploring the park and finding all of them. Campground According to the their website at Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park there are currently sixteen RV sites with water and electric and seven tent only sites. These are small spaces to back up…
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Hiking at Trout Lake, One of Florida’s Hidden Gems
Spend the day hiking and exploring one of Central Florida’s hidden gems, Trout Lake Nature Center located in Eustis. This is an exceptional center to discover the “real” Florida as you hike its trails and boardwalks. We have been to Trout Lake many times with our kids for school trips, scouting events and day trips. This is a hands on Nature Center with many kid friendly activities. Hiking Trout Lake Take one of the several trails offered at Trout Lake to begin your hike through the nature preserve. Most of the trails are less than a mile in length and tend to run into each other. This is a great…
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A Fun Filled Weekend at Myakka River State Park
We had a fun filled weekend at Florida’s Myakka River State Park, located just south of Tampa. It was a great way to spend quality family time before the busy Christmas season starts. About Myakka River State Park Myakka River State Park officially opened to the public in 1941. It was one of the first state parks in Florida to be created as part of the New Deal program, the Civilian Conservation Corp. You will see several of their projects while exploring the park. The Myakka River area is abundant with wildlife. Several species of birds make it their home, making this a bird watchers paradise. But for us it…
