If you are feeling somewhat burnt out from the rushing to and fro
between the theme parks, you might want to consider an excursion
to one of the 150 Floridian State Parks.
The parks are open 365 days of the year from 8.00am until sunset.
Canoeing, kayaking, wildlife viewing, horse, bicycle and hiking
trails, bird spotting, snorkeling and fishing are among the many
ecotourism adventures that await you or it could just be an ideal
opportunity for quiet reflection in the natural resources surrounding
you.
Blue Spring State Park |
Rock Springs State Park |
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| The spring is much more than a scenic area for canoeing and swimming; it plays a vital role in the survival of one of Florida's most beleaguered residents - the manatee. Visitors can learn more about this endangered animal through ranger interpretive programs. A chair accessible observation platform provides a view of the endangered mammals that gather at the spring during the cooler months of the year. From December through March, the manatees leave the colder waters of the St. Johns River for the safety and comfort of the 72-degree spring. | Rock Springs Run State Reserve is approximately 14,000 acres of a variety of plant communities typically found throughout central Florida's landscape. The reserve is located approximately 30 miles north of Orlando and easily located off of I-4 at exit 51; then follow SR 46 west for almost 10 miles. The property was purchased in March 1983 for habitat preservation, for watershed protection and to provide recreational opportunities in the central Florida area. Additional purchases in 1991 and 1995 have formed a vast wilderness in Orange and Lake Counties. |
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 web: floridastateparks.org/bluespring |
web: floridastateparks.org/rockspringsrun |
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Wekiwa Springs State Park |
Lake Louisa State Park |
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Wekiwa Springs State Park comprises approximately 7,000 acres of wild scenery that offers an opportunity to see how areas of central Florida looked when the Timucuan Indians speared fish in the spring-fed creeks and stalked the uplands. They left a number of mounds that are still visible today. The main spring pumps approximately 42 million gallons of water each day. Wekiwa Springs State Park opened to the public in 1970. |
This 4,372-acre state park lies on the shores of Lake Louisa in the northeast corner of the Green Swamp. It is one of 13 in a chain of lakes connected by the Palatlakaha River, which is designated as an Outstanding Florida Water. | |
| web: floridastateparks.org/wekiwasprings |
web: floridastateparks.org/lakelouisa |
2100
West French Avenue
386/775-3663
