Tag: STATE PARK

The Magical Silver Springs State Park

Post author By Elle MacRae
Post date January 22, 2022
9 Comments on The Magical Silver Springs State Park

Silver Springs State Park is home to one of America’s largest and most-loved springs. The park is famous for its Glass Bottom Boats and its kayaking trail. Silver Springs State Park is perfect for leisurely walks, hikes, kayaking, paddle boarding, and camping. It is the perfect day trip from most major north and central Florida cities.

From the moment that you pull into Silver Springs State Park, you know that this place is totally different than most of the nearly 1000 Florida springs. There is a massive theme park-esque sign that welcomes you to the park.

The History of Silver Springs

Native Americans were known to use the river as a food source as far back as 1500 (but probably before then). Evidence of their presence can be found at the bottom of the Silver River in the form of a 500+ year old sunken dugout canoe.

Spanish explorer Hernado de Soto is thought o have been the first European to discover the area.

Years later, it became one of Florida’s first tourist attractions. In the 1950s, more than 800,000 people a year would visit the park! The main entrance to the park is a reminder of this former roadside attraction.

Silver Springs was classified as a national natural landmark in 1971 and was acquired by the state of Florida in 2013.

Glass Bottom Boat Tours

The Glass Bottom Boat Tour is sure to be one of the most memorable parts of your visit. Glass Bottom Boat tours began in 1878! Not only are the boat captains totally hilarious, they are also incredibly knowledgeable. Our tour took us past 4 spring heads, an impressive 400+ year old sunken dugout canoe, and down the Silver River. We saw manatee, alligators, turtles, fish, and birds, as we heard stories about the history of Silver Springs State Park. The Glass Bottom Boat tour was a great introduction to the park.

The cost of the boat tour is $12 for adults.

Pro-Tip: There is no swimming at Silver Springs State Park. The springs are best experienced via Glass Bottom Boat Tours, kayak, or paddle board.

Rentals

The park offers kayak and paddleboard rentals.

One Hour Paddle Rental- $20
Two Hour Paddle Rental- $30
Full Day Paddle Rental- $35
Full Day Paddle Rental with Shuttle Service- This option is great for more experienced paddlers. After journeying 5 miles downstream, you’ll be shuttled back to Silver Springs State Park. $40
2 Hour Guided Paddling Tour- Prices vary

The Monkeys of Silver Springs

About 100 years ago, an eccentric boat captain released rhesus macaques monkeys on an island within the parks grounds in an attempt to create a Tarzan themed tourist attraction.

The monkeys were able to swim and escaped the island. Today, an estimated 176 monkeys call the Silver River home. Since the monkeys are known to carry disease, the park is working on relocated the monkeys elsewhere.

Visiting Silver Springs State Park

Physical Address:

Silver Springs State Park
5656 E Silver Springs Blvd
Silver Springs, FL 34488

Entry Fees:

$2 per person. Children 6 and under a free.

The park is open 365 days a year from 8 am dark.

Know Before You Go

There is no swimming or tubing at Silver Springs State Park. If you want to tube, we suggest checking out Blue Spring State Park, Kelly Park, or Ichetucknee State Park.
There is a launch fee of $4 per vessel (+$2 per person admission) if you bring your own kayak, canoe, or SUP.

Are There Alligators in the Springs?

Something visitors need to understand about Florida is that alligators can be found in any fresh body of water. Our state is home to more than a million alligators that live in lakes, rivers, marshes, canals, springs, and even ponds at places like Disney and golf courses. There is always the possibility of seeing an alligator in a fresh body of water. In fact, as Floridians we just assume that they are lurking around. However, alligators don’t tend to like all of the splishing and splashing. Think of them as cranky old people. They’ll try to stay as far away from humans as possible.

Are there Manatees at Silver Springs?

Yes! Your best chance for manatee sighting is in the winter months. Because the springs maintain a constant temperature of 72 degrees, the manatees tend to leave the cold river for the warmer spring waters.

What is there to do Nearby?

The park is an excellent base for exploring the Ocala National Forest. Be sure to check out Juniper Springs (30 mins away), Alexander Springs (45 mins away), and De Leon Springs (50 mins away).

Our Spring Essentials

Closing Thoughts

We absolutely loved our time at Silver Springs State Park. Our biggest regret was that we didn’t take our paddle board and kayak. The kids already started planning our return trip before we even left the park. I have a feeling we’ll be visiting again, very soon!

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Updated: 5/5/2022

Tags FLORIDA, SPRINGS, STATE PARK, UNITED STATES, USA

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The Impressive Etowah Indian Mounds- The Remains of an Ancient Civilization

Post author By Elle MacRae
Post date December 25, 2021
No Comments on The Impressive Etowah Indian Mounds- The Remains of an Ancient Civilization

Did you know that the remains of an ancient settlement are hidden in the hills of rural Georgia? If you find yourself in the Atlanta area, we strongly suggest making the trip to the Etowah Indian Mounds. The Etowah Indian Mounds are an archaeological site located in Cartersville, Georgia. The mounds are what remains of the ancient civilization that once called this area “home”. Between 1000 AD and 1550 AD, thousands of indigenous people resided on this 54-acre site. The site features six earthen mounds, a plaza, a village site, borrow pits, and a moat.

The Etowah Indian Mounds are the most intact Mississippian Culture site in the Southeast. On site, there is a museum that showcases how the indigenous people once lived. Their shell beads, paint, ornate hairdos, and jewelry indicate that this was a well-to-do society.

Amazingly, less than 10% of the site has been excavated. It’ll be interesting to see what historians unearth about this sacred site in the future!

We really enjoyed exploring this park. Our favorite part was ascending the mounds! The views were absolutely breathtaking and reminded us of climbing the Maya ruins of Cahal Pech and Xunantunich in Belize. In fact, the mounds themselves are very similar to Maya pyramids.

So... what are these mounds all about?

The indigenous people of North America built mounds like these for over a thousand years. Archaeologists have uncovered mounds that date beach to the Archaic Period (8000-1000 BC).

The indigenous people would hold religious ceremonies on top of these four-sided mounds. The mounds also supported the tribal leaders homes, temples, and other residences. Mounds were also used to contain the remains of the dead.

The History of the Etowah Indian Mounds and the Mississippian People

For more than 800 years, the Mississippian culture dominated the southeastern and midwestern United States. The culture, which originated in the Mississippi River Valley, expanded from Texas, to Illinois, and to North Carolina. These early people built impressive earth mounds as a testimony of their power.

The Etowah Indian Mounds are the really impressive. There are three primary mounds and three secondary mounds. Mound A is the second largest mound in the United States! It is as tall as a 6-story building. Archaeologists believe that Mound A was where the chief lived, Mound B served as a spot for religious rituals, and Mound C was a burial site for the elite.

The largest mound is the Cahokia, located in Illinois. It’s remarkable to think that the Mississippian culture spanned the length of the United States! The Cahokia Mounds are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Mississippians were also known for their shell-tempered pottery and their widespread trade networks (that extended as far west as the Rocky Mountains).

Etowah Indian Mounds Visiting Information

Address

813 Indian Mounds Road SE
Cartersville, GA
30120

Historic Site Admission

Adults (18–61): $6.00
Seniors (62+): $5.00
Youth (6–17): $4.00
Youth Groups: $3.50
Children (under 6): $2.00

The site is open 7 days a week from 9-5. The mounds area closes at 4:30 PM. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day.

The park offers a self-guided tour that begins in the Visitors Center. A short video details the history of the mounds. From here, visitors can explore the artifacts on display in the museum before heading out to the mounds.

The walk from the Visitor’s Center to the mounds is short and easy. On the way, you’ll pass borrow pits, a wattle and daub house, a dugout canoe, and the area that was believed to be the plaza.

If you’re able, you should most definitely hike the steps up to the top of Mound A for impressive views of the countryside (and the other mounds). It can be quite strenuous but, the hike up to the top is worth it, if you’re able.

After you visit the mounds, head towards the Etowah River. If you turn left and head alongside the river, you can see the remains of a fish dam trap. Here, rocks form a V shape at the center of the river. A trap would be placed at the tip of the V. Fish would get trapped in this space which allowed them to be easily caught.

Pro-Tip: There are benches on the riverbank overlooking the Etowah River. This is a great spot for a picnic!

In 1964, Etowah was named a National Historic Site and is a sacred place for the Cherokee and Creek- descendants of the original inhabitants.

What Should I Take With Me?

When you’re hiking, please remember to leave no trace! This means to pack out everything that you pack in and if you see trash, pick it up.

Backpack– to store all of your belongings
Dry Bag– to keep your electronics and wallet safe, in case of rain (or kayaking)
Trail GPS– the Garmin Oregon handled GPS works offline. You can view maps, waypoints, tracks, and trails even if you don’t have a signal.
First-Aid Kit– this ultralight, watertight medical kit is a must if you’re hitting the trails!
Sunscreen- yes, you can get sunburned in the forest.
Insect Repellant
Water Bottle– Always pack more water than you think you’ll need!
Snacks

Hammock– I honestly pack a hammock on most hiking trips. Psh, I even bring them along with me when we go on cruises. There are plenty of spots in the forest to put up a hammock and chill out for a bit.

If you’re traveling with your pup, like we often do, be sure to bring along their leash, poop bags, a water dish (this one is collapsible), extra water, food, and snacks.

What is there to do Nearby?

Pettit Environment Preserve
Booth Western Art Museum
Allatoona Pass Battlefield
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park

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Tags GEORGIA, GEORGIA STATE PARK, STATE PARK, USA

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18 Gorgeous Florida Springs State Parks

Post author By Elle MacRae
Post date October 2, 2021
1 Comment on 18 Gorgeous Florida Springs State Parks

Did you know that Florida’s first tourist attraction was its fresh water springs? For ages, people have flocked from all around to experience some of the most remarkable natural springs in the world. In fact, Florida has more natural springs than any other place on the planet.

The Florida State Park system has created parks at several of the 700 natural springs. The parks offer amenities such as hiking trails and campsites. Some parks also offer eco tours and watercraft rentals.

Florida Springs State Parks

Blue Spring State Park- Blue Spring State Park is a great day trip from Orlando. The park offers kayak and canoe rentals and has an excellent boat tour that will take you out on the Saint Johns River.

Our favorite thing about this spring is that there is a launch area for inner tubes so that you can float down the spring. The exit landing is a short hike back to the beginning of the run.

If you plan on launching a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard, consider putting in at nearby French Landing.

Ichetucknee Springs State Park- The Ichetucknee Springs are iconic Florida springs. People come from all around to float down the river. There are several different launch sites, so be sure to do your research before you head out. The park has kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards available to rent. There are also vendors that rent out inner tubes.

This popular destination often closes due to reaching full capacity early on. If the park is closed when you arrive check nearby Poe Springs, Rum Island, Ginnie Springs, or Gilchrist Blue Springs.

Wekiwa Springs State Park- Did you know that you could find emerald springs and a lush tropical hammock just minutes from downtown Orlando? Wekiwa Springs is Orange County’s oldest tourist attraction and the perfect place to hit up during your Orlando vacation! They offer canoe and kayak rentals on site.

The park also has several trails ranging from 8/10 mile to 13.5 miles in length! From the trails you might spot white-tailed deer, gopher tortoise, turkeys, and many other birds. You might even spot a bobcat or Florida black bear!

Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park- Gilchrist Blue Springs is one of Florida’s newest state parks. The park offers an impressive spring that leads out to the Sante Fe River. The park offers camping, and kayak/canoe rentals. The park is located right next to Ginnie Springs, Rum Island, and Poe Springs, so if it is at capacity, you can always try one of those.

De Leon Springs State Park- This park served as one of Florida’s first tourist attractions. Visitors would cruise down to the springs via steam boat to relax and unwind in the springs.

Today, De Leon Springs has relics that help document the history from the park- all the way back to its days as a plantation.

The park offers kayak rentals, boat tours, and has a popular restaurant where you can make your own pancakes. Be sure to check out the hiking trails while you’re there.

Silver Springs State Park- This is probably the most commercialized Florida spring. One of the main attractions is the glass bottom boat ride- Florida’s oldest attraction! The 30 minute tour will set you back $12/person, where as the 1.5 hour one is $25/person. It is an amazing way to experience the springs!

Silver Springs State Park also has kayak, SUP, and canoe rentals. You can even book a guided paddling tour!

Silver Springs also has a restaurant on site where you can purchase sandwiches, wraps, burgers, chicken tenders, salads and more. There is also an ice cream shop on the property. You could easily spend an entire day at these springs!

Madison Blue Springs State Park- Did you know that Madison Blue Springs was voted as America’s #1 Swimming Hole? Spend a day here and it is easy to see why! Pack an innertube so you can kick back and enjoy this amazing spring!

Lafayette Blue Springs State Park- Located on the Suwannee River, this first-magnitude spring is the perfect place to take a dip or paddle. The park also has a unique feature- a nature limestone bridge that crosses the spring run. Be sure to check the Florida State Park official website before heading to these springs (and any on the Suwannee), as it sometimes gets browned out from the rain.

Fanning Springs State Park- Also located on the Suwannee, you’ll find Fanning Springs. These springs are known for their abundance of underwater wildlife! You’ll find turtles, bass, flounder, mullet, bowfins, and even manatees (on cooler days!).

Fanning Springs is also known as a training site for divers. The maximum depth is about 21 feet, making it a great place to begin learning how to scuba.

Troy Springs State Park- Troy Springs is a hidden gem along the Suwannee River. Like the neighboring springs, it is well-known as a paddling, snorkeling, and scuba diving site. One thing that set this site apart from the rest, is that just under the water’s surface you’ll find the remains of a Civil War-era steamboat. The Madison was scuttled in 1863 to prevent it from being captured by Union Troops.

Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park- This amazing park has two major springs, a spring run, and six sinkholes all in near-perfect condition! The park was named in honor of a world-class underwater explorer and diver so it is no surprise that cave divers from all over the world flock here to explore the underwater caverns. To date, more than 33,000 feet of underwater passages have been surveyed, making it one of the longest underwater cave systems in the world!

Don’t worry, if diving isn’t your thing you can also swim and paddle here!

Rainbow Springs State Park- Picture this- ornamental gardens, waterfalls, surrounding a sapphire blue spring. That, my friends, is Rainbow Springs.

This is one of the state’s most popular springs, so it often hits capacity very early in the day.

Manatee Springs State Park- The park has a 800-foot boardwalk that runs through the cypress forest and looks out onto the emerald green springs. The park was named for the manatees that flock to these waters in the cooler months.

Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park- This spring is small but mighty! It measures an impressive 351 feet deep! Unfortunately, there is no swimming at Werner-Boyce (due to the mangroves), but it is a popular place for paddling. The Salty Dog offers kayak and canoe rentals on-site. There are also guided paddling tours and kayaking lessons.

Wakulla Springs State Park- This sapphire blue spring is the world’s largest and deepest freshwater spring! The spring maintains a year-round temperature of 70 degrees (a bit cooler than most other Florida springs).

The park offers historic boat tours and has concession stands and a restaurant on site.

O’Leno State Park & River Rise- This unique park was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. It is one Florida’s first state parks! The CCC constructed a suspension bridge and other structures amongst the trees on the banks of the Santa Fe River. There are more than 20 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails to explore.

Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park- Anytime the word “wildlife” is included in the name of a park- it’s gotta be great! This park is home to the endangered Florida panther, red wolves, key deer, Florida blackboards, the elusive bobcat, manatees, an abundance of birds (even flamingos!), and of course, fish, turtles, and alligators.

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park- Naturally, we’ve saved one of the most unique springs for last! Weeki Wachee is home to the famous mermaid shows! The iconic mermaids perform in a stunning, natural, spring. Oh…and there is also a water park here called Buccaneer Bay. The waterpark features two water slides that dump out into the springs. There is also a play area designed for children 6 and under.

In addition to all of the commercial hooplah- visitors can swim or paddle in the stunning water. The park is also known for housing the deepest freshwater cave system in the United States.

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Post Updated: 3/5/23

Tags FLORIDA, SPRINGS, STATE PARK, STATE PARKS, UNITED STATES

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Madison Blue Springs- Voted #1 Swimming Hole in the USA

Post author By Elle MacRae
Post date June 2, 2021
2 Comments on Madison Blue Springs- Voted #1 Swimming Hole in the USA

Madison Blue Springs- Voted America's #1 Swimming Hole

Madison Blue Springs is one of the first springs that I ever visited. The springs shockingly beautiful vibrant blue water and overall chill atmosphere is what drew me to visit as many springs as I could! The snorkeling, swimming, and paddling here is top-notch. There’s nothing quite like spending the day floating at the spring!

About Madison Blue Springs State Park

Madison Blue Springs was voted as the Number One Swimming Hole in the Country by USA Today. This instant family-favorite is a fantastic place to spend the day! It is popular for swimming, tubing, and cave diving.

What is there to do at Madison Blue Springs?

The park is well known for its swimming and diving opportunities. The first-magnitude springs are a great spot for snorkeling. Certified cave divers from all around the world come to explore the expansive underwater cave system. There are over 26,000 feet of underground passages.

The springs are also a great place for paddling. Visitors may launch kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards from the river side of the spring. There is no vehicle access close to the river so you’ll have to tote your vessel about 175 yards from the parking lot. There are no rentals at the park.

Tubing is also allowed at the spring and adjacent river. Visitors must bring their own inflatable or rent one from a private vendor that operates within the park on weekends from May through September.

Madison Blue Springs State Park has a trail that follows the Withlacoochee River.

Visiting Information

Madison Blue Springs is a popular park from Memorial Day to Labor Day- especially on weekends and holidays. Plan on arriving to the park early as it will close when it reaches full capacity.

The park is open 365 days a year from 8 AM until sunset. The cost is about $5 per vehicle.

Location:
8300 N.E. State Road 6
Lee, FL
2059

Nearby Springs

Pot Springs (3.5 miles)
Peacock Springs (38 miles)
Royal Springs (42 miles)
Troy Springs (50 miles)
Little River Springs (49 miles)
Turtle Spring (64 miles)

Our Spring Essentials

Floats and Rafts

SportsStuff Noodler 2
River Run Inflatable American Flag 2 Person Tube Float with Cooler
Giant Flamingo Float
Giant Unicorn Float

More Fun Stuff!

Inflatable Kayak
Inflatable Paddleboard (I swear by this one!)
Full-Face Snorkel Mask

Safety

Puddle Jumper Vest
Swim Vest
First Aid Kit

Skin Care & Insect Repellent

Coppertone Kids Sunscreen
OFF! Family Care Insect Spray
Cliganic Mosquito Repellent Bracelets

Towels & Swim Suits

Toddler Striped Hooded Poncho Towels
Women’s Boardshorts
Women’s 50+ SPF Shirt
Girl’s Roxy Rashguard

Are there Alligators in the Springs?

There is always the possibility of seeing an alligator in a fresh body of water. In fact, as Floridians we just assume that they are lurking arounding.

However, alligators don’t tend to like all of the splishing and splashing. Think of them as cranky old people. They’ll try to stay as far away from humans as possible.

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Tags FLORIDA, SPRINGS, STATE PARK, UNITED STATES

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Gilchrist Blue Springs

Awhile back I took to Instagram to ask my followers what their favorite Florida spring is. Many people responded that Gilchrist Blue Springs was their #1 choice. Obviously, we had to make the trek out west to check it out. Let me just say that it did not disappoint.

About Gilchrist Blue Springs

Gilchrist Blue Springs is Florida’s newest State Park. This means that even bigger and better things will be happening at this natural beauty. They are expanding the campground, building a bathhouse, and making road improvements. Of course, the highlight of the park is a large second-magnitude spring that pumps out 44 million gallons of water each day. The park is also home to Little Blue Spring, Naked Spring, Kiefer Spring, and Johnson Spring.

What is there to do at Gilchrist Blue Springs?

Obviously the main attraction at the park is Gilchrist Blue Spring. We didn’t get a chance to check out the other springs (Little Blue Spring, Naked Spring, Kiefer Spring, and Johnson Spring), but we will definitely scope those out next time!

The springs are a great place to canoe, kayak, paddleboard, swim, and snorkel. There are kayaks and canoes available to rent on the property.

We sure to wander past the ropes (if you have a paddleboard, kayak, or canoe). You won’t regret it!

Visting Information

The park is open from 8 AM to sundown, 365 days a year.

The cost is $4 to $6 per vehicle.

The park is located in Gilchrist County about 5 miles west of the town of High Springs and 25 miles south of Lake City.