Blue Spring State Park in Central Florida
I have to admit I usually leave state parks to people with boats and bikes, but Blue Spring State Park caters admirably for those who want to amble around and enjoy the natural sights. This National Gold Medal Winning State Park has superb facilities as well as being Florida's premiere manatee refuge.
What to Expect at Blue Spring State Park
The 1/3 mile boardwalk runs beside the Blue Spring Run through a shady hardwood hammock. The natural beauty has everyone reaching for their cameras. Soon there are gasps as eyes focus on the shoals of fish and the manatees, the stars of the show, in the clear waters below. The manatees swim into the lagoon in cold weather as the prolific Blue Spring disgorges 104 million gallons of water per day at a balmy 72°F. In contrast, the St Johns River where the manatees feed ranges from 50F in winter to 80F in summer.
Gazing into the spring waters from the viewing platforms is like gazing into nature's aquarium. Sunfish, longnose gar, tarpon, turtles and other water-loving creatures can clearly be seen against the white sandy bottom of the shallow lagoon. The waters are so clear that visitors can even see the scars from boat propellers on the manatees' soft grey hide. These gentle giants can reach 9-10 feet in length and weigh up to 3000 lb, which is amazing on a strictly vegetarian diet of seagrass!
Things to Do at Blue Spring State Park
For an even better view of the pristine springs and the wildlife, hire canoes and kayaks from the kiosk or book a three-hour guided kayaking adventure with a naturalist/guide. If tour boats are more your idea of a day out, join the twice-daily trip up the St Johns River on quiet pontoon boats for an excellent two-hour narrated tour. Every trip is different with alligators, fish, manatees, red-bellied turtles, wading birds, cooters and even the possibility of a black bear sighting.
Visitors can snorkel and dive from the swimming dock to see the source of the blue spring and the cave which goes down about 120 feet. Take a self-guided tour of the original 1872 Thursby House, the enviably located home of Louis Thursby and his family who settled here. A campsite, overnight cabins, children's play area and a 4-mile backwoods trail (each way) complete the excellent amenities. All you need to bring is a picnic and a bathing suit!
Additional Info
The best time to see the manatees is obviously in winter, from November to April, but here's a tip from a volunteer warden. Visit in the morning, after a cold night, and you will see as many as 200 of these endangered creatures that have moved into the warmer spring waters from the chilly St Johns River during the night. This is a sight few people in the world are privileged enough to see and future generations may never get the chance.
4:57 AM | Labels: Central, Florida, Spring | 0 Comments
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A trip to thisCruise Lines is something that will be long remembered.
10:19 PM | Labels: Commercial, Compilation, Cruise, Spring | 0 Comments