These 7 Trails In Florida Will Lead You To Extraordinary Ruins
Sometimes modern-day living gets exhausting, and what you need is a trip back in time. Some of the most interesting hiking trails in Florida happen to take you back through history in a most memorable way. At all of these hiking trails you see below, you’ll be just a short walk away from remnants that provide keys to Florida’s past. Whether you’re a history buff or you just want to be a time traveler for a day, these seven historic sites are perfect for your next Florida adventure.
1. Crystal River Archaeological State Park, Crystal River
This park offers a glimpse into an important part of local history. Thousands of Native Americans visited this site every year for trade and ceremonies. This 61-acre site includes temple mounds, platform mounds, burial mounds, and a plaza that were used for 1,600 years, making it one of the oldest continuously occupied areas in the state.
Click here for more information about this trail. Address: 3400 N Museum Point, Crystal River, FL 34428
2. Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park, Ormond Beach
This plantation and its sugar mill were burned down by Seminole Indians during the Second Seminole War. The structures are made of coquina and include what was once the largest sugar mill in Florida. At this park, you can explore the ruins and an outdoor museum preserving artifacts found here.
Click here for more information about this trail. Address: Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park, Flagler Beach, FL 32136, USA
3. Key West Garden Club, West Martello Tower, Key West
The way the garden has taken over the crumbling Civil War-era fortification gives it the feeling of a secret and sacred place. Not only is it full of exotic plants, including colorful orchids and massive banyans, but the entire garden is located right on the beach, with breathtaking views of the ocean.
Click here for more information about this trail. Address: 1100 Atlantic Blvd, Key West, FL 33040
On this island, guests can explore the remnants of Fort Dade, which was built in the early 1900s due to worries about the Spanish-American War. Fort Dade had brick roads, electricity, a hospital, movie theater, jail, and everything needed for its more than 300 residents. It was deactivated in 1923 and became a ghost town and later home to the Tampa Bay Pilots Association.
Click here for more information about this trail. Address: 4905 34th Street South #5000, St. Petersburg FL 33711
The steel-frame bridge is the oldest bridge of its kind in Florida and the location of one of Florida's most famous ghost stories. A young woman buried nearby is said to haunt the bridge, either as a female figure on the bridge itself or a ball of light that travels around the surrounding swamp.
Click here for more information about this trail. Address: 4057 Bellamy Bridge Heritage Trail, Marianna, FL 32446
The old sugar mill ruins at this site, which has been a tourist site since 1939, were used as the grounds of a small amusement park in 1948. Called Bongoland, it was named for a baboon that lived on the grounds. Bongoland also included an assortment of life-sized concrete dinosaurs. Unfortunately, Bongoland was short-lived, and the park was later converted into botanical gardens you can visit today.
Click here for more information about this trail. Address: 950 Old Sugar Mill Rd, Port Orange, FL 32129
The little island near Islamorada once had residences, a hotel, a store, and a post office. Now, all that remains of the community is a ghost town made up of the remnants of cisterns and crumbling foundations. During the Second Seminole War, an Indian raid on the island in 1840 left 13 people dead. The other 70 inhabitants escaped, but the Indians burned down all of Indian Key’s buildings.
Click here for more information about this trail. Address: Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036
Have you visited any of these interesting hiking trails in Florida before? What’s your favorite place to get a glimpse of Florida’s past? Share with us your experiences in the comments section!
Address: 3400 N Museum Point, Crystal River, FL 34428, USA
Address: Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park, Flagler Beach, FL 32136, USA
Address: Key West Garden Club, 1100 Atlantic Blvd, Key West, FL 33040, USA
Address: Egmont Key State Park, St. Petersburg, FL 33711, USA
Address: 4057 Bellamy Bridge Heritage Trail, Marianna, FL 32446, USA
Address: 950 Old Sugar Mill Rd, Port Orange, FL 32129, USA
Address: Indian Key State Historic Site, Islamorada, FL 33036, USA
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Interesting Hiking Trails In Florida
July 05, 2020
Marisa Roman
How many state parks are in Florida?
If you’re itching for a unique outdoor adventure in Florida then we recommend checking out any one of the many state parks. Florida is home to 175-award-winning state parks, historic sites, and trails that are worthy of a weekend jaunt. See how many of these fascinating state parks make your bucket list this year.
What are the best waterfall hikes in Florida?
Many of the unique trails in Florida happen to revolve around nature. While Florida might not be the state to catch waterfalls galore, there are still a few worth checking out. Many people living in Florida don’t even know these waterfalls exist! Some of these falls have some pretty interesting hikes attached to them, too. Check out this list for the 7 waterfalls hiding in Florida.
Does Florida have any natural wonders?
Guess what, friends? Florida does have natural wonders to explore! We’re talking jaw-dropping places in nature, hidden gems, and even a few abandoned places in Florida thrown into the mix. If you’re looking for a unique natural wonder check out Devil’s Den in Williston. Or for a more geological wonder, visit Blowing Rocks in Jupiter. You can also make an entire weeklong adventure out of exploring the rest of these Florida natural wonders.
Address: 3400 N Museum Point, Crystal River, FL 34428, USA
Address: Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park, Flagler Beach, FL 32136, USA
Address: Key West Garden Club, 1100 Atlantic Blvd, Key West, FL 33040, USA
Address: Egmont Key State Park, St. Petersburg, FL 33711, USA
Address: 4057 Bellamy Bridge Heritage Trail, Marianna, FL 32446, USA
Address: 950 Old Sugar Mill Rd, Port Orange, FL 32129, USA
Address: Indian Key State Historic Site, Islamorada, FL 33036, USA
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
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